Prototyping and Validation of MEMS Accelerometers for Structural Health Monitoring—The Case Study of the Pietratagliata Cable-Stayed Bridge

• DOI: 10.3390/jsan7030030
• Publication Date: 2018-07-27T16:20:03Z
• Authors: Chiara Bedon; Enrico Bergamo; Matteo Izzi; Salvatore Noè
• Keywords: Structural Health Monitoring; Bridge (graph theory); Software portability; Earthquake shaking table

In recent years, thanks to the simple and yet efficient design, Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometers have proven offer a suitable solution for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in civil engineering applications. Such devices are typically characterised by high portability durability, as well limited cost, hence resulting ideal tools applications buildings infrastructure. this paper, original self-made MEMS sensor prototypes presented validated on basis of preliminary laboratory tests (shaking table experiments noise level measurements). Based promising outcomes, their possible application dynamic identification existing, full-scale structural assemblies is then discussed, giving evidence potential via comparative calculations towards past literature results, inclusive both on-site, Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) Finite Element Analytical estimations (FEA). The experimental validation accelerometers, particular, performed using, case study, cable-stayed bridge Pietratagliata (Italy). Dynamic results summarised paper demonstrate capability with rather stable reliable predictions, suggest feasibility SHM purposes.