Fiber Optic Sensing the Behavior of Prestressed-Prism-Reinforced Composite Concrete Beams for Bridge Deck Application

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis investigation involves the identification and use of a novel type of fiber optic sensors in monitoring the deformation behavior of critical sections of the structural concrete elements and transforming them into smart systems. Basic operating principles of the Bragg-grating sensors identified in this work are proved to be feasible. Deformational behavior was studied of high performance concrete composite beams reinforced with prestressed prisms and instrumented with Bragg Grating fiber optic sensors. The experimental techniques using those sensors for evaluating their behavior at service load stages, and the potential of this technique for on-line, real-time monitoring of existing constructed concrete structures are presented.