Smartphone-Assisted Dynamic Identification of Infrastructures Using Scaled Vehicles

This study presents the preliminary outcomes of an experimental campaign aimed at evaluating the applicability and reliability of smartphone-based techniques for structural monitoring of civil infrastructures in the city of Palermo (Italy). The research explores a vehicle-structure interaction approach, employing a small-scale vehicle equipped with both traditional accelerometers and a smartphone device to acquire acceleration data during crossings. The primary goal is to assess the feasibility of using smartphone sensors and related mobile applications as low-cost, easily deployable tools for vibration-based monitoring. Several tests are conducted by driving the instrumented vehicle over the structure, allowing the collection of dynamic response data from both the vehicle and the underlying system. Specific attention is devoted to comparing the performance of smartphone micro-electromechanical systems (Mems) accelerometers with that of conventional piezoelectric sensors, in terms of sensitivity, noise levels, and accuracy in identifying modal characteristics. The results contribute to the broader goal of developing cost-effective and user-friendly methodologies for continuous vibration-based assessment of transportation infrastructures in urban environments.