What Does
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Mean?
Structural health monitoring is a tool used to ensure the safety and soundness of structures. Structural health monitoring uses an assortment of sensors to collect and analyze data pertaining to any damage or deterioration that a structure may receive over the course of its life. The data that structural health monitoring systems acquire can help its users avoid structural failures.
Corrosionpedia Explains Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)
Numerous structural health monitoring systems are available. They differ by cost, quality, purpose and technology. They use many types of structural health monitoring devices and software systems to analyze the data retrieved from the devices. The type of structural health monitoring system that should be used is specific to the structure or structures being monitored.
Structural health monitoring is used on structures such as bridges, skyscrapers, stadiums, wind turbines, ships, airplanes and many others.
A well-functioning structural health monitoring system can reduce costs in several ways. One of the most obvious ways is by reducing the risk of a catastrophic failure. Another way structural health monitoring can reduce costs is by eliminating the need for a large inspection and maintenance staff. Data acquired by structural health monitoring can help avoid unnecessary repairs due to uncertainty about a structure's health.