Non-contact vibration monitoring of infrastructure using ground-based radar

Synopsis

This seminar will explore the use of low-cost, portable Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) radar systems for non-contact monitoring of bridge vibrations. 

It will introduce the operating principles of FMCW radar and the signal-processing methods used to obtain high-precision displacement and frequency measurements remotely, without installing sensors directly on the structure. 

Vikram Kumar Ramesh, the speaker, will present laboratory validation and field experiments demonstrating the potential of FMCW radar to capture the modal behaviour and dynamic response of bridges. The seminar will also discuss current limitations, including environmental sensitivity and operational challenges, before considering future research aimed at improving the robustness, scalability and wider deployment of the technology for bridge monitoring.

The SECED Young Members Annual General Meeting  (AGM) will begin at 18:00, followed by the lecture.

About the speakers

Vikram Kumar Ramesh is a PhD researcher in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. His research focuses on developing low-cost radar-based technologies for non-contact monitoring of civil infrastructure and river flow. He holds a Master of Technology (by Research) in Structural Engineering from IIT Mandi, India. His research experience includes structural vibration monitoring, bridge seismic resilience, and radar-based sensing technologies. As part of his research, Vikram and his team were awarded the Scottish Transport Award 2026 for Excellence in Technology and Innovation for their project on a radar-based infrastructure monitoring platform.             

Attend in-person

The event will held in-person at the Institution of Civil Engineers (see map below).  Registration will take place from 17:30 to 18:00, with tea, coffee and biscuits served on arrival.  Refreshments are served at the foyer, next to the lecture theatre. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We encourage everyone to attend in person if they can. 

Join online

Click the Zoom link here to attend the meeting online.

Further information

The event is organised by SECED. The event is open to all and is free to attend.