Validation of distributed fiber optic sensor technology for strain measurement in concrete structures

Validation of distributed fiber optic sensor technology for strain measurement in concrete structures Because of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), the importance of fiber optic sensors in civil engineering has increased immensely [1]. An innovative method is the distributed fiber optic strain (DFOS) measurement using Rayleigh scattering [2], also termed distributed sensing. This technique provides a high spatial resolution and measurement sensitivity at each point of the measuring fiber so that the smallest strain changes can be recorded. However, there are no quality standards that guarantee reliable use in strain measurement. To establish such standards, the Structural Concrete Institute at the HTWK Leipzig validated the use of different fiber coating adhesive configurations for scenarios in concrete construction [3]. The results are promising: Compared to the reference measurement methods, the fiber optic sensor technology showed strain losses due to coating and/or adhesive of less than 5 %; and less than the data of the literature.