ABSTRACT
The increasing prevalence of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in recent years has led to a significant diversification of user profiles and a consequent demand for a more user-friendly approach in software and data exploration tools. Traditional SHM systems, tailored to large structures such as bridges and tunnels, often lack an intuitive interface and comprehensive data exploration facilities. In contrast, small-scale SHM systems frequently resort to a rudimentary file transfer protocol (FTP) server for data delivery. This research paper seeks to explore the prevailing usability issues associated with conventional SHM systems, focusing on two common use cases: alarm investigation and data correlation. Each use case is dissected to illuminate specific user experience components that often present challenges to users. Born out of the experience of developing Konmos1, a structural health monitoring platform originally designed for the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark, Senmos represents an innovative departure from conventional SHM tools. Consciously designed with a user-centric approach, Senmos addresses usability concerns inherent in many traditional SHM platforms. The application of Senmos is then elaborated through a case study of its deployment on Lillebæltsbroen af 1935 in Denmark. By detailing how each user experience issue was resolved within the context of Lillebæltsbroen af 1935, we illustrate the effectiveness and adaptability of Senmos, providing evidence of its potential for broad scalability. The development of Senmos emphasizes the importance of considering the end-user experience in the design and implementation of SHM tools. As SHM practices continue to evolve, software solutions like Senmos that prioritize user experience, flexibility, and accessibility, will play an increasingly critical role in enabling efficient and effective monitoring for all types of structures.
