Digitalization of existing measurement equipment as a valid basis for monitoring and structural behavior

To determine damage and its effects, dense time series data is required, along with information from other sources like temperature changes that influence the main damage parameter and the structure itself. This allows the assessment of structural
behavior, separating periodic and temperature-related effects from damage and ageing-related changes in load-bearing capacity. However, existing monitoring systems often lack proper documentation on measured values and their limits. Analog systems, suitable for early service life monitoring, provide readings at long intervals (years). Poor accessibility to remote measuring points further limits comprehensive time series data, including temperature correlations and other environmental correlations.
This article presents an approach that can be used to digitize different types of sensors and measuring devices in order to enable the autonomous and continuous generation of measurement data. The examples range from displacement transducers to force measuring devices, which were already installed in analogue form on existing civil engineering structures. The aim is to use digitalization to demonstrate a simple and cost-effective approach on using existing measurement technology as an initial basis for giving a statement about the behavior of the structure, its state of preservation and thus, in addition to supplementing the
inspection process, also serve as a starting point for further monitoring.