Dynamic monitoring of structures

Dynamic identification and vibrations of buildings and infrastructures

Structural diagnostics of buildings has played a key role in the knowledge of civil structures for years, from the characterization of the materials with which they are made to the understanding of their static behavior.

Interventions such as seismic improvements and adaptations require in-depth knowledge of these structures, both from a static and dynamic point of view.

Furthermore, it is increasingly useful and desirable to use diagnostic techniques that are less destructive, in order to limit the invasiveness of in situ tests.

In recent years, dynamic monitoring of buildings has gained great interest in the field of non-destructive testing (NDT) thanks to the fact that this technique is completely non-destructive and non-invasive.

A second aspect that has allowed the diffusion of this technique consists in the support that it is able to provide to structural design, in order to calibrate the numerical finite element models (Finite Element Method – FEM) used by designers for seismic analyses.

The text examines the different aspects of dynamic monitoring, from the basics of signal theory to dynamic identification algorithms, showing some simple applications and deepening the topics with case studies on different structural typologies.

The book also discusses the effect of vibrations on buildings and humans.

These issues are particularly sensitive nowadays as vibration sources can cause cosmetic or structural damage to the building, as well as causing disturbance to people.

Also on this topic, an overview of the current regulations is provided and some applications on real case studies are shown.

Finally, mention will be made of further applications in the structural field that belong to the family of dynamic investigations: the determination of the tension of metal chains by measuring vibrations and dynamic tests on deep foundations.

Alessio Pierdicca
Freelance engineer, PhD in Engineering in the field of dynamic monitoring. He works in the field of structural diagnostics of buildings and is specialized in dynamic identification and monitoring of structures. Design engineer at CapStudio srl, author of numerous scientific publications in national and international journals.

Fabio Mattiauda
Freelance engineer, expert in structural diagnostics. Client Account Manager at DRC Italia srl.