Challenges in the analysis of inhomogeneous structural monitoring data

In modern structural monitoring, geodetic sensors (total stations, GNSS sensors, etc.) are used simultaneously with other sensors like level sensors or fibre optic sensors. Traditionally, geodetic deformation analysis is based on network adjustment and focuses on geometrical changes of an object neglecting the causes for the deformations and the dynamics of the process. This approach fails in case of spatially distributed and inhomogeneous measurement data due to a collapse of the normal equation system. In this paper an integrated analysis method (IAM) is presented which establishes missing measurement connections by the integration of a finite element model in the analysis. The proposed IAM is applied to the monitoring data of a monolithic bridge. Using the IAM, it is possible to analyse the behaviour of the structure and to assess if measured deformations are part of the normal structural behaviour caused by changing environmental conditions.