Building Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) ensures the safety, stability, and longevity of buildings. This process uses advanced technologies to continuously track a building’s structural integrity. It provides nearly real-time insights into performance under various conditions. As urbanization grows and buildings become taller and more complex, effective building health monitoring systems are now standard in modern construction and asset management.
The Purpose of Building SHM
Building SHM detects, assesses, and tracks changes in structures over time. This ensures that even subtle issues like material fatigue, deformation, or stress accumulation are identified early. By catching problems before they escalate, SHM helps maintain structural safety. Whether monitoring a skyscraper, historic building, or residential complex, SHM safeguards against factors like wind, earthquakes, temperature fluctuations, and daily wear and tear.
How Does a Building Health Monitoring System Work?
A building health monitoring system integrates sensors, data loggers, and software platforms to assess structural conditions. The main components include:
- Sensors: Strain gauges, accelerometers (not manufactured by Sisgeo), inclinometers, tiltmeters, crack meters, settlement sensors and temperature sensors measure structural loads, deformations, and environmental impacts;
- Data Acquisition Systems: These devices collect, store, and process the data from sensors, offering nearly real-time updates on structural conditions.
Monitoring systems can be deployed during construction to track stress or used for long-term safety checks in operational buildings.
Benefits of Building Structural Health Monitoring
- Enhanced Safety: Nearly real-time monitoring allows engineers to address vulnerabilities before they lead to failures, ensuring safety for occupants;
- Optimized Maintenance: SHM systems offer actionable insights, enabling targeted maintenance and avoiding unnecessary costs;
- Prolonged Lifespan: Regular health checks preserve structural integrity and delay the need for major repairs;
- Post-Event Assessments: After earthquakes or storms, SHM systems provide accurate data to assess structural damage promptly.
SISGEO’s SHM Solutions
Sisgeo offers cutting-edge building health monitoring systems tailored to meet the needs of complex structures. Our solutions incorporate high-precision sensors, robust data acquisition tools, and user-friendly software designed to provide actionable insights. SISGEO’s expertise ensures reliable monitoring of both new constructions and existing buildings, making us a trusted partner in structural safety and innovation.