EHIGIATOR.IRUGHE R.

This study explores the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in 6 monitoring structural deformations affecting the Physics Department building at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus. Structural deformation poses significant challenges to the integrity and safety of buildings, especially in regions where environmental and mechanical stressors are prevalent. As a building ages, undetected shifts or weaknesses in its foundational and support elements can lead to long-term damage or even collapse. By applying FEA, engineers can model how structures respond under various conditions, enabling a more data-driven and predictive approach to building assessment and rehabilitation. The research employs high-precision instruments such as the Tersus David
GNSS receiver and a NUWA-configured mobile application to collect geospatial data
with exceptional accuracy. Strategic GNSS receiver placement and real-time data
acquisition were crucial to capturing the building’s current geometric integrity. This
data was further processed, and key mechanical parameters such as displacement,
strain, and stiffness matrices were also computed. The finite element method enabled
segmentation of the structure into triangular meshes, which were individually analyzed to detect irregularities.

This project explores the use of finite element analysis (FEA) methods for the Physics Department building's deformation monitoring. For buildings to remain structurally sound and safe, deformation monitoring is essential, especially for those that are subjected to changing loading bearing and climatic conditions over time. A comprehensive approach for modeling and assessing the structural behavior of complex structures, such as buildings, under various conditions is provided by the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method. Taken into account its geometric, material, and loading properties, FEA is used in this work to model the Physics Department building. The assessment of the building's response to varying loads and environmental conditions involves the evaluation of several deformation parameters, including displacements, strains, stiffness and stresses. The results of this study help in the construction of effective deformation monitoring plans for structures that are similar to the Physics Department building and offer insightful information about the structural integrity of the building. The methodology involves the strategic placement of GNSS receivers, considering topographic features, and environmental factors. The selected GNSS receivers are equipped with advanced capabilities for precise positioning, enabling the monitoring of both static and real-time information. The project also integrates quality assurance measures, such as regular calibration checks, redundancy protocols, and real-time corrections, to ensure the reliability of the collected data. The anticipated outcomes of this project include a comprehensive dataset detailing the deformations observed in the monitored structures area over a period. Furthermore, the research advances finite element analysis (FEA) methods in structural engineering by improving their accuracy and practicality.