Damage Detection in Bending Beams through Brillouin Distributed Optic-fibre Sensor

The use of distributed optical fiber sensors for strain measurements in beams, by means of Brillouin scattering effect, has recently been proposed. Several researchers have stressed the theoretical and practical difficulties related to this kind of measurement, including the mechanical characterization of optical fibers, decay of strains in the protective coatings, the spatial resolution of the Brillouin scattering, the brittleness of the glass core, the elastic–plastic response of the coatings, the end effects, and the different effects of strain readings in dilatation or in contraction. A solution to each of the above-cited problems would entail further research efforts. However, all related work has indicated the qualitative strain response of bending beams is clearly accounted for by distributed optical fiber sensors. In spite of the aforementioned uncertainties, the distributed nature of the sensor makes it very attractive when safety assessment of large structures, such as bridges, tunnels, dams or pipes, is involved. This paper proposes the detection of defects or damage in bending beams by means of distributed optic-fiber sensors. In particular, the fiber-optics distributed sensor has been used to measure the deformation of a steel beam in experimental lab tests. Comparison of the experimentally measured strains, conducted on both damaged and undamaged beams, revealed the presence and position of defects in the beam. Quality and accuracy of the measurements conducted with distributed optical-fiber sensors are discussed, focusing on applicability of the identification method.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/15732487
• Authors:
  • Bernini, R
  • Fraldi, M
  • Minardo, A
  • Minutolo, V
  • Carannante, F
  • Nunziante, L
  • Zeni, L
• Publication Date: 2005-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 355-363
• Serial:
  • Bridge Structures - Assessment, Design & Construction
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: IOS Press
  • ISSN: 1573-2487
  • EISSN: 1744-8999
  • Serial URL: https://content.iospress.com/journals/bridge-structures

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge engineering; Condition surveys; Fiber optics; Sensors; Strain measurement; Structural analysis; Structural deterioration and defects
• Uncontrolled Terms: Structural damages
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01036514
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 1 2006 7:27AM