A Wireless Modular Health Monitoring System for Civil Structures

摘要：本研究的目的是开发一个综合利用先进传感、微处理、数字信号处理、无线通信和损伤诊断方法的结构健康监测系统。目前的项目使用MEMS技术和先进的无线数据通信方法定制和实现最先进的微型传感器单元，采用最新的组件和架构。具有这种分布式“智能”传感器网络的结构被认为是“传感器的无线IP云”。开发了新的高分辨率微加速度计，可以测量高振幅振动（即地震）和低振幅振动（即环境振动），并将其与先进的无线通信技术和嵌入式系统集成在一起，用于结构健康监测应用。该研究团队正在与桑迪亚国家实验室合作开发基于mems的加速度计，同时在一个芯片上制造CMOS电路，将计算和传感器耦合在一起。目标是改变从广泛的布线和高成本的劳动力、设备和维护到廉价的无线嵌入式系统的仪器仪表的做法。提出的损坏评估算法将执行(a)系统级筛选，以快速识别劣化或损坏；(b)结构性能和损伤位置识别的全局诊断。利用统计信号处理、能量耗散和滤波方法，使计算能够在传感器单元局部执行。一个原型系统将在实验室和现场进行测试。意义和广泛影响：根据本提案开发的技术将能够对土木结构进行实用、经济、长期和快速的反应评估，以估计损坏或退化的程度。在灾难性事件发生后，该系统提供的信息对于减少死亡人数和及时关闭或继续运行基本设施（医院、消防站等）至关重要。该系统还将实现可靠的系统维护，以防止长期恶化下的灾难性故障。

Summary: The objective of this research is to develop an integrated structural health monitoring system that utilizes advanced sensing, micro-processing, digital signal processing, wireless communication and damage diagnostic methods. The current project customizes and implements state-of-the-art miniaturized sensor units using MEMS technology and advanced wireless data communication methods that employ up-to-date components and architecture. A structure with such a distributed "smart" sensor network is thought of as a "Wireless IP Cloud of Sensors". New micro-accelerometers of high resolution are developed allowing for measurement of high amplitude vibration (i.e., earthquakes) as well as low amplitude vibrations (i.e., ambient vibrations) integrated with advanced wireless communication technologies and embedded systems for structural health monitoring applications. The research team is collaborating with Sandia National Laboratory in developing MEM-based accelerometers manufactured simultaneously along side CMOS circuitry on one die coupling the computation and sensor. The goal is to change the practices from extensive cabling and high cost labor, equipment and maintenance to the instrumentation of inexpensive wireless embedded systems.The proposed damage assessment algorithms are to perform (a) system level screening for quick identification of deterioration or damage; and (b) global diagnosis for structural performance and damage location identification. Statistical signal processing, energy dissipation and filtering methods are utilized that enable the computations to be performed locally at the sensor unit. A prototype system is to be tested both in the laboratory and the field.Significance and Broad Impact: The technology developed under this proposal will enable practical, cost-effective, long-term and quick response assessment of civil structures that estimates the degree of damage or degradation. The information provided by the system is critical following catastrophic events for reducing fatalities and for timely closure or continued operation of essential facilities (hospitals, fire stations, etc.). The system will also enable reliable systematic maintenance to prevent catastrophic failures under long-term deterioration.