A ground engineering and asset preservation specialist has launched a world-first structural analysis technology that will allow insurance companies to pinpoint structural damage and risks of insured assets in real-time.
Mainmark’s Structural Risk Assessment and Management (STRAAM), developed by global pioneer in dynamic structural monitoring Dr Alan Jeary, uses non-destructive ground monitors to measure the structural integrity of any above-ground structure.
The STRAAM technology utilises ground monitors to carry out a Structural-Cardiograph (SCG) to measure the vibrations that occur in response to environmental factors. These vibrations determine the structure’s dynamic signature, or ‘heartbeat,’ and provides real-time reports that accurately assess the rigidity of a structure and changes in its capacity due to subsidence, ageing, earthquake damage, or other activities, Mainmark explained in a statement.
Tim Pope, COO at Mainmark said: “Real-time structural analysis can indicate causes of structural damage, likely risk of further damage, and overall structural stability.”
“This provides crucial information for the construction, property, public infrastructure, and insurance industries. The data can be used to prepare insurance policies and claims, enhance occupant safety, navigate litigation, improve asset management, and help to make communities and buildings more resilient to natural disasters.”
The technology is said to be both accurate and fast. It can produce rapid baseline measurements in a matter of hours, and can make online comprehensive reports available with three dimensional modelling.
The system can be used for one-off readings or for continuous monitoring over a period of time, such as during construction or in a seismic environment.
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