Data correlation analysis for optimal sensor placement using a bond energy algorithm

• Optimal sensor placement for civil structural safety monitoring is proposed.
• Redundancy of measurements is considered to build a correlation matrix.
• The bond energy algorithm and information entropy are introduced.
• A large span steel roof structure is the preferred project for method reapplication.

Optimal sensor placement is one of the crucial and fundamental factors for constructing a cost-effective structural health monitoring system and is related to the effective evaluation of the state of the structure. Structural responses are correlated to some extent, as the structural behavior is continuous. Based on the above two considerations, the question arises of how to obtain the maximum amount of information for understanding the structure using measurements from limited sensors and not be limited to direct monitoring at the placements where the limited sensors are located. Data correlation analysis for optimal sensor placement is proposed using a bond energy algorithm, in which the objectives, such as structural response evaluation covering the maximum structural responses using measurements from sensors located at the optimal placements, are taken into account. The data correlation analysis is conducted for the structural responses, and the correlation matrix is established. Furthermore, the optimal sensor placements and the correlation of the responses at element locations can be determined using the bond energy algorithm. A Schwedler single-layer spherical lattice dome-like structure, which is a common large space steel structure, is used to simulate the structural responses and verify the effectiveness of the proposed method by discussion of different scenarios of parameter selection.