Cost-benefit Analysis of Smart Structures

2. School of Engineering of Vilanova i la Geltrú, Technical University of Catalonia-BarcelonaTech, Spain

Abstract: Smart structure is defined as structure equipped with sensors (especially continuous and composed of fiber optic), so that it is capable of transmitting data of interest about its state of health (deformations, cracks, oxidations, etc.). This technology can facilitate the preventive maintenance of buildings and the management of their structural health. Therefore, a necessary aspect of interest to analyze in order to know if the technology is applicable or not, is to evaluate its profitability. Thus, the objective of this article is to perform a cost-benefit analysis of smart structures, studying on the one hand which is the initial cost increase involved in the implementation of the proposal, and on the other hand to evaluate which is the saving of money to over the time that the application of it represents, what allows to establish the point of return on investment (ROI), and from which moment it is possible to expect net benefits.