Selected, peer reviewed papers from the 2nd International Conference on Structural Health Assessment of Timber Structures (SHATIS 13), September 4-6, 2013, Trento, Italy

This book covers some of the most recent developments and application potentials in structural health assessment for non-experts in the subject. Among topics addressed are sensor types, platforms and data conditioning for practical applications, wireless collection of sensor data, sensor power needs and on-site energy harvesting, long-term monitoring of structures, uncertainty in collected data, and future directions in structural health assessment.

Wood is one of the most intriguing structural materials and the only one that is truly renewable. Along with stone, wood is the oldest structural material on the planet and has been extensively used throughout human history. Due to its aesthetical value and positive environmental impact, wood has experienced a renaissance in construction. As a biodegradable, hygroscopic, non-isotropic material, wood presents special challenges for a professional and requires through knowledge ranging from biology to continuum mechanics. This state-of-the-art report reflects the current knowledge in the area of in situ assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of wood structures. Nondestructive, semi-destructive and destructive methods are described in a systematic manner where technology, equipment and limitations are discussed. Some of the discussed methods are used in other materials such as masonry and concrete. Most of the methods, however, are specific to wood and special qualifications are required to understand and apply these methods effectively. Existing methods are constantly improved and new methods are being developed. This report includes methods that are used in practice or have shown significant promise and have a body of knowledge that supports statements made in this report. This is a useable tool for professionals, researchers, educators and students

A critical review of key developments and latest advances in Structural Health Monitoring technologies applied to civil engineering structures, covering all aspects required for practical application Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) provides the facilities for in-service monitoring of structural performance and damage assessment, and is a key element of condition based maintenance and damage prognosis. This comprehensive book brings readers up to date on the most important changes and advancements in the structural health monitoring technologies applied to civil engineering structures. It covers all aspects required for such monitoring in the field, including sensors and networks, data acquisition and processing, damage detection techniques and damage prognostics techniques. The book also includes a number of case studies showing how the techniques can be applied in the development of sustainable and resilient civil infrastructure systems. Structural Health Monitoring of Large Civil Engineering Structures offers in-depth chapter coverage of: Sensors and Sensing Technology for Structural Monitoring; Data Acquisition, Transmission, and Management; Structural Damage Identification Techniques; Modal Analysis of Civil Engineering Structures; Finite Element Model Updating; Vibration Based Damage Identification Methods; Model Based Damage Assessment Methods; Monitoring Based Reliability Analysis and Damage Prognosis; and Applications of SHM Strategies to Large Civil Structures. Presents state-of-the-art SHM technologies allowing asset managers to evaluate structural performance and make rational decisions Covers all aspects required for the practical application of SHM Includes case studies that show how the techniques can be applied in practice Structural Health Monitoring of Large Civil Engineering Structures is an ideal book for practicing civil engineers, academics and postgraduate students studying civil and structural engineering.

Prepared by the Subcommittee on Evaluation, Maintenance, and Upgrading of Timber Structures of the Committee on Wood of the Structural Division of ASCE. This report presents information on technical aspects of inspection, evaluation, reinforcement, repair, and rehabilitation of timber structures. Any structure, regardless of the material from which it is made, may be subject to a review of its ability to perform a specific function or functions. This report reviews factors that influence the serviceability of wood structures, including loadings, duration of loads, temperature, moisture and weathering. Effects of chemicals and fire, as well as insects, fungi, and other organisms that attack wood are also covered. Designing to avoid problems caused by these factors is discussed. Inspection techniques and equipment are described, along with guidelines on where to look and what to look for. A section of evaluation of wood structures includes criteria such as structural analysis, determination of loads, and estimating load carrying capacity.

This book is organized around the various sensing techniques used to achieve structural health monitoring. Its main focus is on sensors, signal and data reduction methods and inverse techniques, which enable the identification of the physical parameters, affected by the presence of the damage, on which a diagnostic is established. Structural Health Monitoring is not oriented by the type of applications or linked to special classes of problems, but rather presents broader families of techniques: vibration and modal analysis; optical fibre sensing; acousto-ultrasonics, using piezoelectric transducers; and electric and electromagnetic techniques. Each chapter has been written by specialists in the subject area who possess a broad range of practical experience. The book will be accessible to students and those new to the field, but the exhaustive overview of present research and development, as well as the numerous references provided, also make it required reading for experienced researchers and engineers.