What are the main sensor types for Structural Health Monitoring?

For the effective monitoring of bridges, tunnels, viaducts and other critical infrastructure, a well-functioning SHM system is essential. Sensors are at the heart of this: they provide the measurement data with which risks, wear and damage can be detected at an early stage. But which sensor types are most valuable for Structural Health Monitoring in practice?

Sensors as the basis for safe and sustainable asset management

In Dutch regions such as the Randstad, North Brabant, Groningen and Zeeland thousands of structures are under pressure from traffic, climate change and aging every day. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) makes it possible to gain continuous insight into the condition of these assets – provided the right sensor types are selected and applied correctly.

Which sensors are most commonly used in SHM?

A SHM system is as strong as its sensors. Below is an overview of the most commonly used sensor types:

1. Strain Gauges

Measures very accurately the strain or compression in materials such as steel or concrete. Indispensable for detecting stress build-up in supporting structures.

2. Accelerometers

Used to analyze vibration behavior. Important for dynamically loaded objects such as bridges, wind turbines or high-rise buildings.

3. Inclinometers and Tiltmeters

These sensors measure tilting or subsidence. Often used in retaining structures, bridgeheads and viaducts in areas susceptible to subsidence such as Zuid-Holland.

4. Fiber optic sensors (Fiber Optic Sensors)

Highly sensitive, robust and suitable for long-distance applications. Often used in tunnels, railways and large-scale bridge projects.

5. Acoustic emission sensors

Detect micro cracks and fractures based on sound waves. Especially valuable for monitoring composites or welds in metal structures.

6. Temperature and humidity sensors

Crucial for materials that are sensitive to thermal expansion or corrosion, such as in movable bridges or concrete structures.

7. Wireless IoT sensors

Increasingly popular due to quick installation, low maintenance costs and real-time data transfer. Ideal for use in locations that are difficult to access.

Practical benefits of choosing the right sensor

A good sensor configuration offers you as an asset manager or engineer:

• Accurate and reliable measurement data
• Real-time signaling of deviations or damage
• Lower inspection and maintenance costs
• Insight for life extension and investment planning

By choosing proven sensor types and smart data integration, you also meet the requirements of supervisors such as Rijkswaterstaat or provincial management authorities.

Choose the right sensors for your SHM project

Would you like advice on which sensor types are best suited to your bridge, tunnel, building or civil engineering structure? Our experts support SHM projects in areas such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Breda, Zwolle and the port of Rotterdam.

Dexman

We at Dexman know better than anyone that the right information is the most important thing. Because if a measurement is not correct, the solution is of no use to you. This applies not only to the solutions we offer, but also to the way in which we communicate. At Dexman, we stand for quality, service and solution orientation. In this, it is important to provide the right information, offer a good solution and be honest with each other.

Dexman is a supplier with a wide range of load cells, weighing platforms, pallet scales, crane scales,  force sensors, torque meters, measuring amplifiers, pressure sensors en displacement sensors. You can contact us for standard versions, but also for custom-made components and complete weighing solutions. The choice of the right components usually starts with extensive advice.

We are active in the following sectors: offshore, aerospace, logistics, agriculture, food and pharma. Thank you for your interest in Dexman products and services. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you..

Contact

If you would like to receive more information or a quote, please feel free to contact us contact Contact us.

Name: *

E-mail: *

Phone: *

Subject: *

Message: *

Send me a copy