Seism report analysis in a wireless sensor network with cognitive radio capabilities

In this work we study the capabilities and efficiency of a wireless sensor network (WSN) used to gather information concerning the structural health monitoring (SHM) of buildings in case of wind or seismic activity. This information is then relayed to a disaster management center in order to analyze it and detect possible structural damage. To this end we propose the use of cognitive radio (CR) capabilities where the empty spaces of channels used for voice services in cellular systems are utilized as the primary network. The system is studied in terms of average reporting delay (which considers both cluster formation in the WSN and data packet delay) and average energy consumption. Additionally, we provide guidelines for the number of resources required in order to achieve a target reporting delay, using data form three historic earthquakes.