Structural health monitoring (SHM) plays an increasingly important role in the construction industry. It not only ensures the safety and sustainability of buildings but also provides valuable insights into warranty issues and contributes to sustainability for both clients and construction companies. In this article, we explore 9 key areas where SHM can make a difference.
- Structural defects: SHM detects weaknesses in structural elements, such as cracks, deformations, or material flaws, allowing for timely repairs during the duration of the guarantee period.
- Foundation issues: SHM identifies soil movements or soil settlement-related problems, ensuring that warranties are upheld and proper remediation takes place.
- Waterproofing failures: Monitoring helps pinpoint moisture accumulation or water infiltration, allowing for warranty-backed repairs to prevent further damage.
- Temperature and humidity issues: By tracking temperature and humidity fluctuations, SHM can provide useful information to support material performance and building efficiency related claims.
- Corrosion problems: SHM identifies areas prone to corrosion, facilitating warranty-covered improvements in corrosion protection.
- Dynamic loads and vibrations: Monitoring enables the detection of damage caused by dynamic loads, such as transportation-induced stresses (e.g., heavy trucks, trams), therefore can support insurance claims.
- Damage to neighbouring properties: SHM detects damage caused by excavation or foundation installation and consequently minimises liability issues.
- Vibration and noise damage: Monitoring identifies problematic areas affected by construction-related vibrations and noise, making mitigation measures more efficient.
- Environmental impacts: SHM can help minimize the environmental impact associated with construction- and maintenance-related activities, such as material waste, energy consumption and carbon emission by enabling timely repairs or maintenance interventions, preventing further damage and reducing the need for extensive and resource-intensive repairs in the future.
At SURVIOT, we're proud to be at the forefront of structural health monitoring technology, contributing to the resolution of warranty issues in a sustainable way. Join us to explore the benefits of SHM and create a safer, more sustainable future for all!
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