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Researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery

Chung-Ang University researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery
Chung-Ang University researchers develop a novel IoT-based sensing system that can detect vibrations and deformations in precast structures during delivery and reports events during transportation that could potentially impact their quality. Credit: Dr. Jongwoong Park from Chung-Ang University, Korea

Precast structures are like giant lego blocks made of concrete that are manufactured in a factory to enable seamless construction at a building site. Modern urban construction projects rely heavily on precast concrete structures (PCS) for a quality and timely completion. PCS are manufactured in a controlled environment that ensures the highest quality.

However, during delivery to the construction site, they can be damaged by shocks and imbalanced loads during lifting that make them unstable. Sometimes, the damage can go unnoticed during on-site construction. However, this can lead to a potentially dangerous situation over time.

Moreover, high replacement costs and long downtimes make remedial measures ineffective. "We have seen multiple instances of damage during transportation; we are, therefore, working on a solution to address this issue using an IoT sensing system to monitor PCS during delivery," notes Associate Professor Jongwoong Park from Chung-Ang University, who has been actively researching on Internet of Things (IoT) .

To this end, Dr. Park and his colleagues at Chung-Ang University recently developed a smart sensing system to monitor PCS during transportation in real time. The system integrates IoT sensors that detect vibrations and deformations during movement. In a recent article published in Automation in Construction, the researchers detailed the development of this specialized IoT-based sensing system.

"We have enhanced the portability of the sensing system and have created a method for monitoring the deformation of precast structures during lifting and transportation. This system can help prevent any damage that may occur during transportation, ensuring a safe and sound delivery," explains Dr. Park.

The novel portable wireless sensing system is capable of real-time recording of acceleration and strain measurement during transport. Moreover, the system generates a safety assessment report for PCS that adjusts initial strain offset and calculates the absolute strain.

To demonstrate the capabilities of their smart system, the researchers further conducted a constituting an 80-minute delivery of a 12-meters long precast concrete beam and evaluated its condition by measuring the acceleration, tilts, and strain of the structure in real time. Further, the researchers processed and analyzed the measured data and conducted a safety assessment.

Interestingly, while the results indicate that the sensing system was effective for precast monitoring, the system does not allow for timely decisions by supporting real-time data management. In this regard, future research is required towards developing a cloud-based monitoring system that can alert users of anomalies in real time.

Nevertheless, the novel development by the team has potential for immediate smart delivery monitoring applications in construction projects. "With our IoT-based precast monitoring system, we can ensure the long-term safety and reliability of precast structures. This technology will prevent such issues from occurring, making our buildings safer and more efficient in the future," concludes Dr. Park.

More information: Sadia Umer Khayam et al, Monitoring Precast Structures During Transportation Using A Portable Sensing System, Automation in Construction (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104639

Provided by Chung Ang University
Citation: Researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery (2023, March 9) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://techxplore.com/news/2023-03-smart-portable-precast-delivery.html
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