FROM INSPECTION TO INNOVATION: THE GROWTH OF STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING IN MODERN ENGINEERING

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) refers to the process of using various techniques and technologies to assess the health, safety, and stability of infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, and dams. The purpose of SHM is to detect potential problems early, ensuring timely maintenance and preventing catastrophic failures. Over the past decades, SHM has advanced significantly, incorporating new technologies such as sensors, data analytics, and machine learning. This article explores the recent advancements in SHM, focusing on its applications in civil engineering, the technologies used, and the challenges and future directions of this rapidly evolving field. It highlights the importance of SHM in ensuring the longevity and safety of infrastructure while reducing maintenance costs and enhancing the decision-making process in structural engineering.