Low-coherence deformation sensors for the monitoring of civil-engineering structures

An optical-fiber deformation sensor with a resolution of 10 μm and an operational range of 60 mm has been realized. The system is based on low-coherence interferometry in standard single-mode telecommunication fibers. It allows the monitoring of large structures over several months without noticeable drift. No continuous measurement is needed and the system is insensitive to variations of the fiber losses. This technique has been applied to the monitoring of a 20 m × 5 m × 0.5 m, 120 ton concrete slab over six months. It is possible to measure the shrinkage of concrete and its elastic coefficient during pre-straining, giving reproducible results in good agreement with theoretical calculations and measurements performed on small concrete samples. This paper describes the optical arrangement and the procedures used to install optical fibers in concrete.