Low-cost vibration monitoring for anomaly detection and localization on masonry towers

Detecting and forecasting the progressive degradation of structures due to natural material decay or unexpected vibrations, such as those resulting from earthquakes or explosions, is of paramount importance. However, the task of identifying structural damage through the analysis of modal parameters evolutions, while mitigating the influence of external factors like environmental effects, can be a complex and time-intensive endeavor. Conversely, the ability to promptly discern a structure’s altered behavior assumes critical significance in safeguarding human lives and facilitating accurate and timely enhancements. This study employed a method that directly processed data from a continuous monitoring system, thereby reducing the computational burden. It obviated the necessity to extract modal characteristics from the acquired data and offered nearly immediate feedback on dynamic behavior alterations. These attributes are pivotal for the development of sustainable monitoring practices that are both cost-effective and time efficient.