Abstract
This paper introduces the development status of sensor monitoring technique which is making an attempt to innovate as a supplementary tool of the inspection and diagnosis for piers. A pier is composed of a number of metal and RC members. The authors developed the support system for providing port managers with “the continuing collected data from various sensors placed in and/or on the members for evaluating the deterioration progress” and “the advice of professional engineers based on the sensor information” simultaneously by using internet technology. In addition, the effectiveness of this support system was examined by applying a long term sensor monitoring to a real pier or specimens exposed under marine environment. As a result, it could be proven that sensor monitoring was quite effective in the early detection of deterioration. However, it was considered that the professional engineers' participation with much knowledge of the sensor's characteristics and the deterioration of piers was very important for the appreciation of sensor information since the variation of temperatures etc. influences data from the sensors. Moreover the use of this system for unifying the management of sensor information was very useful for the port managers and the professional engineers to perform the preventive maintenance of piers.
