Geo-Structures such as deep foundations, along with superstructures are designed for a certain life cycle. Do these structures last the design life? It depends on the compliance with project specifications, quality control and quality assurance programs implemented during various phases of these structure’s design, construction and post-construction maintenance and data collection, analysis and storage and integrity. In addition, during the life cycle a geo-structure is subject to several hazardous conditions caused by nature and by human activities. These situations might lead the geo-structures to gradually degrade diminishing their performance. Eventually, the infrastructure asset may be unusable. It is, therefore, extremely important to build resilience in structure.

The traditional methods of inspection and investigation of performance and safety evaluation of geo-structures and superstructures are now proving to be insufficient and quality data is becoming necessary.The required geo-structures evaluation of life cycle management (LCM) is shown below.

How can this LCM be implemented? Till recently,geo-structural performance parameters such as accurate short and long-term measurement of strain, temperature, and corrosion potential in concrete of deep foundations and in superstructure elements has been challenging and expensive. However, this process has been simplified and is attainable at reduced costs by the advancements in sensor technology and wireless data transmission. This data provides short term and long-term measurements at various phases of the life of a geo-structure.

Smart Structures IoT-based sensor technology, capable of an extraordinary level of detail and accuracy, can be implemented at various stages of asset development viz. design, procurement, construction, operations, maintenance, repair, renovations (see above figure) across various infrastructure markets can be accessed in real time for in-service structures through a cloud-based system.Now in its sixth generation, Smart Structures’ sensors, software and supporting hardware are supported by 8 patents in 32 countries and are recognized by leading US Federal and State organizations.

This process reduces the uncertainties associated with material properties and structural capacity and increases response time and rapidity of preventive action. Smart Structures is on the way to becoming the “defacto industry standard” in testing, sensing and monitoring for the infrastructure industry globally.

For more information,  please visit www.smart-structures.com.