A novel optimal sensor placement software for supporting the development of monitoring systems in civil engineering structures

Abstract This paper proposes a new software for the Optimal Sensor Placement (OSP) featuring an intuitive graphical user interface that simplifies its use. The software automates OSP analyses, enhancing efficiency, reducing human error, and supporting the development of effective dynamic monitoring systems as a result. It incorporates five well-established OSP methods that allow users to explore the optimal number of sensors and their locations on a structure. Moreover, it accommodates both numerical and experimental data as input. Results are provided in both tabular and graphical format. It can be used in all types of structures, even though it was developed primarily for civil engineering applications. A key innovation of the proposed software is its ability to perform OSP analyses on multi-block, complex, and non-orthogonal buildings, increasing versatility. After a comprehensive description of the new software, its applicability and potentiality are shown through simple applications, as well as with real case studies.