A small, lightweight, portable, and inexpensive self-processing integrated
damage assessment sensor (SPIDAS) that may be temporarily or permanently
attached to a structure for structural health monitoring is provided. The
SPIDAS device employs an electromechanical impedance measuring method to
directly measure the high-frequency local impedance spectrum of the
structure, process the electromechanical impedance data, and issue
structural health reports that the device may transmit over a wireless
connection.