Structural Health Monitoring: Applications And Data Analysis

Abstract

This chapter first provides an overview of structural health monitoring (SHM) along with components of a complete monitoring design. These components are associated with fundamental knowledge needs, technology needs and also socio-organizational challenges for applications especially in the area of civil infrastructure systems. A successful SHM design requires addressing each of these considerations with an integrated approach offering various types of application scenarios for decision making. In this chapter, particular emphasis is given to data analysis and interpretation as a very critical aspect of SHM implementation. Some of the data analysis methods are presented with the goal of illustrating particular engineering applications and needs. Critical considerations for SHM data analysis and interpretations are discussed in terms of system characterization, sensing, data quality, presentation and decision making. © 2009 Woodhead Publishing Limited All rights reserved