Monitoring of an engineering structure in the process of its operation in a corrosive environment

Abstract

The functioning of engineering structures that perform critical technological operations is
impossible without monitoring its deformation state. The fundamental engineering problem of this
study is the development of an automated system for monitoring deformation processes in a structure
subject to severe corrosion, as well as the adaptation of this system to the aggressive effects of the
external environment (exposure to salt brines and aerosols, operation at low temperatures). The
engineering structure is a large-scale metal construction for lifting and unloading potash ore from a
mine shaft. A mathematical model has been created for this structure, considering the main weight,
size and stiffness characteristics. Installation locations and sensors parameters were determined on
the basis of numerical experiments. The systems of sensors adapted to the conditions of a corrosive
environment have been developed to control quasi-static, vibrational and dynamic processes on
different time scales. Examples of readings of various types of sensors are given to illustrate the
response of the structure to natural, man-made and technological processes.