High frequency GNSS measurements for structural monitoring applications

Abstract

Dynamic deformation monitoring of structures such as long bridges, towers, and tall buildings, for the purpose of determining structural vibrations, is possible using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (Lovse et al. 1995). Starting from 1998, high frequency GNSS measurements have been performed at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Trieste, Italy, on special civil engineering structures: chimneys, bridges, wind-power towers simulators for the analysis of dynamic behavior and structural vibration monitoring. Using 10, 20 and 50 Hz GPS and GPS+GLONASS receivers, different tests have been performed using simulators built on purpose for the experiments and in real conditions on high structures. A report of the tests performed on a 100 m chimney in Trieste, Italy during strong wind conditions from 1998 to 2002 and using a simulator of elliptical movements for applications to wind-powers vibrations monitoring, in the framework of Italian COFIN98 Aerogen Project, in the years 2008–2010, are herein reported.