Life cycle detection of prestress in large prestressed reinforcement structures

Abstract

To monitor the stress state of prestressed reinforcement in large reinforcement prestressed structure, two sensing structures, namely the direct spiral-winding structure and sawtooth modulated structure, were designed based on the ordinary communication optical fiber. The sensing theories were analyzed, and the experimental studies were also carried out. The quasi-distributed sensing system based on optical time domain reflective technology was established. The detection wavelength and spatial resolution were analyzed, and the estimation formula of maximal number of sensing point was also given. The results show that the system can realize the quasi-distributed test of measurand with single fiber, which helps to simplify the in-out wires. Moreover it can take on the important task of long-term and continuous monitoring of prestress, which helps to realize the life cycle detection of prestress, and play an important role in the estimating of bridge health state.

Keywords

life cycle detection / smart structure / prestress / optical fiber / quasi-distribution