Continuous monitoring of Structural Integrity
Continuous Structural Integrity Monitoring, also known as SHM (Structural Health Monitoring), is transforming the way engineers and companies manage the health of critical assets. Its implementation allows for the early detection of damage such as changes in the material or geometric properties of a structure, as well as possible modifications to boundary conditions. This continuous monitoring is key to anticipating failures and improving decision-making in real time.
Historically, vibration analysis was one of the first forms of Structural Monitoring, applied mainly to rotating machinery and engines. However, the development of more advanced technologies and the integration of sensors have enabled the creation of more sophisticated SHM systems, offering a more comprehensive and integrated view of the structural state of any asset.
Over the last two decades, SHM has benefited from significant advances in several areas, such as cost reductions in sensors and hardware, and improvements in connectivity and data networks, as a consequence of the emergence of Industry 4.0, with its focus on automation and the integration of intelligent systems. Internet-connected sensors and the use of Digital Twins have further boosted the capabilities of these systems, enabling not only monitoring, but also prediction and proactive management of the useful life of structures.
SHM can be applied in two main ways: for long-term monitoring and for immediate response to catastrophic events.
- Long-term SHM : Continuous monitoring of structures exposed to wear over time, such as bridges, viaducts and road networks, is essential to assess the impact of environmental degradation and constant use. SHM provides a continuous and detailed view of the condition of these structures, allowing engineers to determine whether the structure is still capable of performing the function for which it was designed.
⦁ SHM in Catastrophic Events: In high severity scenarios, such as earthquakes, explosions or other extreme events, SHM allows for a quick and accurate inspection of the damage caused, providing essential data for rapid decision-making.
This reduces the risk for workers and ensures more effective responses, as actions are based on concrete data rather than assumptions.
- Industry 4.0 and SHM
Characterized as the industrial phase responsible for the automation and interconnection of intelligent systems, this integration of technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning into Structural Monitoring systems has the power to transform the way structures are managed.
In this context, Digital Twins are one of the most exciting innovations. With the function of creating virtual replicas of the structures in which they are deployed, they generate real-time updates with data from the physical world. This marriage of information enables not only continuous monitoring, but also the simulation and prediction of failures, providing a more in-depth view of a structure's behavior under various conditions. Vale noting that every Digital Twin is an SHM, but not every SHM will be a Digital Twin.
One way of understanding how the SHM works is through an analogy with the human nervous system. Just as the human body has sensors (nerves) that pick up signals from the environment and send them to the brain for interpretation, in SHM, sensors located in the structure pick up information that is processed by a central control system. This data is analyzed to diagnose the "health" of the structure, generating the ability to make decisions about maintenance, repairs and component replacements.
Implementing an SHM system can bring a number of benefits to companies, such as:
- Reducing uncertainty: allowing more informed and faster decisions to be made;
⦁ Discovering hidden structural reserves: Structures are often in better condition than expected. SHM can identify these "reserves" and help increase safety without the need for costly and disruptive interventions;
⦁ Checking for deficiencies: at the right time making it possible to identify deficiencies that might go unnoticed in traditional inspections;
⦁ Long-term quality: Continuous monitoring provides crucial data that helps ensure that quality objectives are met throughout the lifetime of a structure, from construction to operation and maintenance.
As technology advances and more data becomes available, SHM continues to evolve and play a key role in modern engineering. With the rise of Industry 4.0 and the integration of emerging technologies, SHM is becoming an essential tool for ensuring the safety, durability and operational efficiency of infrastructure and equipment.
Continuous Structural Monitoring is not just a trend; it is a necessity to guarantee the integrity of the infrastructures that sustain cities, industries and our society as a whole. By adopting innovative solutions such as Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence, companies can maximize the lifespan of their assets and reduce maintenance costs, ensuring a safer and more efficient future.
Investing in SHM systems is not only a smart choice for asset management, but a necessary measure to meet the challenges of modern engineering. With the ability to monitor, predict and even optimize the operation of structures, SHM offers substantial benefits ranging from safety to reduced operating costs.
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