Integrated virtual instrumentation and wireless monitoring for infrastructure diagnostics

This article presents the research, development, and field testing of a computer-controlled integrated instrumentation and monitoring system for rapid-response infrastructure testing and evaluation. The system eliminates both stand-alone laboratory benchtop equipment sets and cable-based, hard-wired, on-site networking for individual sensors. A software-based virtual instrumentation program package is developed to replace conventional data acquisition and monitoring equipment and control all system components through a user-friendly graphical user interface. In addition, a multiple-channel wireless site network throughout the structure is developed to substitute cable networking and integrated in the modular system. Concept and design characterizations, validation testing, and practical field use for experimental live-load bridge test monitoring are also presented. The tests verify the computer-controlled operation of the system integrating virtual instrumentation with multiple-channel wireless site network. The results are compared with conventional instrumentation system and found to be consistent.