Assessing Structural Integrity in Real Time
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) using Acoustic Emission (AE) enables continuous assessment of large assets such as bridges, storage tanks, and aircraft structures, even during operation. Instead of detecting static flaws, AE identifies *active damage* as it occurs.
AE sensors detect high-frequency stress waves produced by micro-events like crack initiation, corrosion, or delamination. The system analyzes signal characteristics and triangulates the source of these emissions, allowing engineers to track the evolution of damage in real-time.
BQCIS employs AE for proactive maintenance planning and safety assurance, offering data-driven insights that help extend service life and minimize downtime through predictive maintenance intelligence.
Key AE SHM Activities
Key Benefits of AE for Structural Health Monitoring
Early Warning of Damage
Detects the onset of micro-cracks or corrosion long before visual indicators appear, enabling preventative action.
Global Structural Assessment
Monitors large assets with a limited number of sensors, delivering full coverage and trend visualization.
Optimized Inspection Intervals
Data trends help defer or target conventional inspections only where AE activity indicates evolving risk.
In-Service Monitoring
Allows safe monitoring of assets under load or in production, avoiding costly shutdowns or disassembly.
Success Story
AE Monitoring Identifies Active Cracking in Bridge Support
An aging suspension bridge required real-time fatigue assessment of key girders without interrupting daily traffic flow.
BQCIS deployed AE sensors to monitor acoustic signatures caused by crack initiation during traffic loads. Data was transmitted wirelessly to an AI-based diagnostic dashboard.
The system detected early fatigue activity at two high-stress joints. Focused ultrasonic testing confirmed the findings. Timely intervention prevented a major maintenance shutdown and extended bridge lifespan by 5 years.