Smart Sensor Box: A Real Implementation of Devices Network for Structural Health Monitoring

This paper presents a low-cost, safe and effective implementation of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) through the use of a wireless sensor network for Structural Health Monitoring. A special device, called Smart Sensor Box, is designed and realized at this purpose. It acquires data collected by various sensors properly located on the structure, in order to make the information available to workers which use web based applications for post-processing and determining structure's condition. The paper illustrates the description of this device, the design process of the wireless sensor network and the realization details. Data collected throug the Smart Sensor Box can be fastly analyzed to assess a safety level of the monitored structure and rescue actions can be promptly executed if needed. The final aim is to minimize the potential damage that can occur to structures, generic as well as of cultural interest, due to natural phenomena.