What is Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)?
Structural Health Monitoring comprises the use of permanently installed sensors or instrumentation, combined with data analysis, to generate data that permits the continuous monitoring of structures such as bridges, dams, tunnels and buildings. This allows engineers to make timely, informed decisions regarding the monitored structure’s integrity, detect structural defects, predict or estimate a structure’s remaining life span and maximise the opportunity to operate the structure safely.
The majority of SHM systems utilize distributed, permanently installed sensors, installed at strategic structural regions and applies diagnotic algorhythms to extract meaningful information. SHM refers to the broad concept of assessing ongoing, in-service performance of structures, using a variety of different sensor technologies, inspection techniques, data management and diagnostic algorithms.
Structural Health Monitoring is used to maintain infrastructure, extend its service life and detect and forecast faults.
Sixense SHM
We monitor the structure and its environment (usage, weather, etc…) simultaneously by integrating a varied range of measurements, with the majority of data being gathered automatically, including satellite measurements.
Sixense’s custom software enables data to be displayed as smart graphics and generate alerts, providing a powerful tool which can be used in conjunction with spot check inspections to enable relevant structural data analysis. Data is processed to provide relevant indicators that operators can reliably apply to optimise the operation and maintenance of their infrastructure.
Our experience allows us to conduct structural health monitoring under challenging conditions (in confined spaces, working at height, over water etc…) by offering durable instrumentation for a broad range of applications, including extreme environments, offshore structures and potentially explosive ATEX zones.
Our specialist solutions
Monitoring of cable-stayed and prestressed structures
Sixense has specialist expertise, tools and methods that have been specifically developed for cable-stayed and pre-stressed concrete structures:
- Substantial knowledge of the issues surrounding structural ageing
- Robust and proven measurement solutions
- Acquisition and visualisation software incorporating alerts, indicators and analysis
- Acoustic monitoring for real-time detection of cable strand failures as a result of corrosion or fatigue
These solutions provide key management information for operators of simple or complex structures.
Why you should use our services:
- A team of civil engineering and monitoring experts available throughout the full project life cycle
The members of our team are specialists in Civil Engineering, Metrology, Electronics and Computer Sciences. This broad skill set provides a clear understanding of client needs on which to develop and recommend appropriate solutions.
- 25 years of experience
We have a 25-year track record of assisting and supporting public and private-sector contracting authorities from national governments and local authorities to industrial companies and concession holders in the management of their built heritage. We have more than 20,000 connected sensors worldwide installed on modest and major structures, including the Ile de Ré bridge in France, the Rion-Antirion bridge in Greece, the Russki bridge in Russia and the Bosphorus bridges in Turkey.
- Our resources
We can provide a complete turnkey solution, from design through to operation, including manufacturing, installation, software configuration and commissioning.
