Permanent monitoring of thin structures with low-cost devices

Abstract Recently, structural monitoring technology invested in methodologies that give direct information on structures’ stress state. Optic fibers, strain gauges, pressure cells real-time data the condition of a element, often determining area where peak stresses have been reached, with clear advantage over other less methodologies, such as, e.g. , use accelerometers and inverse analysis to estimate internal forces. In addition, can be recorded log for after loading event, as well taking into account lifelong state structure. Beams columns reinforced concrete frame effectively monitored flexural loads. Differently, thin shells are most their lifespan under membrane regime, and, when properly designed, they rarely move bending regime. Our proposal is monitor structures by small-sized low-cost devices able record history at key locations, sending alerts necessary, aim ensuring safety against risk collapse, or simply perform maintenance/repairing activities. Such realized cheap off-the-shelf electronics traditional gauges. The application examples given laboratory tests performed plate, masonry panel, steel beam. Results shows permanent control conveniently carried out new using type we designed in-house.