Design and testing of a low-power wireless sensor network for structural health monitoring of bridges

Abstract

This paper describes the design and testing of a wireless sensor network based on the SmartBrick, a low-power SHM device developed by the authors. The SmartBrick serves as the base station for the network, which utilizes additional sensor nodes to periodically evaluate the condition of the structure. Each node measures vibration, tilt, humidity, and strain, and is designed for easy interfacing of virtually any other analog or digital sensor. The sensor nodes use Zigbee to transmit their data to the base station, which in turn uses the GSM cellular phone network to provide long-range communication and support for remote control.The system has been designed from the outset to minimize power consumption, and is projected to operate autonomously for up to four years without any on-site maintenance, due largely to the minimal power consumption and rugged design. Remote calibration over the GSM network further increases the autonomy of the system. Most importantly, it can perform all requisite actions with no cables for power or communication. The focus of this paper is the addition of short-range wireless communication over Zigbee. This allows a network of several devices to be used to monitor larger structures, such as multi-span bridges. Results of laboratory testing are included and discussed in detail, demonstrating the unique capabilities of the proposed SHM system.

Wireless sensor network for structural health monitoring: A contemporary review of technologies, challenges, and future direction

“…Academic wireless sensors prototypes: (a) Narada wireless prototype, 48 (b) PCB two-layer circuit board, 49 (c) Thinner wireless sensor node, 55 (d) SmartBrick V2.0, 52 (e) WISAN coordinator, 54 (f) WSNG2 Prototype, 63 (g) PWSMS portable wireless system, 66 (h) AEPod Prototype V1.0., 56 and (i) Xnode smart sensor. 21 …”

Recent Developments on Wireless Sensor Networks Technology for Bridge Health Monitoring

“…Loh et al [51] have presented a multifunctional carbon nanotube-polyelectrolyte-based nanocomposite passive wireless sensor for SHM applications. Harms et al [52] have developed a wireless sensor named SmartBrick, which is equipped with a Quad-Band GSM/GPRS modem. Yang et al [53] have presented a wireless sensor node which emphasizes monitoring the long-term continuous static behavior of a structure.…”

A cost effective wireless structural health monitoring network for buildings in earthquake zones

“…Autonomy is a very important aspect as it determines the capability of the system to operate continuously for a long time, in the absence of an external power supply. In particular, wireless systems is not expected to connect to external power supply, thus high autonomy can be achieved mainly by low power design of the system [12,14,16,18,21,24,25,[35][36][37][38][39].…”