DuraNode: wireless-networked sensing system for structural safety monitoring

DuraNode is a sensing system designed for structural monitoring. It can detect the damage of structural members, provide crucial intelligence information of structural integrity and activate emergency response mechanism in the initial stages of a disaster. The sensor encompasses three MEMS-type accelerometers (SD-1221) and Wi-Fi (802.11b) communication adapter. It operates on solar power and rechargeable battery making it last for long term service without battery replacement. DuraNodes can be deployed in the form of a dense wireless network to enable seamless acquisition of structural intelligence in a complex structural system. A preliminary data acquisition and signal display module with graphic user interface (GUI) has been developed for connection of access points in ad-hoc networking. To validate the performance of DuraNode in structural monitoring applications, experiments were conducted on measuring vibration of a Pedestrian bridge in UC, Irvine, and a two-column bridge bent specimen with a Shake-table test in University of Neveda, Reno. Results were compared with that from conventional wired sensors and showed that DuraNode is cost-effective for carrying out robust sensing functions in the structural safety monitoring missions.