The case for automated continuous monitoring systems for quick structural assessment of civil structures after earthquakes

Presentation

When – 7th March 2024

Where – Building 401-439, 20 Symonds Street (University of Auckland Faculty of Engineering). Access from Symonds Street (Refer City Campus Map Link).

Agenda –
17:30 pre-presentation refreshments
18:00 presentation

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Abstract

Our society expects our civil engineering structures to be always functional. Yet, this has not been the prevailing structural design philosophy in the case of designing against earthquakes. This means varying levels of structural damage are to be expected after moderate and large earthquakes. Furthermore, developed countries often continue using their civil engineering structures beyond their nominal design life, increasing the risk of structural failure from risk accumulation, outdated construction practice and structural deterioration.

Visual inspection of structures at specific intervals or after earthquakes is the most common technique for assessing the integrity and safety of structures. This technique is subjective and may not be reliable, as it is very challenging to visually assess large and complex civil engineering structures. Moreover, it is impractical and unsafe for inspectors to assess many structures after earthquakes.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) addresses these challenges by incorporating objective data analysis of building movement recorded via sensors. This approach can serve as an initial filter or helpful data input preceding a visual inspection. SHM systems have the potential to provide reliable assessment tailored specifically to each structures in near real-time and immediately after earthquakes. This can facilitate quicker reoccupation of buildings while providing another layer of protection for building occupants against concealed damage. These systems can provide vital information for engineers (similar to Blackbox in airplanes) about structures’ performance before, during, and after earthquakes. A significant advantage of the developed monitoring system is its ability to shift discussions about building behaviour from subjective opinions to objective analysis, prioritising quantitative measures over qualitative ones. The data makes for more relatable discussions with clients, based around measurements, with the added benefit of professional understanding of those measurements. In this presentation, an overview of SHM systems, practices, challenges, and available technologies in New Zealand will be provided. Additionally, a newly developed automated long-term continuous monitoring system will be introduced. The developed system’s structure, features, capabilities, and the feasibility of its application on full-scale buildings in New Zealand will be explained.

Presenters:

Quincy Ma

Quincy Ma is a senior lecturer in structural engineering at the University of Auckland. Over the last 15+ years, he has taught various structural mechanics, finite element, and earthquake engineering courses. Quincy has a wide range of research interests in earthquake and structural engineering. He is a fellow of NZSEE and Engineering NZ. He is also a director of Building Sensory Systems Limited, a company specialising in understanding building behaviour through structural health monitoring.

Sherif Beskhyroun

Sherif Beskhyroun is an Associate Professor and a former Programme Director of the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Construction Engineering at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). He specialises in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and damage detection in civil engineering structures, with over 25 years of experience in New Zealand, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, and Egypt. Throughout his career, Sherif has actively contributed to numerous large-scale projects focused on dynamic performance and monitoring of full-scale buildings and bridges within New Zealand. He is also a director of Building Sensory Systems Limited (BSSL), a company specialising in SHM.

Paul Drummond

Paul has over a decade of experience in applying technology to structure monitoring, natural hazards, and data services businesses. Since the experiences of the Canterbury earthquake sequence, Paul has been working to increase the utilisation of measured data for better outcomes after earthquakes. Paul visits from Canterbury Seismic Instruments, an NZ company who for 20 years has been providing sensors and services for structure characterisation and earthquake response and resilience. Paul has worked on a wide range of domestic and international projects.

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