ISO 16587:2004描述了评估结构状况的性能参数，包括测量类型、设置可接受性能极限的因素、构建统一数据库的数据采集参数，以及国际公认的测量指南（例如术语、传感器校准、传感器安装和经批准的传递函数技术）。 这些程序与结构的在役监测有关，包括作为一个完整实体提供结构功能所需的所有组件和子组件。 监测的目的是在结构的整个生命周期中持续进行。 ISO 16587:2004的目标行业包括:建筑、基础设施、交通、发电、石油和天然气以及休闲娱乐。 ISO 16587:2004适用于固定结构，例如:建筑物、桥梁和隧道、塔架、桅杆和天线、储罐和筒仓、挡土墙和水坝、码头和其他岸边结构、海上平台、压力容器和管道。 非固定结构（例如，自- ISO 16587:2004不包括推进式船舶和移动式结构物（如海上自升式平台）。

ISO 16587:2004 describes the performance parameters for assessing the condition of structures, including types of measurement, factors for setting acceptable performance limits, data acquisition parameters for constructing uniform databases, and internationally accepted measurement guidance (e.g. terminology, transducer calibration, transducer mounting and approved transfer function techniques). The procedures relate to in-service monitoring of structures, and include all components and sub-assemblies necessary to provide the functioning of the structure as a complete entity. The monitoring is intended to be ongoing in nature through the lifecycle of the structure. The target industries for ISO 16587:2004 include: construction, infrastructure, transportation, power generation, oil and gas, and leisure and entertainment. ISO 16587:2004 is applicable to stationary structures, such as: buildings, bridges and tunnels, towers, masts and antennae, tanks and silos, retaining walls and dams, jetties and other shore-side structures, offshore platforms, pressure vessels, and pipelines. Non-stationary structures (e.g. self-propelled ships) and mobile structures (e.g. offshore jack-up platforms) are excluded from ISO 16587:2004.