Assessment of different optimal sensor placement methods for dynamic monitoring of civil structures and infrastructures

The optimal sensor placement is a critical aspect in the structural health monitoring of structures, as the number and layout of sensors directly impact the quality and usefulness of collected data. When developing a monitoring system, it is of paramount importance to use the minimum number of sensors to gain the maximum amount and quality of information. However, in the case of a limited number of sensors, their location on the structure becomes crucial. This study aims to assess the potential of several optimal sensor placement methods for the development of cost-efficient and well-dimensioned dynamic structural health monitoring systems to be implemented in a wide range of civil engineering structures and infrastructures. Indeed, the construction stock consists of a great variety of civil engineering structures and infrastructures that significantly differ from each other in terms of typology, historical period, construction techniques, materials, etc. Some of the most widely used optimal sensor placement methods are selected and applied in real case studies, and the obtained sensor configurations are discussed and compared. The results illustrated in this paper will contribute to defining good practice in the optimal sensor placement procedure for typical civil engineering structures and infrastructures.