Use of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Sensors for Performing Automated Bridge Pier Structural Damage Detection and Scour Monitoring
The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors able to detect impacts with different frequencies on a bridge pier. The FBG technology was evaluated under controlled conditions in a laboratory flume set-up to mimic the flow, sediment, and design characteristics of a pier structure. The system was calibrated using site-specific properties to relate strain to a known magnitude force for different bridge pier designs, different scour depths, and structural impacts. The FBGs proved a reliable measure of strain and displacement for key components of bridge structures, such as piers, during varying flow magnitudes. Additionally, the FBGs were used to assess the impacts of different flow-altering countermeasures on the displacement of a bridge structure. Sacrificial piers that were approximately three pier diameters from the bridge proved to minimize the strain at the top end of the pier significantly. Practical guidelines were developed on how the FBGs can be used to provide real time state awareness information for making decisions on down time, repair cost, and functionality of bridges. The research will pave the way for inexpensive, bridge automated monitoring, while providing an open framework to expedite the development of similar systems for other critical infrastructure, such as roads, highways, dams, levees, and prevent catastrophic events such as the Minnesota bridge collapse in 2007.
- Summary URL:
- Record URL:
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Supplemental Notes:
- This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
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Corporate Authors:
Mid-America Transportation Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
Lincoln, NE United States 68583-0851Research and Innovative Technology Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Papanicolaou, A N Thanos
- Tsakiris, Achilleas
- Publication Date: 2012-4
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Edition: Final Report
- Features: Figures; Photos; References;
- Pagination: 14p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bridge piers; Bridges; Flaw detection; Scour; Sensors; Structural health monitoring
- Uncontrolled Terms: Fiber Bragg grating sensors
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I60: Maintenance;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01469966
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: 25-1121-0001-472, MATC-UI: 472
- Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
- Created Date: Jan 17 2013 1:56PM