Optimal layout of long-gauge sensors for deformation distribution identification

Abstract

Structural deflection can be identified from measured strains from long gague sensors, but the sensor layout scheme greatly influences on the accuracy of identified resutls. To determine the optimal sensor layout scheme for accurate deflection identification of the tied arch bridge, the method of optimal layout of long-gauge fiber optic sensors is studied, in which the characteristic curve is first developed by using the bending macro-strain curve under multiple target load conditions, then optimal sensor layout scheme with different number of sensors are determined. A tied arch bridge is studied as an example to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method for static and dynamic deflection identification.