Challenges in the Deployment of Structural Health Monitoring System for Port Pier Structures

NAHMAT KHODAIE¹ SEYED HASSAN SHAMS LAHROUDI²

1) Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Khormoj Branch, Iran mail:
2) Master of Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Khormoj Branch, Iran

IOI Code : AAHE-ACZDDA
Publication : National Conference on Civil Engineering, Design and Construction Technologies, Energy, Materials and Advanced Machinery(icaeu.ir)
Abstract :
    Port piers, as strategic nodes in the global supply chain, are exposed to progressive deterioration caused by chloride-induced corrosion, dynamic loading, and aggressive environmental conditions. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) provides a systematic strategy for continuously assessing the condition of these structures; however, its practical deployment in port environments has progressed considerably more slowly than in the bridge and building sectors. This study systematically reviews and categorizes the challenges associated with the deployment of SHM systems in port piers based on an analysis of 61 international scientific sources. The findings indicate that, with the advancement of monitoring technologies, the challenges associated with SHM deployment are no longer limited to sensor-related technologies. Rather, a major challenge is the absence of an integrated deployment framework capable of aligning technical capabilities with asset management workflows, contractual incentives, and regulatory standards. Based on the reviewed studies, five major challenge domains are identified as barriers to the sustainable deployment of this technology-driven approach in port piers: (1) environmental and operational constraints, (2) technical and technological barriers, (3) economic and financial barriers, (4) institutional and standardization gaps, and (5) challenges related to resilience and extreme events. These challenges collectively hinder the sustainable and effective implementation of SHM systems in port pier structures.

Keywords : structural health monitoring (shm) port piers coastal structures deployment challenges digital twin asset management