As it is known only instrumental monitoring system, based on results of mathematical and computer (numerical) modeling (for instance, based on finite element analysis) and comparison with corresponding measured data allows high-performance control of actual state and the prediction of building safe operation. Moreover, instrumental monitoring of unique buildings without corresponding correct and adequate so-called "monitoring-oriented" models has random nonsensical nature and therefore it is not of practical interest. This paper is devoted to theoretical methodology foundations of structural health monitoring (SHM). In order to review various corresponding approaches, development, modification and verification of parameterized finite building element models, so, significant stage of life cycle (the stages of construction and operation), original algorithm of adaptation (calibration) in accordance with measurements results, methodology of natural frequencies measurements and modal shapes and structural evaluation algorithm are under consideration for each approach. The main criterion for this adaptation is the correspondence of computed and measured spectrum of the natural frequencies and mode shapes in the entire frequency range, significant for the system-wide changes assessment and for possible defects localization. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.