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Wireless sensor network to monitor an historic structure under rehabilitation

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Abstract

The preservation of the history of the United States through its significant buildings is critical; however, this initiative is currently threatened due to the modernization of the nation’s infrastructure. If a fast and cost-effective way to monitor the condition of a historic structure existed, many more structures could be rehabilitated for modern uses while preserving the important historic content. Widely accessible wireless sensor network (WSN) technology could be a great asset to the preservation of historic structures in the future. The main objectives of this work are to develop a reliable WSN that is tailored for use in historic structures, and to implement the system in a structure undergoing rehabilitation. The structure considered is an historic wooden church in which the foundation requires replacement. Sensors will monitor tilt of the church’s walls throughout construction. During the construction process, the entire floor of the church is removed and the tree stump foundations are replaced by concrete masonry unit (CMU) blocks and steel pedestals. The tilt in the walls is correlated to the construction process. Through this research, it can be seen that the WSN is an effective tool for structural monitoring in historic preservation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Texas A&M University, 3136 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA

    Julie M. Samuels, Stefan Hurlebaus, David G. Woodcock & Joseph M. Bracci

  2. TRUMPF Laser- & Systemtechnik, Johann-Maus-Str. 2, 71254, Ditzingen, Germany

    Michael Reyer

  3. Jaster-Quintanilla, 2105 Commerce St., Dallas, TX, 75201, USA

    Stephen H. Lucy

Authors
  1. Julie M. Samuels
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  2. Michael Reyer
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  3. Stefan Hurlebaus
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  4. Stephen H. Lucy
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  5. David G. Woodcock
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  6. Joseph M. Bracci
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stefan Hurlebaus.

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Samuels, J.M., Reyer, M., Hurlebaus, S. et al. Wireless sensor network to monitor an historic structure under rehabilitation. J Civil Struct Health Monit 1, 69–78 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13349-011-0008-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13349-011-0008-6

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