The frequency variation for static assessment of masonry structures

The paper deals with the structural monitoring of a monument by using the technique of dynamic parameter measurement. Historical buildings, as well as any kind of masonry structures, if located inside the city could be exposed to the traffic vibration, which can induce stresses inside the material, sometime comparable with small earthquakes. Then a permanent measurement of the frequency of the micro-shocks/vibrations is suggested to be applied to this monuments. Such a monitoring could be effectively performed by recording the acceleration, for instance, in different point of the monument, with suitable device capable to measure such a "low-amplitude" action. The system could be more appealing if it could be wireless, i.e. connecting all the measuring points with a radio network, avoiding to spread in around cables and wires. The wireless system could be also adopted to set up a remote control of the monument, being able to communicate via radio the recorded parameters. Some preliminary experimental results are provided as monitoring campaign in historical centres.