Application Brief: Muti-Sensor/Muti-Axis Structural Health Monitoring
Industry: Engineering & Construction
Application: Multi-sensor/multi-axis Structural Monitoring
Summary: A structural health monitoring (SHM) system utilizing Dimetix laser distance sensors was implemented during a long‐term study of two of the piers on a Western PA bridge monitored on three axes for movement under load. For context, a common criticism of SHM systems is the inability of the system to translate raw sensor measurements into actionable information that can be used for management decision making.
Reasons for this shortcoming include poor anticipation of the ultimate use of the SHM system, measurement complexity, and the lack of a comprehensive input‐output characterization of the SHM system. For this case study, allowable thresholds were computed based upon superstructure load strength and substructure serviceability limits, as well as a limit associated with expansion joint allowable movement as measured by the non‐contact laser distance sensor SHM arrays.