Structural Monitoring of Concrete Structures

Structural monitoring consists of regular recording of parameters related to the structural behaviour. The life of a concrete structure can be divided in several stages: it begins with construction works, pouring and cure of concrete and is followed with testing, service and possible refurbishment or straightening . The benefits of the information obtained by monitoring during each period of the structure life are apparent in several domains. First, it helps to improve and enlarge the knowledge concerning structural behaviour and makes an accurate calibration of numerical models possible. Second, permanent monitoring can give early indications of structural malfunctioning. In this way, safety measures can be considered in time, and intervention on the structure can be performed immediately and with minimal economical losses. The importance and the benefits of monitoring during the each stage of the concrete structure’s life as well as the requirements for monitoring systems are presented in this paper and illustrated by real application examples.