Abstract (EN):
This paper describes the implementation of a monitoring system on the breakwater at the
Funchal Port (Madeira Island, Portugal) for the purpose of understanding its dynamic behavior
and the temporal evolution of structural health. The monitoring system focuses on the breakwater
superstructure and aims to identify the evolution of damage on the breakwater and analyze the
impact of cruise ships docking and undocking. The system includes the measurement of
displacements through geodetic techniques using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
and the measurement of vibrations using accelerometers. Ten observation campaigns were
performed over almost three years. As the measured displacements during this period were less
than 7.5 mm it can be concluded that, despite some visible cracks, the breakwater superstructure
did not suffer significant structural changes. It was shown from the measured acceleration
records that some of the main modal parameters could be identified, namely the main natural
frequencies of the superstructure. Through an analysis of the natural frequencies progression
over time it will be possible to identify deterioration effects on the foundation and/or the
superstructure. The comparison of natural frequencies identified could be useful in order to
evaluate the impact of these events on structural health.
Language:
English
Type (Professor's evaluation):
Scientific
Contact:
vgomes@fe.up.pt