We presented at the XV Congreso Ibérico de Arquemotreia in Aveiro from October 21-24, 2024, the results of monitoring for five years the movement of cracks in the Reial Monastery of Santes Creus. In this case, the Data Acquisition System (DAS) has been equipped with both potentiometric linear transducers and temperature and humidity sensors. Data was acquired every 15 minutes and saved on an SD card. The collected data will aid in developing predictive models for structural behavior.

The continuous monitoring has revealed critical insights into the relationship between temperature fluctuations and structural integrity. Temperature changes can cause expansion and contraction in building materials, leading to crack formation and propagation. By understanding these dynamics, the DAS aids in developing predictive models for structural behavior, enabling more accurate assessments and timely interventions.

The preservation of Cultural Heritage sites is of paramount importance, and recent technological advancements have revolutionized how we monitor these invaluable structures. Our open-source, low-cost, expandable DAS, based on the Arduino Pro Mini, is designed to monitor Cultural Heritage structures using a variety of plug-and-play analog and digital sensors with superior resolution and precision compared to potentiometric devices, thanks to the DAS design. Moreover, battery consumption has been minimized, allowing the DAS to operate continuously for up to three years.

This study has been funded through a transfer agreement with the Department of Culture of the Generalitat de Catalunya.