Optimal placement method of multi-objective and multi-type sensors for courtyard-style timber historical buildings based on Meta-genetic algorithm

Abstract

Optimal sensor placement for timber architecture heritage poses a significant challenge due to the unique structural types and complex monitoring purposes. In this study, a three-stage method is proposed, taking a courtyard-style heritage, built 133 years ago, as an example. First, a finite element model that accounted for the parameter randomness and initial damage was constructed using a genetic algorithm (GA) and experimental results. Second, a new weighted fitness function of logarithmic type was developed for multi-type sensors and multi-objective monitoring. Third, a novel genetic algorithm, Meta-GA, was proposed, introducing competition group mechanisms and gene libraries to improve optimal capability while maintaining computational efficiency. The Meta-GA is then compared to the other two optimization modes using seven indexes. Finally, damage detection capability was tested for the proposed three schemes at noise levels of 0%, 5%, and 10%. The results reveal that the proposed three-stage method with Meta-GA can provide the best solution.

Advancements in Optimal Sensor Placement for Enhanced Structural Health Monitoring: Current Insights and Future Prospects

“…The multi-objective function optimization is transformed into a single-objective optimization problem by considering the effects of different objective order differences. Zhang et al [206] proposed a three-stage method for optimal sensor placement and developed a new logarithmic-type weighted fitting function for multi-type sensors and multi-objective monitoring, using a courtyard-style heritage built 133 years ago as an example.…”

Methodologies and Challenges for Optimal Sensor Placement in Historical Masonry Buildings

“…Some of them have been the subject of OSP. To ensure a clear analysis and synthesis of the results, the present work specifically focused on the application of OSP to historical buildings made of masonry, thus excluding applications to built heritage made of other materials, like timber [15,16] or concrete [17], and infrastructures such as metallic bridges [18], masonry bridges [19] and aqueducts [20]. Moreover, the scope of the OSP applications here investigated was limited to the determination of the optimal accelerometer placement for dynamic identification and, in a few cases, damage identification, with this being the objective of all the analysed studies.…”