Abstract
The article summarises the recent examples in distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) as a non-destructive approach for crack detection, especially during the hydration of early-age concrete. Thanks to the application of appropriate measurement technology (like Rayleigh scattering), the DFOS tool (e.g. monolithic and composite sensors with reduced axial stiffness), installation procedures (both for the surface and embedding inside the concrete) and finally, the post-processing algorithms, it is possible to detect all the (micro)cracks and estimate their widths. The qualitative and quantitative analysis based on DFOS strain measurements provides new possibilities for the structural assessment of concrete and reinforced concrete structures. Cracks formed during the thermal-shrinkage phase of the concrete structures in the first days of hardening are crucial for their later performance and final durability. Thus, knowing the actual crack state is of great practical importance. The paper provides guidelines for good practices in developing such measurements, including the design of the strain sensors being installed within the concrete. These considerations are supported by the example applications in the laboratory, including small-size concrete specimens and full-size reinforced concrete beams. Finally, the deployment within the real railway bridge was presented, and example results were discussed.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to show gratitude to the SHM System company (Cracow, Poland, www.shmsystem.pl, www.nerve-sensors.com), which was involved in sensors’ delivery, installation and taking the DFOS readings.
The authors would also like to thank the Marx Krontal Partner company (Hannover, Germany, www.marxkrontal.com), with which they effectively collaborated to implement the DFOS-based monitoring system for the bridge near Frankfurt, described as the last example in this article.
Funding
Selected works presented in this paper were supported by the projects “Innovative fibre optic sensor for measuring strain and temperature” (POIR.01.01.01-00-1154/19) and “Development of the new fibre optic sensor allowing for the determination of the vertical and horizontal displacements of the studied objects at the distances of up to 120 km” (POIR. 01.01.01-00-0550/15) funded by the National Centre for Research and Development within the Intelligent Development Operational Program 2014–2020. Both projects were realised by SHM System, Krakow, Poland (SHM System, n.d.).
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Sieńko, R., Bednarski, Ł., Howiacki, T., Badura, K. (2023). Cracks Detection During Early-Age Concrete Hydration Using Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing: From Laboratory to Field Applications. In: Jędrzejewska, A., Kanavaris, F., Azenha, M., Benboudjema, F., Schlicke, D. (eds) International RILEM Conference on Synergising Expertise towards Sustainability and Robustness of Cement-based Materials and Concrete Structures. SynerCrete 2023. RILEM Bookseries, vol 43. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33211-1_96
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