Monitoring and maintenance of customized structures for underground environments: The case of gran sasso national laboratory

In recent years, the monitoring and maintenance of underground structures has received increasing attention. This chapter presents a structural analysis of two customized prototypes necessary for conducting experimental research within the underground halls of the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS). These structures consist primarily of a steel-framed structure built within a water tank. Different models representing the fluid–structure interaction are also discussed. The structural monitoring is carried out through dynamic experimental tests in different configurations (prototype empty or filled with water) and load conditions (release, hammer, and environmental). The experimental modal information is used to perform manual updating of the numerical finite element models. Finally, a possible structural monitoring system is proposed, which consists primarily of a distributed fiber optic sensing system for the vaults of the experimental halls of the LNGS.