Hybrid optical fiber sensor system based on fiber Bragg gratings and plastic optical fibers for health monitoring of engineering structures

K. S. C. Kuang; M. Maalej; S. T. Quek

doi:10.1117/12.657834

11 April 2006 Hybrid optical fiber sensor system based on fiber Bragg gratings and plastic optical fibers for health monitoring of engineering structures

K. S. C. Kuang, M. Maalej, S. T. Quek

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6174, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems; 61742P (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.657834
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In this paper, packaged fibre Bragg grating (PFBG) sensors were fabricated by embedding them in 70mm x 10mm x 0.3mm carbon-fibre composites which were then surface-bonded to an aluminium beam and a steel I-beam to investigate their strain monitoring capability. Initially, the response of these packaged sensors under tensile loading was compared to bare FBGs and electrical strain gauges located in the vicinity. The effective calibration constant/ coefficient of the PFBG sensor was also compared with the non-packaged version. These PFBG sensors were then attached to an I-section steel beam to monitor their response under flexural loading conditions. These realistic structures provide a platform to assess the potential and reliability of the PFBG sensors when used in harsh environment. The results obtained in this study gave clear experimental evidence of the difference in performance between the coated and uncoated PFBG fabricated for the study. In another experimental set-up, bare FBG and POF vibration sensors were surface-bonded to the side-surface of a CFRPwrapped reinforced concrete beam which was then subjected to cyclic loading to assess their long-term survivability. Plain plastic optical fibre (POF) sensors were also attached to the side of the 2-meter concrete beam to monitor the progression of cracks developed during the cyclic loading. The results showed excellent long-term survivability by the FBG and POF vibration sensors and provided evidence of the potential of the plain POF sensor to detect and monitor the propagation of the crack developed during the test.

Citation Download Citation

K. S. C. Kuang, M. Maalej, and S. T. Quek "Hybrid optical fiber sensor system based on fiber Bragg gratings and plastic optical fibers for health monitoring of engineering structures", Proc. SPIE 6174, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Sensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems, 61742P (11 April 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.657834

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available