1. The concept of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has become recognized as a distinct field in structural engineering in the 1980s with the aim of using sensors to monitor the response of structures like buildings and bridges, in order to detect damage and improve safety. The SHM WW market is estimated to USD 3-7 billion, with an expected growth rate of 10 - 20% over the coming years.
New technologies in data analysis such as Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) makes it possible to estimate mass and stiffness distributions in structures and therefore also makes it possible to detect damage as a change in stiffness and localize the damage in the structure using an updated finite element model called a digital twin.
In this way, the SHM becomes the ultimate tool to provide the information needed to optimize the value of decisions concerning maintenance and life cycle issues.