Osservatorio sismico delle strutture: the Italian structural seismic monitoring network

The OSS (acronym of the Italian name “Osservatorio Sismico delle Strutture”) is a network of permanent seismic monitoring systems installed in public buildings, and also in some bridges and a dam. Each system consists of a number of sensors sufficient to completely describe the dynamic behaviour of the structure. Structural typologies have been selected according to their representativeness of the public building stock and to their importance for the emergency management. Some relevant aspects are addressed, including: (i) a brief description of the network, (ii) a resume of data usually collected and organized for each structure (structural survey and in situ tests on materials, experimental modal analysis, FEM models and structural identification) and (iii) a description of data management tools and procedures (network operation performance, post-earthquake automatic analysis, public access to data). At the end, on-going and future use of OSS data is briefly discussed, with reference to statistical analysis of relevant parameters of the available records, real-time post-earthquake damage assessment and an in-field reconnaissance visit after a recent earthquake.