What Happens When Infrastructure Ages Without Monitoring?
We look at the huge bridges we drive over, the tall buildings we live and work in, and the infrastructure we use without thinking. We assume that they were built to last forever. But, as we have learned from everything in life, everything is subject to one principle: everything ages.
It is not a matter of whether it will weaken. It is a matter of how fast it will weaken.
The Reality of Aging Structures
As time goes on, every structure will eventually have to deal with the issue of aging. It will begin to weaken gradually. The original strength of the structure will begin to disappear. Cracks will begin to form. The structure on the inside will begin to disintegrate.
It is a normal process. But, as we see, it is not a normal process for very long.
Small Problems, Big Consequences
Take, for instance, a small crack in a concrete wall. This may not be such a major issue at first look. But if we think of the fact that it is constantly exposed to different environmental conditions such as moisture and temperature, there is a possibility of the crack increasing in size.
Steel structures in a building or a bridge may corrode from within. The joints of a building may be affected by vibrations from vehicles or the wind.
It is a slow and continuous process. But it is a process that can lead to sudden and unexpected collapse.
Why Monitoring Matters More as Structures Age
It is true that newly constructed buildings and bridges are designed with safety factors in consideration. But over time, these factors wear off. This is where environmental monitoring becomes more significant. With monitoring, engineers are in a position to determine how a building or a bridge is aging.
Avoiding Unexpected Failures
One of the biggest risks of old infrastructure is the possibility of failures.
Lack of monitoring ensures that when failures happen, they are only detected when the problem becomes apparent due to some kind of damage.
By the time the problem is detected, it is too late. The risk of failures is very high.
Monitoring systems ensure that failures are avoided.
They ensure that unknown risks are made known.
Cost vs Safety: A Smart Balance
Most people would think that monitoring systems are costly.
However, the truth is that monitoring systems actually save money in the long run.
It is much costlier to have emergency repairs, failures, and downtime than it is to have preventive measures.
Monitoring systems ensure that resources are being utilized in an efficient manner.
The Future of Infrastructure Management
With our growing cities and aging infrastructure, we are no longer able to afford to only use conventional means of inspecting our infrastructure.
Environmental Structural Monitoring: A Necessity, Not a Choice
It is helping us extend the life of our structures, increase our safety, and make better decisions.
Final Thoughts
Aging: We can’t avoid it. Failure: We can avoid it.
With the proper monitoring systems in place, we are now able to learn how our structures behave over time. Why? Because in infrastructure, what you can’t see can hurt you the most.
