Table 5. Simulated pre-monitoring value... | Emerald Publishing

Table 5.

Simulated pre-monitoring value assessment matrix (Nine wells Bridge)

	Question	Very unlikely or not at all	Not likely	Neutral, i.e. may or may not occur	Likely	Very likely/certain	Comments
	Question	1	2	3	4	5	Comments
SHM engineer	How likely is it that the required accuracy of the proposed measurements can be ascertained?		X				Fibre optic (FO) technology was installed as part of a research project. Accuracy and precision of FO for monitoring is still the subject of research.
	How likely is it that the specified system can be designed to be sufficiently robust such that it can be maintained over the life of the monitoring project?	X					The FO cables selected for the research project were not very robust. They were inexpensive telecommunications fibres and one aim of the research was to study how they would perform in a harsh construction environment. Many fibres were damaged during casting, transportation and installation of the concrete beams. Once installed the fibres were prone to further damage from vandalism.
	How likely is it that the appropriate auditing will be conducted by a third party to certify that the gathered data are reliable? (For example, monthly reports that give details of calibrations undertaken and ‘sanity checking’ of collected data.)	X					While some data were gathered, due to the fact that little is known about what is ‘quality’ FO data, no auditing was carried out.
Structural engineer	How likely is it that relevant values of appropriate threshold values will be assigned in consultation with the asset owner so as to ensure that the owner will act if these values are realised in the field?		X				Appropriate threshold values were not determined, but some estimates (calculations) of expected creep and shrinkage values were made. The primary purpose of the deployment was to validate strain readings from the FO system (see Hoult et al., 2009).
	How likely is it that the critical monitoring locations on the structure can be determined?				X		Installation of the fibres cast in situ was done and this meant that some data for validation of creep and shrinkage models were available.
	How likely is it that the data be used for validation (or falsification) of structural models which may assist with the design of more efficient future structures for the asset owner?			X			Primary use was to validate the use of FO technology but some of the data could be used to validate or at least compare with creep and shrinkage models.
Owner/Asset manager	How likely is it that the necessary actions (or decisions) will be taken if threshold (trigger) values are exceeded/reached?	X					No threshold or trigger values were set.
	How likely is it that the data to be collected will be able to inform a maintenance regime?	X					The monitoring system was only installed for research purposes.
	How likely is it that there will be a secure budget necessary for the intended period of operation of the monitoring project?				X		The research project was adequately funded.
Average		2·1					Project may yield value to the asset owner/manager.

	Question	Very unlikely or not at all	Not likely	Neutral, i.e. may or may not occur	Likely	Very likely/certain	Comments
	Question	1	2	3	4	5	Comments
SHM engineer	How likely is it that the required accuracy of the proposed measurements can be ascertained?		X				Fibre optic (FO) technology was installed as part of a research project. Accuracy and precision of FO for monitoring is still the subject of research.
	How likely is it that the specified system can be designed to be sufficiently robust such that it can be maintained over the life of the monitoring project?	X					The FO cables selected for the research project were not very robust. They were inexpensive telecommunications fibres and one aim of the research was to study how they would perform in a harsh construction environment. Many fibres were damaged during casting, transportation and installation of the concrete beams.Once installed the fibres were prone to further damage from vandalism.
	How likely is it that the appropriate auditing will be conducted by a third party to certify that the gathered data are reliable? (For example, monthly reports that give details of calibrations undertaken and ‘sanity checking’ of collected data.)	X					While some data were gathered, due to the fact that little is known about what is ‘quality’ FO data, no auditing was carried out.
Structural engineer	How likely is it that relevant values of appropriate threshold values will be assigned in consultation with the asset owner so as to ensure that the owner will act if these values are realised in the field?		X				Appropriate threshold values were not determined, but some estimates (calculations) of expected creep and shrinkage values were made. The primary purpose of the deployment was to validate strain readings from the FO system (see Hoult et al., 2009).
	How likely is it that the critical monitoring locations on the structure can be determined?				X		Installation of the fibres cast in situ was done and this meant that some data for validation of creep and shrinkage models were available.
	How likely is it that the data be used for validation (or falsification) of structural models which may assist with the design of more efficient future structures for the asset owner?			X			Primary use was to validate the use of FO technology but some of the data could be used to validate or at least compare with creep and shrinkage models.
Owner/Asset manager	How likely is it that the necessary actions (or decisions) will be taken if threshold (trigger) values are exceeded/reached?	X					No threshold or trigger values were set.
	How likely is it that the data to be collected will be able to inform a maintenance regime?	X					The monitoring system was only installed for research purposes.
	How likely is it that there will be a secure budget necessary for the intended period of operation of the monitoring project?				X		The research project was adequately funded.
Average		2·1					Project may yield value to the asset owner/manager.