Embedded white light interferometer fibre optic strain sensor for monitoring crack-tip opening in concrete beams

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Abstract

The development of a fibre optic sensor for embedding in cementitious composites and the measurement of displacements associated with the opening of microcracks are described. The sensor can be employed as a transducer for the measurement of crack-tip opening displacements during fracture tests. A white light fibre optic interferometer was used to sense strain in a fibre embedded in a specimen concrete beam. A direct relationship between the fibre deformation and the optical path variation of the fibre sensor has been obtained. A calibration procedure was developed by which the optical signals were converted into displacements. The sensor was employed in a series of fracture tests and the experiments involved embedment of the optical fibre in concrete beams. Specimens were centre-edge-notched and the fibre optic sensor of the gauge length L was embedded at the tip of the notch. This arrangement allowed for the direct measurement of displacements associated with the opening of microcracks at the crack tip. Experimental results are presented and crack-tip opening displacement (CTOD) results are compared with crack-opening displacements (CODs) measured by conventional transducers at the crack mouth.

Identifier

0032002947 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Measurement Science and Technology

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-0233/9/2/014

ISSN

09570233

First Page

261

Last Page

266

Issue

2

Volume

9

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