Autonomous sensors for just-in-time information gathering in support of search and rescue in the event of building collapse Online publication date: Sun, 11-Nov-2007
by Miranda Dandoulaki, Fivos Andritsos
International Journal of Emergency Management (IJEM), Vol. 4, No. 4, 2007
Abstract: Collapse of buildings happens too rarely to justify continuous data collection, even in buildings of special occupancy. Then again, in the event of a collapse, prompt availability of information is crucial for the rescue of trapped people. The use of autonomous sensors to trigger data capturing only when required is the base of a system that was developed to collect and manage information useful for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). The system comprises monitoring devices installed in each closed space of the building and portable units to be used by the intervention teams. Triggered by a collapse, each monitoring device stores a sequence of images concerning to the situation in the room 5 min before the collapse and 10 s after. It then stays in the rubble, ready to transmit the data to the USAR team on demand. Laboratory tests of the preindustrial prototype system and hands-on evaluation by rescuers in field conditions provided valid proof of concept.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Emergency Management (IJEM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook