Long-Term Monitoring of High-Rise Buildings in Moscow

Abstract : A long-term structural health monitoring program started in 2000 with a seismometrical monitoring station installed in 44-storey ÒEdelweissî tower. Since then several high-rise residential buildings in Moscow were equipped with monitoring systems. The research includes both practical and scientific purposes. The practical one is to increase the structural safety by detecting anomalies in structural behaviour. The scientific one is to gain knowledge about the evolution of reinforced concrete structures stress-strain state during the construction and operation of buildings. The large amounts of data have been obtained using various types of equipment (seismometers, pressure cells, extensometers and vibrating wire strain gauges). Based on results it was possible to establish main factors that influence the stress-strain state of structures. The actual data was compared to simulation results and the most appropriate computer models were determined. The redistribution of stresses between parts of a construction turned out to be impossible to reproduce by means of finite element analysis in current software suites was found. Finally, a technique of long-term forecast of the stress-strain state of reinforced concrete structures was developed.