As the design and construction of civil structures continue to evolve, it is becoming imperative that these structures be monitored for their health. In order to meet this need, the discipline of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has emerged. It involves the application of electronics to civil structures and aims to assist engineers in realizing the full benefits of structural health monitoring. Against this background, a new international organization for promoting SHM, the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure (ISHMII), has recently been established. The aim of the Society is to advance the understanding and the application of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) in civil enginering infrastucture, in the service of the engineering profession and society.

Objectives

(a) provide a focal point for international sharing of knowledge and experience;
(b) promote collaboration to maximize the benefit of the international research and development effort;
(c) foster international harmonization of data, protocols, design and application standards;
(d) further the acceptance of SHM to establish performance-based codes by the engineering community and beyond as a major performance measuring device;
(e) advocate further innovations, particularly through the interfacing of FRP composites with other technologies such as intelligent sensing;
(f) encourage owners to build Intelligent Infrastructures (II) that have longer life than the life of present structures;
(g) show the benefits of SHM for strengthening, repair, maintenance and to establish the life cycle cost analysis of innovative infrastructures;
(h) promote innovative structural design solutions with a clear focus to durable and robust structures;
(i) promote and advance the state-of-the-practice in SHM for a rapid post-hazard assessment;
and
(j) promote the development of data management and intelligent processing for the SHM systems.

How to Achieve the Objectives

(a) organization and sponsorship of international conferences, symposiums, workshops, short courses and seminars, including a biennial official conference;
(b) publication of the official newsletter 'SHM International' and other relevant materials;
(c) establishment of Working Groups in selected areas to develop state-of-the-art reports and design recommendations;
(d) development of curriculum and course materials to meet educational needs at different levels;
and
(e) other activities consistent with the aim and objectives of the Society.

Formation of ISHMII

The society is a non-profit organization that does not pursue any commercial objectives. In July 2003, the first step towards the formation of the ISHMII was taken at EMPA in Zurich, Switzerland, followed by a meeting at the International Conference on SHMII in Tokyo, Japan, in November of 2003. The meeting identified the need to form an international organization focused on the understanding and application of structural health monitoring in civil engineering infrastructure. A working group had met to develop objectives and terms of reference, which led to the formation of the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure (ISHMII). The council was formed by invitation. The council has a memberhsip from several international organizations.

As the President of this new society, I am pleased to welcome you all as members. I look forward to the mutual sharing of information for the benefit of all our members as well as to building this important society together. With your assistance, I believe ISHMII will define the future of civil engineering.