ABSTRACT

The design of complex structures should be based on advanced approaches able to take into account the behavior of the constructions during their entire life-cycle. Structural health monitoring assumes the essential role to improve the knowledge on the structural system and to allow reliable evaluations of the structural safety in operational conditions. At the end of each project the design team gains further areas of knowledge and this is an important point in engineering: one acquires expertise making things directly. In case of civil engineering constructions, possible faults are incorrect design, improper use and maintenance, and damages due to accidental actions or deterioration. The design of complex structural systems requires an accurate definition of the project requirements and a detailed verification of the expected performance. Structural health monitoring is an essential tool that allows the comparison between the as built structure and the as designed one and enriches the engineer's knowledge on the structure, making the required modifications possible.