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Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring

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A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2024) | Viewed by 17053

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Carlos Moutinho

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Guest Editor

Construct-ViBest, Faculty of Engineering (FEUP), University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: structural dynamics; modal analysis; structural health monitoring; dynamic testing of bridges and special structures; sensors development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, many researchers have developed novel sensors driven by the growth of the field of sensing technologies combined with the easier access to data acquisition, processing, and storage systems. Among other advantages, these solutions have the ability of being flexible, as they can be customized and adaptable to each specific case under study.

This Special Issue is dedicated to the dissemination of research work in this area, with a special focus on problems involving the heath monitoring of different types of structures.

Dr. Carlos Moutinho
Guest Editor

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Keywords

distributed sensor networks
vision systems
fiber optic sensing
wireless sensing
noncontact sensing
laser and radar systems
unmanned ground and aerial vehicle inspection
global navigation satellite systems
energy-harvesting-based systems

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

35 pages, 22154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Wireless Data Acquisition System Based on MEMS Accelerometers for Operational Modal Analysis of Bridges

by Hamed Hasani, Francesco Freddi, Riccardo Piazza and Fabio Ceruffi

Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2121; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s24072121 - 26 Mar 2024

Viewed by 487

Abstract

This paper illustrates a novel and cost-effective wireless monitoring system specifically developed for operational modal analysis of bridges. The system employs battery-powered wireless sensors based on MEMS accelerometers that dynamically balance power consumption with high processing features and a low-power, low-cost Wi-Fi module that ensures operation for at least five years. The paper focuses on the system’s characteristics, stressing the challenges of wireless communication, such as data preprocessing, synchronization, system lifetime, and simple configurability, achieved through the integration of a user-friendly, web-based graphical user interface. The system’s performance is validated by a lateral excitation test of a model structure, employing dynamic identification techniques, further verified through FEM modeling. Later, a system composed of 30 sensors was installed on a concrete arch bridge for continuous OMA to assess its behavior. Furthermore, emphasizing its versatility and effectiveness, displacement is estimated by employing conventional and an alternative strategy based on the Kalman filter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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19 pages, 8118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laboratory Assessment of an In-Place Inclinometer Chain for Structural and Geotechnical Monitoring

by Francesco Freddi, Lorenzo Mingazzi, Emilio Pozzi and Nicola Aresi

Sensors 2023, 23(20), 8379; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s23208379 - 10 Oct 2023

Viewed by 838

Abstract

The necessity of early warning systems to ensure people’s safety requires the usage of real-time monitoring instrumentation. To meet the required real-time monitoring performance, in-place inclinometer systems represent one of the most common solutions to obtain accurate measures over time. This paper presents the results of a laboratory tests campaign performed on the prototypes and preproduction samples of an in-place inclinometer chain for structural and geotechnical monitoring applications. First, each element sensor has been calibrated to reach a proper level of measure accuracy. Eventually, laboratory tests are carried out on both a single instrument (element) and on the complete measurement chain (system). The adopted centering device, obtained as a combination of a Cardan joint and four spring plungers avoids bending of elements by preventing fictitious displacement measurements and permits the creation of a kinematic chain that accommodates the displacements of a grooveless tube. A specially designed and constructed test set-up that permits assigning a movement to each node has been employed to test a specifically designed centering device and check the system stability over time. Different scenarios have been investigated to determine the accuracy and repeatability of the measures in replicating real cases. The results demonstrated the necessity of validating a measurement chain by analyzing its overall behavior and not limiting the study on the performances of a single element. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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25 pages, 15230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Monitoring of a Large-Span Arch Bridge Using Customized Sensors

by Isabelle Ietka, Carlos Moutinho, Sérgio Pereira and Álvaro Cunha

Sensors 2023, 23(13), 5971; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s23135971 - 27 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 982

Abstract

Due to the increasing importance of the continuous monitoring of Civil Structures, this research aims to take advantage of new solutions of measurement systems and sensors in the Structural Health Monitoring of bridges, using the reinforced concrete arch Arrábida Bridge as a case study. With the support of customized sensors, this work starts by performing preliminary ambient vibration tests on Arrábida Bridge, aiming at the identification of the natural frequencies and respective vibration modes of the deck. Then, the measurement campaigns carried over time are described, which involved different types of customized sensors, namely, accelerometers, temperature sensors and displacement sensors. Based on the signals collected by these devices, some preliminary analyses were performed. The results show that the temperature measured at the deck sections presents different amplitudes and phase shifts when compared to the temperature measured at the arch sections. Moreover, using the temperature measurements, it is possible to estimate with good accuracy the displacements in the expansion joints of the bridge. It was also observed that the displacements in these joints, although being conditioned by the temperature effects, are also marked by a dynamic component arising from the traffic loads over the deck. The observation of this phenomenon is an innovative aspect found in this investigation, which can be used in the future to characterize the traffic loads on the structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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19 pages, 8495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prototype of Instrumented Rock Bolt for Continuous Monitoring of Roof Fall Hazard in Deep Underground Mines

by Krzysztof Fuławka, Witold Pytel, Marcin Szumny, Piotr Mertuszka, Bogumiła Pałac-Walko, Philipp Hartlieb, Michel Jakić and Michael Nöger

Sensors 2023, 23(1), 154; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s23010154 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1627

Abstract

Roof falls are currently one of the most dangerous threats associated with underground mining at great depth. Every occurrence of such an event poses a significant risk to the mining crew and disturbs the continuity of the mining process, which clearly affects the economy of the exploitation process. The development of a reliable monitoring system may significantly reduce the impact of eventual roof failure and will have a positive effect on the sustainability of the extraction process. Within this research study, a prototype of an instrumented rock bolt developed for continuous stress measurement is presented. The procedure of a 4-groove multilevel instrumented rock bolt is described and the calibration process is shown. Then, preliminary results of long-term in situ monitoring are presented. Based on the continuous monitoring of stress distribution within immediate roof strata, it was concluded that the developed instrumented rock bolt provides reliable results and is a very useful device, ensuring the possibility of early warning for miners about increasing roof fall risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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13 pages, 2000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue Performance of Type I and Type II Fibre Bragg Gratings Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser Inscription through the Coating

by Naizhong Zhang, Suzana Turk, Claire Davis, Wing K. Chiu, Tommy Boilard and Martin Bernier

Sensors 2022, 22(22), 8812; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22228812 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1481

Abstract

Strain sensing technology using fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors is an attractive capability for aerospace structural health monitoring (SHM) and assessment because they offer resistance to harsh environments, low maintenance, and potential for high density and high strain sensing. The development of FBG inscription techniques through the fibre polymer coating using infrared (IR) lasers has overcome the mechanical weaknesses introduced by removal of the fibre coating, which is typically required for conventional UV laser inscription of FBGs. Type I and Type II femtosecond gratings are fabricated using through-coating inscription techniques, but the higher laser energy used for Type II gratings damages the glass fibre core, impacting mechanical performance. This paper investigates the fatigue performance of Type I and Type II through-coating FBG sensors with different fibre geometries and photosensitisation approaches to evaluate their overall reliability and durability, with a view to assess their performance for potential use in civil and defence SHM applications. The fatigue performance of FBG sensors was assessed under high-strain and high-frequency mechanical loading conditions by using a custom-designed electro-dynamically actuated loading assembly. In addition, pre- and post-fatigue microscopic analyses and high-resolution reflection spectrum characterisation were conducted to investigate the failure regions of the fibres and the effect of fatigue loading on reflection spectrum features. As expected, Type I gratings had a significantly higher fatigue life compared to Type II gratings. However, Type II gratings performed significantly better than conventional UV laser-inscribed FBGs and electrical foil strain gauges. Type II gratings withstand higher temperatures, and are therefore more suitable for application in harsh environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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27 pages, 13602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Damage Identification of Semi-Rigid Joints in Frame Structures Based on Additional Virtual Mass Method

by Xinhao An, Qingxia Zhang, Chao Li, Jilin Hou and Yongkang Shi

Sensors 2022, 22(17), 6495; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22176495 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1192

Abstract

In civil engineering, the joints of structures are complex, and their damage is generally hard to be detected. Due to the insensitivity of structural modal information to local joint damage, this paper presents a method based on additional virtual mass for damage identification of a semi-rigid joint in a frame structure. Firstly, the modeling of a semi-rigid is described. Secondly, the frequency response of the virtual structure is constructed, and the natural frequency of the constructed virtual structure is extracted by the ERA method. By adding multiple values of virtual masses at different positions, the natural frequency information sensitive to joint damage for damage identification is effectively increased. Based on the above theory, qualitative identification of joint damage is proposed to detect the potential damage, and identification of both damage location and its extent is presented, using natural frequency. Improved Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (IOMP) algorithm is employed to improve the accuracy of the natural frequency-based method for damage identification. At last, numerical simulation of a three-story frame is performed to discuss and to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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21 pages, 100655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pose Estimation and Damage Characterization of Turbine Blades during Inspection Cycles and Component-Protective Disassembly Processes

by Philipp Middendorf, Richard Blümel, Lennart Hinz, Annika Raatz, Markus Kästner and Eduard Reithmeier

Sensors 2022, 22(14), 5191; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22145191 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2162

Abstract

Inspection in confined spaces and difficult-to-access machines is a challenging quality assurance task and particularly difficult to quantify and automate. Using the example of aero engine inspection, an approach for the high-precision inspection of movable turbine blades in confined spaces will be demonstrated. To assess the condition and damages of turbine blades, a borescopic inspection approach in which the pose of the turbine blades is estimated on the basis of measured point clouds is presented. By means of a feature extraction approach, film-cooling holes are identified and used to pre-align the measured point clouds to a reference geometry. Based on the segmented features of the measurement and reference geometry a RANSAC-based feature matching is applied, and a multi-stage registration process is performed. Subsequently, an initial damage assessment of the turbine blades is derived, and engine disassembly decisions can be assisted by metric geometry deviations. During engine disassembly, the blade root is exposed to high disassembly forces, which can damage the blade root and is crucial for possible repair. To check for dismantling damage, a fast inspection of the blade root is executed using the borescopic sensor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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21 pages, 7066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interlayer Defect Detection in Intra-Ply Hybrid Composite Material (GF/CF) Using a Capacitance-Based Sensor

by Khalid Alblalaihid, Saleh A. Alghamdi, Anas Alburayt, Saif H. Almutairi, Ahmed Alwahid, Meshal Abuobaid, Sabri Alkhibari, Khaled S. Almutairi and Ibrahim M. Alarifi

Sensors 2022, 22(8), 2966; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22082966 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2178

Abstract

Combining two types of reinforcement fiber in a common matrix may lead to different failure modes such as micro-cracks between the layers when the structure is subjected to lower stress levels. Real-time damage detection should be integrated into the hybrid composite structure to provide structural integrity and mitigate this problem. This paper outlines the working mechanisms and the fabrication of an integrated capacitive sensor in an intra-ply hybrid composite (2 × 2 twill weave). Uniaxial tensile and flexural tests were conducted to characterize the proposed sensor and provide self-sensing functionality (smart structure). The sensitivity and repeatability of the capacitive sensor were measured to be around 1.3 and 185 µΔC/Co, respectively. The results illustrate that onset of damage between layers can be detected by in situ monitoring. It can be seen that the initial damage was detected at the turning point where the relative change in capacitance begins to reduce while the load increases. Finite element modeling was also constructed to analyze the test results and explain the reasons behind the turning point. It was shown that the carbon yarns experienced high transverse shear stress (τ_xz) in the crimp region, leading to inter-fiber cracks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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11 pages, 8983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Remote Structural Tap Testing Devices Deployed via Ground Vehicle for Health Monitoring of Transportation Infrastructure

by Roya Nasimi, Solomon Atcitty, Dominic Thompson, Joshua Murillo, Marlan Ball, John Stormont and Fernando Moreu

Sensors 2022, 22(4), 1458; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22041458 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2147

Abstract

Transportation infrastructure is an integral part of the world’s overall functionality; however, current transportation infrastructure has aged since it was first developed and implemented. Consequently, given its condition, preservation has become a main priority for transportation agencies. Billions of dollars annually are required to maintain the United States’ transportation system; however, with limited budgets the prioritization of maintenance and repairs is key. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methods can efficiently inform the prioritization of preservation efforts. This paper presents an acoustic monitoring SHM method, deemed tap testing, which is used to detect signs of deterioration in structural/mechanical surfaces through nondestructive means. This method is proposed as a tool to assist bridge inspectors, who already utilize a costly form of SHM methodology when conducting inspections in the field. Challenges arise when it comes to this method of testing, especially when SHM device deployment is done by hand, and when the results are based solely upon a given inspector’s abilities. This type of monitoring solution is also, in general, only available to experts, and is associated with special cases that justify their cost. With the creation of a low-cost, cyber–physical system that interrogates and classifies the mechanical health of given surfaces, we lower the cost of SHM, decrease the challenges faced when conducting such tests, and enable communities with a revolutionary solution that is adaptable to their needs. The authors of this paper created and tested a low-cost, interrogating robot that informs users of structural/mechanical defects. This research describes the further development, validation of, and experimentation with, a tap testing device that utilizes remote technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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15 pages, 39982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measurement of Acceleration Response Functions with Scalable Low-Cost Devices. An Application to the Experimental Modal Analysis

by Alvaro Magdaleno, Juan J. Villacorta, Lara del-Val, Alberto Izquierdo and Antolin Lorenzana

Sensors 2021, 21(19), 6637; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21196637 - 06 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2082

Abstract

One of the most popular options in the Structural Health Monitoring field is the tracking of the modal parameters, which are estimated through the frequency response functions of the structure, usually in the form of accelerances, which are computed as the ratio between the measured accelerations and the applied forces. This requires the use of devices capable of synchronously recording accelerations at several points of the structure at high sampling rates and the subsequent computational analysis using the recorded data. To this end, this work presents and validates a new scalable acquisition system based on multiple myRIO devices and digital MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) accelerometers, intended for modal analysis of large structures. A simple form of this system was presented by the authors in a previous work, showing that a single board with some accelerometers connected to it got to obtain high quality measurements in both time and frequency domains. Now, a larger system composed by several slave boards connected and synchronized to a master one is presented. Delays lower than 100 ns are found between the synchronised channels of the proposed system. For validation purposes, a case study is presented where the devices are deployed on a timber platform to estimate its modal properties, which are compared with the ones provided by a commercial system, based on analog accelerometers, to show that similar results are obtained at a significantly lower cost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring)

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