Testing and Monitoring the Built Environment: Experimental Methods for Existing Structures and Infrastructure

Beyond traditional inspection methods, experimental techniques, ranging from non-destructive to destructive approaches, have assumed a critical role in the diagnosis of existing structures and infrastructure. These techniques are fundamental in deepening knowledge of the performance and condition of such systems, enabling their evolution to be tracked over time. In parallel, experimental analyses conducted in laboratory environments have been essential for understanding structural behaviour, providing evidence-based support for theoretical developments. The rapid evolution of techniques and tools in structural health monitoring, laboratory testing, and field experimentation requires continuous upskilling of researchers. Additionally, access to experimental data is as essential as the experiments themselves for advancing the field. Several initiatives have been undertaken to support, promote and disseminate freely and widely available datasets. Nonetheless, the availability of such data remains limited and fragmented.Within this context, this Research Topic aims to bring together and critically discuss emerging trends and recent advances in experimental analysis and structural health monitoring for the assessment, diagnosis and understanding of existing structures and infrastructure systems. The objective is to collect high-quality contributions presenting experimental investigations employing non-destructive, minor-destructive and destructive techniques, alongside innovative structural health monitoring and damage identification strategies, encompassing both laboratory-based testing programmes and in-situ fieldwork campaigns. Emphasis is placed on approaches that support risk, vulnerability and performance assessments across the asset life cycle. Contributions may address: protocols and procedures; equipment and sensing technologies; data acquisition and signal processing methods; the integration of experimental data with numerical and analytical models; as well as relevant applications and lessons learnt.Contributions may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:• Design and implementation of complex or non-conventional experimental setups • Development and application of innovative testing equipment and sensor technologies • Development of repeatable and standardisable experimental protocols targeting specific assessment objectives • Integration of multi-method experimental approaches combining different testing strategies and equipment • Documentation and analysis of failures and unexpected experimental outcomes, including lessons learnt and best practices • Generation and use of experimental benchmarks and open datasets for the validation of analytical or numerical modelling approaches • Contributions addressing scale effects, testing limitations and uncertainty quantification • Emerging experimental approaches involving digitalisation, automation, and smart sensing technologiesThis Research Topic accepts the following article types: • Brief Research Report • Data Report • FAIR² Data • Methods • Mini Review • Original Research • Review • Systematic Review • Technology and Code Topic editors: Alberto Barontini, Mattia Zizi, Maria Giovanna Masciotta, Giuseppe Brando, Michele Mirra Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82310/testing-and-monitoring-the-built-environment-experimental-methods-for-existing-structures-and-infrastructure