On-line GPS Integrity Monitoring and Deformation Analysis for Structural Monitoring Applications

Recent reports by investigators describe how high precision GPS sensors deployed on large engineering structures (such as dams, bridges, towers and tall buildings) can provide continuous real-time measurements, which can, in turn, be used to indicate displacements and vibrations caused by temperature changes, wind loading, distant earthquakes, landslides, etc. This information can be made available to the system manager, or interested parties, on a continuous basis, or whenever a preset displacement threshold is exceeded. The response of the structure can then be assessed according to the displacement thresholds reached or the changed dynamic characteristics. In the case of an alarm, the system manager can make a decision to, for example, close the structure for further inspection. This creates an opportunity for real-time structural health monitoring, and therefore leads to enhanced public safety.