External impacts

Understanding Structural Behaviour Through Contextual Monitoring

Monitoring and instrumentation only deliver real value when measurement data can be correctly interpreted and linked to the actual behaviour of the structure.

Changes observed over time may result from ageing, construction activities, foundation degradation or environmental influences.

External actions such as temperature variations, wind or traffic loads are often key drivers behind these changes. These stresses not only affect the structure itself but can also influence the performance of the monitoring instruments.

To fully answer the questions that justify the installation of structural instrumentation, it is therefore essential to measure and analyse these external factors alongside structural data, ensuring reliable interpretation and informed decision‑making.

Our solutions to measure external impacts

Airflow testing

These measurements make it possible to define or check the ventilation conditions in the tunnel according to the weather conditions outside and the traffic. In the event of a fire, the air flow in the tunnel must be stopped to slow the spread of the flames.

Measurements of speed, traffic, temperature and humidity are taken in the tunnel and around the tunnel heads, with and without traffic. The data is analysed using the nearest permanent recorder, the concession holder’s weather station or the Météo France weather station.

The results of the analysis show the relationship between the natural ventilation speed and the measurements of wind and atmospheric conditions from the permanent station and the traffic. This enables the concessionaire to check the sizing of its ventilation systems on the basis of estimated return times for extreme weather conditions, and to draw up adjustment tables for its mechanical ventilation.

Earthquake

High-performance solutions for capturing the impact of earthquakes on structures

Earthquakes generate significant dynamic forces that can damage engineering structures located in sensitive areas. The collection of quality data during these events is crucial to analysing the behaviour of structures in relation to their design tolerances, and to guiding the decision to maintain a structure under traffic.

Sixense has proven expertise and know-how in the design of high-frequency, high-resolution data acquisition systems, incorporating appropriate sensors, for earthquake detection, characterisation and the resulting structural response.

Our software solutions provide a simple, reliable way of configuring the recording of this type of event, then consulting, analysing and retrieving the data, all from a web interface.

Why choose our solutions?

Our solutions facilitate proactive decision-making and enable you to:

Know the condition of your structures in real time
Anticipate and optimise maintenance
Guarantee user safety
Extend the lifespan of structures