Remote and Wireless Long-term Vibration Monitoring of Historic Monuments

Wireless and remote vibration long-term monitoring offer several advantages, especially to historic masonry monuments. Monetary advantages from reduced site visits and expert intervention as well as efficiency from automated and online data analysis make the system an attractive option for long-term monitoring of changes in vibration characteristics of historical monuments. Monitoring systems that are deployed for the long term using wired and cable powered sensors and computers is also impracticable at sites that also serve as tourist attractions. This paper discusses a proof-of-concepts application of a six-month long deployment of a vibration-monitoring system on a culturally important historic monument Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC. The system is designed to have a negligible aesthetic impact on the monument by using solar energy to power the sensors, radio communication between sensors and data acquisition system, and remote control over internet. The key considerations, detailed deployment experience and lessons learnt are also discussed.