Structural Health Monitoring SHM
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Structural health monitoring (SHM - sometimes referred to as structural health and environmental monitoring) is an emerging technology used to document the viability and integrity of engineering projects such as bridges.
Christopher Beckett, lecturer in geotechnical engineering, University of Edinburgh, recognises the potential of SHM and sees it as "a burgeoning discipline" that could be "a possible solution to maintaining safety" using technology.
Beckett explains how sensors placed throughout a structure can be used to "monitor the condition of embedded reinforcement, accelerations within the structure (e.g. under wind loads) and the formation and propagation of cracks, amongst many other indicators of damage. Timely intervention, targeting the worst-affected areas, may provide the Holy Grail of a cost effective, safe solution for construction without needing to abandon coastal areas."
[edit] Types of SHM
SHM is non-evasive. Information that has been gathered through SHM can be used for maintenance purposes, but it is primarily used to detect systems that may have been compromised.
Passive SHM relies on inference or interpretation of operational data to provide the evaluation of the structural health of the project.
Active SHM attempts to detect the actual presence and extent of structural damage rather than extrapolate the condition based on interpretation.
[edit] Expanding role of SHM
SHM can now be used to record changes - or the absence of changes - in the characteristics of materials and structures. It can also be used to estimate the degradation of infrastructure, either due to age or extreme events such as floods, earthquakes, explosions and so on.
SHM systems can include wired or wireless sensors (over wired or wireless sensor networks) that are embedded into structures. These sensors record all types of movement so that it can be analysed.
[edit] SHM and bridges
When applied to bridges, SHM can produce valuable data sets that can aid key decisions about current performance, margins of safety, actual loading, stress history, extent of deterioration and residual life.
Long span bridges in particular can benefit from the sensing technology that is incorporated into SHM. The Queensferry Crossing (originally known as the Forth Replacement Crossing) across the Firth of Forth is one of the largest infrastructure projects of its kind. The 2.7 km structure is the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world, as well as by far the largest to feature cables which cross mid-span. It was constructed with thousands of sensors as part of its SHM monitoring system. Since it opened in 2017, SHM professionals have been able to use a web-based system to access the data that has been collected by the sensors.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.