Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in the Philippines
Structural health monitoring (SHM) uses sensors to keep watching how a building or bridge is behaving, rather than inspecting it only after something goes wrong. USHER is the Filipino-made SHM system, built for the Philippines' seismic conditions.
What is structural health monitoring?
SHM combines sensors on a structure with software that tracks the readings over time. Changes in how a structure responds to shaking can show that something has changed, so owners and engineers can act on data instead of waiting for visible damage.
How USHER works
USHER pairs the ERI Max accelerograph (or the compact USHERette) with the USHER Portal, a 24/7 web platform for monitoring and reporting.
- Command Center Dashboard for setup and configuration
- Warning logs and acceleration intensity measurements
- Dynamic building legends with color coding
- SHM system reporting with graphs
- Rapid Visual Inspection (RVI) portal
- Sensor installation management
Who uses it
Building owners, managers, developers, engineers, and local government units. USHER has been installed at public facilities such as San Pedro City Hall and Cabuyao City Hospital.
Frequently asked questions
What is structural health monitoring?
Structural health monitoring is the continuous measurement of how a building or infrastructure behaves, using sensors and software, so changes in its condition can be detected early.
Is there a structural health monitoring system made in the Philippines?
Yes. USHER (Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System) is a Filipino-made SHM system developed by USHER Technologies Inc. with Mapúa University and DOST-PCIEERD.
What can USHER monitor?
USHER can be installed on buildings and bridges of any age. It records seismic acceleration and reports it through the USHER Portal with warning logs and SHM reports.
What does SHM stand for?
SHM stands for structural health monitoring.
Sources and coverage
- All Filipino team launches structural health monitoring system — PreventionWeb
- USHER – A Universal Structural Health Monitoring System — WIPO