Sensors (Jan 2014)

Monitoring Architectural Heritage by Wireless Sensors Networks: San Gimignano — A Case Study

  • Alessandro Mecocci,
  • Andrea Abrardo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/s140100770
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 770 – 778

Abstract

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This paper describes a wireless sensor network (WSN) used to monitor the health state of architectural heritage in real-time. The WSN has been deployed and tested on the “Rognosa” tower in the medieval village of San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy. This technology, being non-invasive, mimetic, and long lasting, is particularly well suited for long term monitoring and on-line diagnosis of the conservation state of heritage buildings. The proposed monitoring system comprises radio-equipped nodes linked to suitable sensors capable of monitoring crucial parameters like: temperature, humidity, masonry cracks, pouring rain, and visual light. The access to data is granted by a user interface for remote control. The WSN can autonomously send remote alarms when predefined thresholds are reached.

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