Standardization of database structures for monitoring data: Fid-Bau Portal

Standardization of database structures for monitoring data

Inaudi, D. / Glisic, B. / Vurpillot, S.

The permanent or regular monitoring of structures with sensors of any type can generate a consistent volume of data. Furthermore, it is often necessary to store additional information that is useful for the analysis of the measurements. Our experience has shown that the use of relational database structures can greatly simple the handling of this large data-flow. With as appropriate data structure, the measurement data and other related information an the monitoring network, the structure and its environment can be organized in a single file that will follow the structure's life in the years. This paper describes the data-structure that has been developed in the framework of the SOFO project. This database is capable of storing data from multiple types of sensors. It is now used at the unique interface between the data-acquisition (DAQ) software packages (for the different sensor types) and the data-representation and analysis packages (DRA). This approach has the advantage that the addition of new sensor types does generally not require changes in the DRA software and improvements in the DRA software are immediately applicable to all sensor types. The database structure is open, and any DAQ or DRA package can add fields and tables that are specific to its needs. In our experience, the use of relational database structures also greatly simplifies the quality management and can help in the certification of monitoring systems.