Polarkan Metal Structures, a Turkish specialist in prefabricated steel structures, space frames, roof and facade cladding, is keenly promoting an innovative system to monitor the condition of structures, particularly space frames and other roof structures in the Middle East.

Known as the SHMS (structural health monitoring system), the software aims to monitor the condition of structures in a bid to detect faults early and avoid costly repairs.
“Considering that the roof is one of the most critical components of a project, Polarkon realised that there was a requirement for a system that constantly tracks by numerical methods the structural health of roof construction — particularly those that have a critical span of 40 m to 70 m or even more,” says a spokesman for the company.
Polarkon has, therefore, set up a unique project to monitor every single statistical discrepancy and structural deformation in roof construction. Any outside influences are also detected as part of the smart structure.
“The stresses of the critical components and displacements in the roof structure and the deflections of any prefabricated steel construction are measured numerically with high precision while the measured values are transmitted to the main server through mobile technology,” says the spokesperson.
 “All the data are constantly evaluated against theoretic values, again using the smart software which was developed during the scope of the project and any negative aspect in the structural behaviour that occurs over a period of time is observed numerically,” he adds.
The software that constitutes the important part of this monitoring system is web-based and developed in a format that allows the user to easily understand the measurement values and evaluation results in relation to his own structure. By logging into the system, the user can obtain reports in any parameter and for any duration automatically,” he adds. “This project can provide the user with a lot of useful information, such as the permanent effects of earthquakes, will be easily understood by the user as he keeps track of the changes in the stress levels of the critical components of the steel structure. In situations where the loading is more than the design of the roof structure allows, the user will be immediately alerted to avoid accidents that could occur through application failures. Early detection of problems with Polarkon’s SHMS system allows the user to take the necessary precautions as and when required,” the spokesman says.
Established in 1995, Polarkon has provided optimum solutions and services to about 200 projects including prefabricated steel support and space frame structures. A sister concern to Arer Constructing Company, the company focuses on developing its own modern technologies and advanced software tools through expanding its research activities. In addition, backed by its construction experience that extends over four decades, it offers turnkey solutions for industrial buildings together with infrastructure and concrete works.
Polarkon, which offers production and installation services, manufactures its systems at its own premises in the Industrial Zone of Polatly, 70 km distant from Ankara in Turkey. 
Polarkon will be present at Stand 7D325 at the Big 5 show.