Laboratory validation of MEMS-based sensors for post-earthquake damage assessment

The EU-funded MEMSCON project aims to produce small size sensing nodes for measurement of strain and acceleration. These integrate Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based sensors and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in a single package; which can be incorporated in reinforced concrete buildings and can transmit data using a wireless interface. During the first phase of the project, sensor prototypes were produced by assembling preexisting components. In the second phase we developed miniaturized MEMS prototypes fulfilling the target application requirements. This paper outlines the accelerometer operating principles and the sensor architecture, and illustrates operation at both unit and network levels. It also reports on validation campaigns conducted in the laboratory to assess system performance.The EU-funded MEMSCON project aims to produce small size sensing nodes for measurement of strain and acceleration. These integrate Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based sensors and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in a single package; which can be incorporated in reinforced concrete buildings and can transmit data using a wireless interface. During the first phase of the project, sensor prototypes were produced by assembling preexisting components. In the second phase we developed miniaturized MEMS prototypes fulfilling the target application requirements. This paper outlines the accelerometer operating principles and the sensor architecture, and illustrates operation at both unit and network levels. It also reports on validation campaigns conducted in the laboratory to assess system performance.P