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Enhancing Structural Safety: Wireless Condition Monitoring and Alerting Systems in Emergencies

Senceive North America

Published Tue 18th Jul 2023

In today's fast-paced world, ensuring the safety and integrity of structures is of paramount importance. Recent incidents worldwide have shown us that structural collapses at construction sites, at in-service structures and at emergency response locations can have devastating consequences, leading to loss of life, property damage, and significant disruption.

Fortunately, advancements in technology have paved the way for innovative solutions that aid in monitoring and alerting for potential emergencies. Wireless emergency response condition monitoring systems, especially when coupled with Senceive's InfraGuard system, offer an effective means to quickly deploy and collect near real-time data during emergencies with visual verification 24/7. In this post, we will explore the benefits of wireless condition monitoring and how Senceive's emergency kit can play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with partial or full structural collapses.

Swift and Efficient Deployment

During an emergency, time is of the essence.

The ability to rapidly deploy monitoring systems can significantly impact response and recovery efforts. Senceive's wireless emergency kit is designed precisely for this purpose. By leveraging wireless technology, the system eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming cabling installations. The kit can be deployed in just a few hours, providing immediate data collection capabilities. This feature is especially critical in time-sensitive situations where every moment counts.

Kits are customized according to customer/event monitoring requirements

Real-Time Data Access

Wireless condition monitoring systems enable continuous and near real-time data collection, allowing engineers and responders to gain crucial insights into the structural behavior during an emergency. Senceive's InfraGuard system not only monitors the movement of the at-risk structure but also captures data on adjacent structures in the vicinity. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the situation, considering potential impacts on nearby buildings or infrastructure that may experience increased loads due to re-routed traffic.

By employing a wireless network of intelligent sensors and cameras, the system can precisely monitor structural movement, ground deformation and a range of engineering parameters such as strain and load in virtually real-time. This data is transmitted wirelessly to a central monitoring station, enabling engineers and emergency personnel to closely track any changes and make informed decisions promptly. The ability to collect and analyze data in near real-time enhances situational awareness, allowing for more effective decision-making and response strategies.

Fast reporting rates ensure any structural movements are quickly detected. With no mains power required, the sensors are ideal for difficult-to-access environments

Early Warning and Post-Emergency Alerts

The primary objective of wireless condition monitoring during emergencies is to provide early warnings and alerts. Senceive's emergency kit excels in this aspect by continuously monitoring the structural integrity and alerting relevant stakeholders in the event of potential collapses or unintended land movement. These alerts can trigger swift evacuation procedures, ensuring the safety of occupants and responders.

Moreover, the system's ability to monitor adjacent infrastructure such as bridges, roads and tunnels is vital in mitigating risks associated with increase

d loading due to re-routed traffic. By promptly identifying any potential impacts on these structures, engineers can take immediate measures to safeguard against further damage and potential collapses.

Wireless condition monitoring systems, exemplified by Senceive's InfraGuard emergency kit, offer a cutting-edge solution for enhancing structural safety and minimizing disruption during emergencies. The ability to quickly deploy and collect real-time data provides crucial insights into the behavior of at-risk structures and their surroundings. By continuously monitoring movements and vibrations, engineers and emergency personnel can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions promptly. Early warnings and alerts enable swift evacuation of emergency personnel, mitigating risks to human life and minimizing property damage. Furthermore, monitoring adjacent structures ensures comprehensive risk management, accounting for potential consequences of rerouted traffic or progressive collapse.

“I wish we had access to a system like this back in 2001,” says Marybeth Miceli, a structural monitoring SME who was part of the engineering response team immediately following the events of 9/11. “Our work at Ground Zero was to manually check the remaining structures and visually assess the likelihood of subsequent progressive collapse while simultaneously manually monitoring the construction crews during rescue and recovery efforts, 24/7. I could see how this emergency monitoring kit, especially coupled with InfraGuard, could have given us some peace of mind during that critical time.”

In a world where structural integrity is of utmost importance, wireless condition monitoring systems with alerting capabilities prove to be valuable tools in preventing catastrophic collapses and facilitating effective emergency responses. Senceive's Emergency Response kit, particularly enhanced with their InfraGuard system, contributes to the safety and resilience of our built environment, offering peace of mind and protection in times of crisis.

 

Senceive wireless condition monitoring was used in Turkey during post earthquake rescue efforts

Tagged as:

  • emergency response
  • early warning
  • post-emergency alerts
  • bridge collapse
  • real-time data