Granada, Spain – july 22, 2024 – We are pleased to announce the successful deployment of Pilot 1 of the Buildchain project at Hospital Real, part of the University of Granada. This significant 16th-century building is now equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, providing real-time data on accelerations, temperature, and humidity.
Overview of Pilot 1 at Hospital Real
In March 2023, the UGR team initiated an archaeostructural study of this iconic building to analyze its materiality and extract detailed architectural drawings. This was followed by a finite element analysis in June 2023, which identified the building’s natural frequencies and vibration modes.
Critical insights from this analysis revealed significant movement within the tower, prompting a specialized monitoring strategy. Consequently, in November 2023, an extensive monitoring campaign was launched, deploying 14 seismic accelerometers—eight in the library and six strategically placed across two levels of the tower. An Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) affirmed the necessity to concentrate on the tower due to its unique vibrational behavior.
It was subsequently decided to permanently maintain the six seismic sensors in the tower to facilitate ongoing monitoring, termed the “permanent campaign.” By December 2023, the focus shifted towards setting up the necessary databases, data architecture, and infrastructure to support this continuous monitoring effort.
A dedicated website was developed for remote status checks, and a REST API using a SHA256 symmetric encryption token was implemented to securely fetch acceleration data in three distinct ways:
– Retrieving data from a specified number of minutes before the last recorded data,
– From a specified timestamp,
– Between two chosen dates.
Check the real-time data here. All information can be downloaded in JSON format via the API Client we have developed.
Comprehensive Monitoring System
The monitoring system at Hospital Real is designed with a robust architecture to ensure real-time data collection, storage, and analysis. The system comprises various types of sensors, including accelerometers to measure structural vibrations, temperature sensors for ambient and critical temperatures, and humidity sensors to track moisture levels. These sensors continuously collect data and transmit it to a central processing unit, where the data is securely stored and managed in a database capable of handling large volumes of data efficiently. The REST API facilitates data access, allowing users to request data in multiple formats and timeframes.
Real-Time Data Reception
We are excited to confirm that the system is currently operational, and we are receiving live data. This capability allows for continuous monitoring and timely interventions if any anomalies are detected. These real-time data enable tools for Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) and Bayesian analysis, allowing comprehensive evaluation and integration with third-party software such as Artemis and Abaqus.
This deployment marks a significant milestone for the Buildchain project, reflecting our commitment to leveraging advanced technology for better infrastructure monitoring and management.