Sensor-based Monitoring System. How Many Do I Need?

One of the questions we get asked the most when we’re helping a client design a sensor-based monitoring system is “How many do I need?” It’s a fair question and can be answered a few different ways depending on the scenario. In the case of a large structure or an infrastructure project, the quantity may be mandated by a monitoring scope which, depending on the technology in the mind of the engineer, could result in a reduced number of monitoring points. In other instances, an engineering specification such as a trackbed monitoring standard often drives the quantity and spacing of sensors. Beyond these scenarios, our clients’ present us with walls, embankments, highwalls, dams, benches, plinths, chimneys, wind turbines,