Dynamic monitoring of a tunnel-like masonry structure using wireless sensor networks

The application of wireless sensor network technology for long-term monitoring of a historic tunnel-like masonry structure in Italy is described. The monitoring was performed within the activity of a research project aimed at providing a general framework to check the structural health of heritage structures and detect, in real time, any potential damage that may compromise their safety. The selected case study (a tunnel-like masonry structure) represented a challenging experiment, both in terms of the type of structure itself and the technical solution employed for installing the monitoring system. After a brief description of the installed monitoring system and the design of the sensor layout, the lessons learned after 1 year of monitoring are summarised.