What is structural monitoring, what are its main objectives and what methods can be used for it?
A marine structure should be tracked during its service life to detect, address, or minimise any risks that may arise as a result of problems or failures.
This structure’s follow-up can be accomplished in two ways:
Inspections
Assessment procedure in which a qualified specialist inspector observes, classifies and documents the deterioration(s) of a structure.
In addition to visual inspections, tests are usually conducted. Typically, it is one of the first steps in assessing the condition of concrete structures.
This is what has traditionally been done to ensure the correct operation of structures.
With inspections, the structure is punctually followed up.
Structural monitoring
The purpose of this method is to observe the behaviour of a structure continuously over time using instrumentation.
For its part, instrumentation consists of equipping a structure with various types of sensors that can measure various magnitudes, including acceleration, speed, displacement, unit deformations, etc., in addition to establishing durability parameters.
In other words, the purpose of monitoring is to study the behaviour and possible changes in the structures, to be able to react appropriately to any deviation from what is expected.
Monitoring structural behaviour allows for the early detection of anomalies, which allows for more efficient maintenance and repair measures, resulting in lower operating costs.
Essentially, monitoring replaces, complements, or improves some periodic maintenance tasks with maintenance that is tailored to the particular conditions of a structure at a given time.
This offers interesting advantages, such as knowledge of the real behaviour of the structure and the reduction of uncertainties, continuous observation, automation of maintenance, early detection of damage, possible extension of service intervals or cost and time savings.
Structure monitoring is not intended to replace inspections; each method has its purpose, but by combining both, the structure can be better tracked, reducing costs and uncertainties associated with intervals between inspections.
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