Sensor and monitoring system for structural monitoring

摘要

A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a structure such as a building or a bridge includes taking accelerometer readings using an accelerometer and taking inclinometer readings using an inclinometer. The accelerometer and inclinometer each take readings in at least one axis, with one coincident axis between the two. The accelerometer readings are preferentially sampled at a higher rate than the inclinometer readings. Accelerometer readings verify inclinometer readings, and vice-versa. Using acceleration readings, it can be determined whether, when, and at what frequency inclination readings should be taken. The inclinometer can be powered down as long as accelerometer readings indicate that the environment would strain the inclinometer. Inclinometer readings can also be modified and corrected using inclinometer readings. Data accuracy and reliability are enhanced, and the overall integrity of a structure is dynamically monitored even as the structure and its environment change over time.

主权项

1. A method of monitoring integrity of a structure, including the steps of:
a) obtaining acceleration readings using an accelerometer with a first sensor; and b) simultaneously obtaining separate inclination readings using an inclinometer with a second sensor that is separate from the first sensor, the inclinometer and the accelerometer being housed in one sensor module; c) wherein:
1) the inclination readings are obtained at an inclination sampling rate using the second sensor,2) the acceleration reading are obtained at an accelerometer sampling rate using the first sensor,3) the accelerometer sampling rate is higher than the inclinometer sampling rate; and a step of powering down the inclinometer based on acceleration readings, wherein the inclinometer is powered down if the acceleration readings are above a threshold and the inclinometer would be strained or damaged if not powered down.