The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) worked jointly with Senceive to deliver an enhanced wireless sensor network that monitors the degradation of important infrastructure across the United Kingdom. Senceive is a London-based firm that deals with infrastructure monitoring.
Senceive sensors monitor UK rail infrastructure
The structures that Senceive’s sensor network monitors are bridges, railway structures, historical buildings etc. The sensor network takes care of the preventive maintenance of structures, which helps in extending the life of the buildings and mitigating the risk of accidents.
The wireless sensors from Senceive are sophisticated embedded systems that have the capabilities to quantify even uncertain parameters. Senceive sought the help of NPL to ensure that their systems were able to deliver reliable data overcoming the physical challenges while taking measurement. NPL assisted Senceive in making design changes in improving their tilt sensing system by enhancing its accuracy and precision. In order to address the uncertainties in measurements, NPL helped in characterization of the output for vibration and linearity. By being associated with NPL since 2009, Senceive was able to get clarity over the uncertainties in measurement and their preparedness to handle bigger projects also improved greatly.
Senceive is now in a position to understand the performance of the sensors. Senceive has designed a wireless sensor system, which monitors a 14 ton, 20 m long and 5 m high footbridge. The system is currently being tested by NPL, which is increasing the load until the damage point and analyzing the effects.