Developing an Intelligent Fiber-Optic System for Monitoring Reinforced Concrete Foundation Structure Damage

Abstract

This paper presents the results of complex scientific research aimed at developing a prototype fiber-optic system for controlling the technical condition of buildings, structures, and extended objects. The aim is to develop a quasi-distributed type of fiber-optic control system without electrical signals, with the minimum possible cost of one measurement point. The fiber-optic sensors are based on a new method of controlling the parameters of the light spot by means of a hardware-software complex. The proposed monitoring system is quasi-distributed, is able to determine the damaged and most stressed and deformed areas of load-bearing reinforced concrete structures of buildings at the stage of their occurrence, and will allow for the taking of preventive measures for their protection. The research was carried out on a laboratory bench working together with the hardware-software complex; pixel analysis of changes in the area of the spot and its intensity was used as a fiber-optic sensor. A single-mode optical fiber of the G.652.D 9/125 μm standard was used, with a wavelength of 650 nm. The monitoring system can perform the function of pressure measurement on the building structure, establish the damage zone, and signal in case of an abrupt change in parameters in case of structure destruction. Laboratory tests have shown that the number of channels can be increased to 16 or 32. With the help of this system, it is possible to monitor the technical condition of the underground and above-ground parts of buildings or structures and control their integrity in real-time.