Title: Monitoring With Microcomputers as You Build

Author(s): T. L. Weinmann, K. N. Shiu, and N. W. Hanson

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 98

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 197-214

Keywords: construction; data acquisition; dynamic structural analysis; evaluation; field tests; measurement; microcomputers; General

DOI: 10.14359/3549

Date: 3/3/1987

Abstract:
The microcomputer and associated digital technology has changed the way things are done both in the structural laboratory and in the field. The impact of microcomputers on the science of field measurement is mainly with regard to cost and time. The many benefits of field monitoring of structures are now available at an acceptable cost. Cost is reduced due to automatic recording rather than manual methods. This paper discusses the benefits of field monitoring during construction and the life of the structure. Two proven measuring systems are described in detail. The paper also describes a system for dynamic analysis of structures. The reduced cost of determining the behavior of buildings and bridges is not the only benefit of these three new measuring systems. Data returned for analysis are in a form that can be quickly reduced and evaluated by computer. A short turn-around time means that the behavior data are available when needed.