London to transform into a metropolis among the clouds: an extensive need for SHM experts
04/06/2024
by Parsa Ghannadi, BINDT Affiliate Member
A recent New London Architecture (NLA) report indicates that London’s skyline will significantly transform in the next ten years, with nearly 600 new towers being built.
Peter Murray, NLA’s Co-Founder, expressed: “London’s population continues to grow, passing the 10 million mark at the end of this decade. We still need tall buildings and NLA will continue to keep a close watch on what is going on.”
Tall buildings are highly subjected to various environmental loads, such as wind, earthquakes and temperature fluctuations. Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems continuously monitor the structural integrity, detecting any anomalies or damages that might compromise the safety of the building and its occupants.
SHM systems can detect even minor structural damage or changes in the building’s behaviour that might indicate underlying issues. Early detection allows for timely intervention, preventing minor problems from escalating into major structural failures. By continuously monitoring the structure’s health, SHM systems enable predictive maintenance strategies. Instead of relying on scheduled inspections or reacting to visible signs of damage, maintenance activities can be scheduled based on the actual condition of the structure, optimising resource allocation and minimising downtime.
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| London skyline: a 2034 view from Greenwich |
Timely detection of structural damage and proactive maintenance can significantly reduce repair costs compared to reactive approaches. Moreover, SHM helps extend the lifespan of the building by addressing problems before they become severe, ultimately saving on replacements and significantly reducing major repair expenses. Implementing SHM systems demonstrates a commitment to safety and risk mitigation, which can positively impact insurance premiums and liability concerns. It provides evidence of proactive measures taken to ensure the structural integrity of the building, potentially reducing insurance costs and legal liabilities.
SHM experts play a vital role in developing and ensuring the effectiveness, reliability and sustainability of SHM systems. Their expertise spans multiple disciplines, including structural engineering, measurements, simulation, data analysis and interpretation and risk management. The UK is home to numerous high-rise buildings, particularly in urban areas such as London, which is predicted to significantly increase in the next decade. Additionally, much of the UK’s infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels and buildings, is ageing and requires regular monitoring.
Therefore, the UK needs SHM experts much more than before and it is an excellent time for individuals with expertise in SHM to consider exploring the UK job market and capitalising on this opportunity to further their careers.
The full report, titled: ‘London’s growing up: a decade of building tall’, published 9 May 2024, can be found online at: https://nla.london/insights/londons-growing-up-a-decade-of-building-tall
