Crack detection and vertical deflection monitoring in concrete beams using plastic optical fibre sensors

Abstract

Plastic optical fibres have been employed to detect initial cracks, monitor post-crack vertical deflection and detect failure cracks in concrete beams subjected to flexural loading conditions. The intensity-based sensor system relies on monitoring the modulation of light intensity within the optical fibre as the sensor is loaded. The sensor design offers good signal stability and sensitivity to the monitored parameter and represents a cost-effective alternative to other more sophisticated health-monitoring systems currently used in civil engineering structures.