Chung-Ang University Researchers Develop Smart Portable Sensing System for Monitoring Precast Structures During Delivery

Precast concrete structures reduce workforce dependency and construction time. However, they are subjected to vibrations and strain during transport from their manufacturing site to the construction site. Effective quality control measures require continuous logging of vibration and strain measurement during the delivery, an essential feature that is missing in current systems. Researchers have now developed a portable sensing system that can monitor strain and acceleration to enable efficient PCS delivery.

The smart sensing system was developed to monitor PCS during transportation in real time. The system integrates IoT sensors that detect vibrations and deformations during movement. In an article published in Automation in Construction, the researchers detailed the development of this specialized IoT-based sensing system.

The 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 field test 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.

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 toward developing a cloud-based monitoring system that can alert users of anomalies in real time.