SHM Canada is an industry leader in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for asset management and risk management of critical infrastructure.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is an active asset management strategy that allows real-time, continuous monitoring of a structure’s performance. Sensors are strategically located on various structural members to record responses such as strain, temperature, and acceleration. This data is uploaded continuously to a central server where it can be accessed by engineers and clients. Because this process records exact responses of the most critical members of a structure, it offers a clear and accurate understanding of the behaviour of the structure as a whole.
| Advantages of Structural Health Monitoring | |
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| Real-Time Monitoring |
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| Continuous Monitoring |
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| Targeted Monitoring |
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| Overall |
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This precise understanding of the structure’s behaviour provides a higher level of reliability in the assessment of a structure’s condition or highlights existing issues. As a result, SHM can inform decisions to suspend or postpone unnecessary repairs and/or expedite remedial efforts. Real-time availability of SHM data, further, allows continuous monitoring of a structure. An abrupt discontinuity in the data can signal a change in conditions which can then be further analysed or assessed in the field.
SHM also plays an important role in the development of new materials and technologies, as it can provide data on their effectiveness.
Why Choose SHM Canada?
Innovative Methods & Customized Systems
SHM Canada does not subscribe to a “one SHM system fits all” approach. Our customized systems are targeted to your priorities, so we eliminate costs associated with redundant components and algorithms.
SHM Canada uses innovative methods to achieve greater cost efficiency, quality, and safety in the initial planning phases of SHM projects. We develop customized solutions for each individual project by identifying sensors, data collection and communication methods, storage equipment, and data processing and reporting algorithms that are appropriate for the client’s monitoring objectives. We also develop targeted, cost-effective alternatives to off-the-shelf components.
Complementary Structural Engineering Expertise
Our team of structural engineers offers comprehensive SHM packages that include system design and installation, data collection, analysis and interpretation, reporting, and decommissioning.
Our team’s dual expertise in structural engineering and SHM means that we are able to offer comprehensive start-to-finish SHM packages that include system design, installation, data collection, analysis and interpretation, reporting, and decommissioning. This dual expertise also means that our process is streamlined, targeted, and cost effective. We understand the structures we monitor, so we’re able to design SHM systems that gather data according to your priorities. We then analyze that data in house and report directly to you.
Our team is also skilled in more conventional “analog” methods of structural investigation and assessment, which can complement your SHM package. We also have a demonstrated record of success in structural rehabilitation and design, so are able to go beyond monitoring and assessment to recommend a range of options for addressing potential problems. Alternatively, if we’re able to give your structure a clean bill of health, we can save you the expense of unnecessary repairs—and can help you to devise an asset management strategy to ensure continued structural integrity and safe operations.
Our Projects
Our team is ready to develop a customized structural health monitoring solution for your structural assessment or maintenance needs.