Real-time high-rise building monitoring system using global navigation satellite system technology

Abstract Continuous assessment of the displacement of a high-rise building enables verification that it meets the structural assumptions calculated in the project, and provides additional useful feedback for structural engineers. Unexpected structural responses during the phases of construction, or once the building is in use, can help detect current and future problems, as well as provide cost savings. Furthermore, it contributes to an improved risk management for natural phenomena and can be used to verify the stability of the structure, providing an additional safety layer for the building. The technological improvement in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) techniques has allowed significant advancements of Gaussian methodologies applied to control the dynamics of building structures in real time, especially for calculating, controlling, and interpreting satellite survey measurements, based on Gaussian analysis and least squares adjustment. The real-time monitoring system works by implementing a local geodetic network with GNSS technology on the structure to be monitored. Algorithms are then applied that improve the compensated network solution, and this is integrated into original software. The system allows us to achieve a high level of safety and effective risk management in real time, as a unique mathematical model that allows GNSS position errors to be reduced is designed for each building. In the case of Torre Espacio, the overall mathematical adjustment model reduces the maximum error by 40%. The system has been installed on a high-rise building, Torre Espacio, in Madrid, Spain, and is fully operational.