MNNIT Allahabad (to be used as representational image)
IIT Delhi professor Suresh Bhalla said continuous loading, weather variations and corrosion of steel components gradually weaken bridges and buildings, while early damage often remains invisible. Lakshmi K of CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai, said a structure could appear sound externally even after internal damage had begun. Experts said such continuous monitoring could help authorities move from reactive repairs to preventive maintenance, extend the service life of ageing structures and reduce the risk of sudden failures and costly repairs.
The technology could significantly reduce the need for destructive testing, as data from sensors embedded within concrete can provide information about the material’s condition without damaging the structure. The same principle can be used to monitor vibrations in bridges and heritage structures and assess their structural health. Sensors can detect vibrations and minute changes and help identify weaknesses in bolted joints and concrete components. Mathematical and computer-based techniques can help locate and assess such defects, while methods such as genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimisation and differential evolution can analyse sensor data and identify damage patterns.
The three-day international seminar, organised by the civil engineering department of MNNIT, concluded on Saturday night.