Preliminary Study on Application of Population-Based Structural Health Monitoring for Ferry Quays in Norway

Abstract

Ferry quays are critical components of transportation infrastructure, serving as vital nodes that support the movement of people, goods, and services. This is especially important in coastal regions such as western Norway, where ferry quays provide essential connectivity across wide and deep fjords that are otherwise impassable. Despite their strategic importance, research into the structural performance and health monitoring of ferry quay infrastructure remains limited. This study explores the potential for applying a Population-Based Structural Health Monitoring (PBSHM) approach to ferry quays in Norway. In contrast to conventional SHM techniques, which typically focus on monitoring individual structures, PBSHM utilizes data from a broader population of similar structures to identify shared patterns, detect anomalies, and improve condition assessment across the network. A fundamental requirement for implementing PBSHM is the ability to evaluate and quantify the structural similarity between assets in the population — a key focus of this research. Given the number, accessibility, and structural similarity of ferry quays across Norway, this study suggests that PBSHM holds significant promise as a scalable and effective strategy for enhancing the monitoring and maintenance of this critical infrastructure.