Structural Health Monitoring of Historic Ships in Dry Docks: The First Step Towards Future Preventive Conservation Approaches

Abstract

Historic ships are vital components of maritime cultural heritage, reflecting the evolution of naval engineering and design. Often preserved in dry docks, these vessels face structural challenges due to their prolonged grounding, which they were not originally designed to endure. Effective conservation strategies require robust support systems that prevent stress concentrations and mitigate the risks of environmental and vibrational factors. The long-term preservation of historic ships also demands an integrated understanding of the ship’s structural health, the dock’s condition, and the adequacy of the support system. To address these complex preservation needs, this study presents a feasibility study on employing vibration-based SHM for two iconic British vessels: the SS Great Britain in Bristol and the Cutty Sark in London. This paper bridges a significant gap in the literature by demonstrating the potential of SHM for historic ships in dry docks, underscoring the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach that integrates structural, environmental, and geotechnical considerations to ensure the sustainable preservation of maritime heritage.