Development of an IoT Based Sensing System for Structural Health Monitoring Using Low-Cost Accelerometers

The work details the development of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based structural health monitoring (SHM) system using low-cost accelerometers. This system is designed to improve the safety and maintenance of civil infrastructures, such as bridges, by continuously monitoring vibrations. The data collected by the sensors is transmitted to a cloud database via wireless communication for real-time processing and analysis. The system architecture includes analog accelerometer sensors and a micro controller with an integrated Wi- Fi antenna, allowing for internet connection and real-time data transmission. The system uses the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to convert signals from the time domain to the frequency domain, identifying the predominant vibration frequencies. Validation tests showed that the sensors respond reliably to stimuli, and the results were consistent with oscilloscope readings. The conclusion of the work suggests that continuous real-time monitoring is feasible and cost-effective, representing a significant advance compared to traditional methods that are expensive and require extensive on-site preparation. Future improvements include installing the sensors on real bridges for evaluation in uncontrolled conditions, further validating the system's effectiveness in real-world environments.