A different approach to sensor networking for SHM: Remote powering and interrogation with unmanned aerial vehicles

Sensor networking is an important first-line component in any structural health monitoring (SHM) application. We present how an interdisciplinary team of structural, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers are tackling a large-scale civil infrastructure SHM application by proposing a new variant on sensor networking. Most sensor arrays are typically interrogated via conventional wired networks, which require centralized processing and powering. Conversely, recent technology advances in embedded architectures and power harvesting have allowed! wireless networks to be developed, where each individual sensor is individually powered and communicates with neighboring sensors or substations via hopping, protocols. This work will present a hybrid approach to sensor array interrogation,, where both power and data interrogation commands are conveyed via an autonomous: aerial vehicle that is sent (via remote piloting or GPS autopilot programming) to each sensor or node to perform the individual interrogation. Power does not have to reside at the sensor node, relaxing battery or other such powering requirements. This work will discuss such a prototype system, which will be used to interrogate impedance-based and capacitive-based preload sensors on a full-scale bridge.