Optical fiber sensors based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology have found many applications in the area of civil structural monitoring systems, such as in bridge monitoring and maintenance. FBG sensors can measure the deformation, overload and cracks on bridge with a high sensitivity. In this paper we report on our recent work a structural monitoring system using FBG sensors. Basic theoretical background and design of the system is described here, including the light source, FBG sensors, demodulator sensors, signal detection and processing schemes. The system will be installed on a major arch bridge currently under construction in Shanghai, China for long-term in situ health monitoring. The system schematic arrangement on the bridge is introduced in brief. Simulation experiments in the laboratory were carried out to test the performance of FBG strain sensors. The sensor response shows excellent linearity against the strain imposed on it. Traffic and overload monitoring on bridge using FBG sensors is also discussed and planned for the near future.

Date Published: 18 August 2003
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 5057, Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Smart Systems and Nondestructive Evaluation for Civil Infrastructures, (18 August 2003); doi: 10.1117/12.482693

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5057:
Smart Structures and Materials 2003: Smart Systems and Nondestructive Evaluation for Civil Infrastructures
Shih-Chi Liu, Editor(s)