Sensor and Instrumentation Technologies for Civil Engineering Applications

Unit 1

Fundamentals of Measurement, Sensing and Instrumentation covering definition of measurement and instrumentation, physical variables, common types of sensors; Describe the function of these sensors; Use appropriate terminology to discuss sensor applications; and qualitatively interpret signals from a known sensor type, types of instrumentation, Sensor Specifics, Permanent installations, Temporary installations; 8

Unit 2

Sensor Installation and Operation covering to: i) Predict the response of sensors to various inputs; ii) Construct a conceptual instrumentation and monitoring program; iii) Describe the order and methodology for sensor installation; and iv) Differentiate between types of sensors and their modes of operation and measurement and v) Approach to Planning Monitoring Programs, Define target, Sensor selection, Sensor siting, Sensor Installation & Configuration, Advanced topic, Sensor design, Measurement uncertainty 8

Unit 3

Data Analysis and Interpretation covering a) Fundamental statistical concepts, b) Data reduction and interpretation, c) Piezometer, Inclinometer, Strain gauge, etc. d) Time domain signal processing, e) Discrete signals, Signals and noise and f) a few examples of statistical information to calculate are: Average value (mean), On average, how much each measurement deviates from the mean (standard deviation), Midpoint between the lowest and highest value of the set (median), Most frequently occurring value (mode), Span of values over which your data set occurs (range) 8

Unit 4

Frequency Domain Signal Processing and Analysis covering Explain the need for frequency domain analysis and its principles; Draw conclusions about physical processes based on analysis of sensor data; Combine signals in a meaningful way to gain deeper insight into physical phenomena, Basic concepts in frequency domain signal processing and analysis, Fourier Transform, FFT (Fast Fourier Transform), 8 Example problems: Noise reduction with filters, Leakage, Frequency resolution.

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