Vision-based vibration monitoring using existing cameras installed within a building

A new methodology for the monitoring of dynamic characteristics of buildings has been proposed. It is based on digital image analysis leveraging pre-existing cameras installed within a building, such as surveillance cameras. The method is used for real-time measurement of interstory drifts, from which dynamic characteristics (e.g., fundamental period) can easily be extracted to detect damage to the structural system. It has applications particularly in the case of post-earthquake damage estimation and when the installation of traditional sensors and monitoring systems is cost prohibitive. The methodology is demonstrated through both lab-scale and full-scale shake table tests.