Recent structural health monitoring applications in Italy

The paper describes some structural health monitoring applications recently performed in Italy on civil infrastructure and buildings. The applications make use of fiber optic sensors (SOFO system) either for static or combined static/dynamic measurements, conventional sensors and GPS systems. The applications concern a cable stayed bridge structure, port structures and architectural heritage buildings. The characteristics of the sensory and data logging systems will be described first, with particular emphasis on the objectives of the monitoring problem and on the problems encountered during system design and installation. The paper will also address the data processing and the data analysis and interpretation software tools that have been prepared for the systems. In general, the applications presented implement the concept of continuous static monitoring, i. e. the static response of the structure is measured at regular time intervals for a long period. In some of the cases described, the monitoring system has been designed for permanent functioning during the operational life of the facility. For the most advanced cases, comments will be given on the experienced utility of the monitoring systems in the related engineering activities.