Monitoring the axial displacement of a high-rise building under construction using embedded distributed fibre optic sensors

Abstract

The floor-to-floor axial shortening of vertical load-bearing elements is an important factor in the design and construction of high-rise buildings. Contractors need to allow for the expected final compression of columns and walls due to superimposed load, concrete creep and shrinkage, particularly when installing finishes and partitions in lower floors, while the building has not yet been completed. An added complication arises from the differential shortening between elements of different stiffness. This axial shortening is predicted by designers using empirical models, in advance of construction. However, in practice, the shortening at every level cannot be measured continuously using traditional surveying measurement techniques during construction. Therefore, a monitoring system using distributed fibre optic sensors (DFOS) measuring strain and temperature, is being installed during the construction of Principal Tower, a 50-storey reinforced concrete building in London. DFOS sensors are being embedded inside two columns and two walls as the construction progresses. Using the strain and temperature data acquired from this system, the axial deformation relative to the ground level can be calculated along the whole height of the completed elements, at any time during the construction. Thus, the engineers and contractors are able to verify their predictions and adjust their assumptions if necessary. A selection of the data acquired during the construction of the first 17 levels of the building is presented. These data have shown that the amount of shortening experienced by a member is influenced by the member's stiffness and size. The monitoring data have also revealed that thermal movement has a significant effect on the overall axial displacement of the building.