초록 ▼

A structural monitoring system comprises a plurality of modular, battery powered data acquisition devices which transmit structural information to a central data collection and analysis device over a wireless data link. The data acquisition devices each comprise mechanical vibration sensors, data ac

A structural monitoring system comprises a plurality of modular, battery powered data acquisition devices which transmit structural information to a central data collection and analysis device over a wireless data link. The data acquisition devices each comprise mechanical vibration sensors, data acquisition circuitry, a digital wireless transmitter, and a battery for providing electrical power to the device. The central data collection device comprises a digital wireless receiver that receives data sent from the data acquisition devices, and a microprocessor for processing the data. A more powerful computer may be interfaced with the central device to provide more sophisticated analysis after a natural hazard or other extreme event. A methodology for operating the monitoring system is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for monitoring structural properties of a large civil structure during structural overloading caused by a natural hazard or other extreme event, the system comprising:a) a plurality of self-powered sensor units, wherein each sensor unit comprises:I) a mechanica

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A system for monitoring structural properties of a large civil structure during structural overloading caused by a natural hazard or other extreme event, the system comprising:a) a plurality of self-powered sensor units, wherein each sensor unit comprises:I) a mechanical vibration sensor mechanically coupled to the civil structure and producing an analog electrical signal representative of mechanical vibrations in a localized area of the civil structure;ii) a data acquisition circuit electrically coupled to the mechanical vibration sensor and producing from the analog electrical signal a digital signal data stream representative of the mechanical vibrations;iii) a digital wireless transmitter coupled to the data acquisition circuit and producing from the digital data stream a wireless signal containing digital information in the digital data stream;iv) an electrical battery supplying power to the data acquisition circuit and to the digital wireless transmitter; andb) a site master unit comprising:I) a digital wireless receiver coupled to the wireless signal of each sensor unit and reproducing the digital information of each sensor unit;ii) a microprocessor couple to the receiver and programmed to collect and to analyze the digital information from the plurality of sensor units to determine the condition of the structure as a result of a natural hazard or other extreme event.