Use of optical fibre technology to measure structural performance

Structural monitoring using optical fibre technology may be undertaken to establish the long-term behaviour of structures, components and materials of construction. Condition monitoring may be used as an aid to repair and strengthening schedules. The establishment of material durability is also part of the monitoring process. The paper describes and discusses the application and development of the use of optical fibres to monitor structures. Examples have been given in which strain, temperature and moisture content have been determined for structural elements and materials of construction. Of particular interest is the use of an optical fibre monitoring system to determine the performance of an actual bridge, which has been subjected to controlled loading conditions. The results, which have been described, demonstrate the enormous potential to monitor structures using optical fibres.