A smart approach for long-term SHM of critical infrastructures

In recent years, the development of monitoring and early warning systems for critical infrastructures has become increasingly relevant, as highlighted by the scientific literature and the significant number of projects focused on this specific topic, as well as their practical applications.

In this frame, the necessity arises of developing holistic approaches/strategies [1, 2], which are based not only on the integration of different sensing technologies, but more importantly on a multidisciplinary approach encompassing disciplines related to sensing, ICT, positioning technologies, and civil engineering methodologies. This contribution will provide a brief survey of the different classes of sensing techniques supporting civil engineering analysis. In addition, the other main aim of this abstract will be the setup of smart and effective observational chains for smart and sustainable monitoring, especially concerning marginal areas. Attention will also be given to the embedded miniaturized sensors, which have the main advantage of ensuring an always updated long-term monitoring and provide a more reliable early-warning system. Finally, it is evident that the concepts specifically considered here for critical infrastructures can also be extended to urban areas (built environment) and cultural heritage.

[1] Soldovieri, F.; Dumoulin, J.; Ponzo, F.C.; Crinière, A.; Bourquin, F.; Cuomo, V. Association of sensing techniques with a designed ICT architecture in the ISTIMES project: application example with the monitoring of the Musmeci bridge. EWSHM 2014, 7th European Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring, Nantes, France, 8 - 11 July 2014.

[2] Cuomo, V.; Soldovieri, F.; Ponzo, F.C.; Ditommaso, R. A holistic approach to long term SHM of transport infrastructures. Emerg. Manag. Soc. (TIEMS), 2018, 33, 67–84.).