Structural Health Monitoring of Aging Buildings: A Review

Abstract

Progressive aging of building structures is an unavoidable process that can be influenced by environmental exposure, material degradation, and cumulative loading over time. The transition to ageing brings about various defects, including microcracking, reinforcement corrosion, delamination, and reduced stiffness, which undermine the safety, functionality, and service life of buildings. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a scientific and systematic method for diagnosing and assessing degradation processes by combining sensors, data-collection devices, and analytical models. Recent developments in non-destructive testing (NDT), wireless sensor networks, and machine learning algorithms have changed SHM from a non-periodic inspection design to a real-time assessment framework. The paper reviews the relationship between building ageing and SHM, the typical defects at different stages of a building's life, suitable diagnostic methods, and maintenance treatments. It focuses on developing predictive maintenance schemes and green practices for sustainable rehabilitation that prolong structural service life and enhance structural resilience across various environmental conditions.