Health Monitoring of Civil Structures using Fiber Optic Sensors

Abstract

Objective: The monitoring of civil structures such as bridges, dams and buildings etc. is wide area of research and many researches had taken place in the past. This paper proposes the basic idea of using optical fiber as a sensor for monitoring civil structures and also discusses other methods of sensing. Method: The main idea behind using optical fiber as a sensor is detection of bending loss which occurs if there is any modification or bending in the structure. The fiber is attached to the structure to be monitored. The loss is induced due to scattering of signal which occurs when there is a crack or any such damage in the civil structure along its length where fiber is attached. Findings: This paper also discusses the method of using fiber grating sensor in sensing physical parameter and using it in monitoring of civil structures. Improvements: This basic method can be improved to using fiber sensors for effective measurement of any physical parameter which in turn can be used for civil structure monitoring to avoid huge accidents and human loss.