Introduction to Strain-Based Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Structures focuses on the SHM of civil structures and infrastructure, and develops the relevant topics of measurement and data analysis from a fundamental to advanced level.

The book contains an overview of the available and emerging strain monitoring technologies like traditional strain-gauges and vibrating wire sensors, discrete and distributed fiber optic sensors, and large area electronics. The fundamentals of error analysis, as well as typical sources of errors in measurements, are discussed. Sources of strain in typical construction materials such concrete, steel, timber, and composite materials are also discussed, while both basic and advanced data interpretation and analysis for monitoring of concrete and steel structures are presented in detail.

Methods applicable to a large spectrum of beam-like structural elements and civil structures, such as bridges, buildings, and pipelines, are summarized. These methods are developed at three scales: local scale (material or structural), global (structural) scale, and integrity scale, and are illustrated with practical examples.

Key features:

• Defines and describes SHM and identifies its main components and stakeholders.
• Explores the potential and benefits as well as the limitations of SHM.
• Introduces strain-based structural health monitoring of civil structures, with focus on measurement and data analysis.
• Covers the physical principles, advantages, and limitations of various types of sensors.
• Covers fundamental error analysis and presents typical sources of errors.
• Covers the sources of short- and long-term strain, and how to interpret the strain measurement.
• Includes basic and advanced model-based methods for data analysis.
• Contains the basic strain-based SHM methods for monitoring various types of structures at local, global, and integrity scale.
• Suitable as a guide for practicing engineers, a reference for infrastructure owners, and a textbook for researchers and SHM university courses.
• A valuable companion to Glisic & Inaudi’s Fibre Optic Methods for Structural Health Monitoring.

Introduction to Strain-Based Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Structures is essential, state-of-the-art reading for civil and structural engineers and professionals in SHM, as well as teachers, researchers, and students in civil engineering.