Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for Reinforcing Bar Slippage Detection and Bond-Slip Gradient Characterization.

Area of Science:

• Civil Engineering
• Materials Science
• Structural Health Monitoring

Background:

• Bond-slip in reinforced concrete (RC) structures is critical for structural integrity.
• Existing monitoring techniques often lack straightforward, non-intrusive implementation.
• Developing advanced sensing for early detection of structural issues is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simple optical fiber sensor configuration for detecting bond-slip in RC structures.
• To enable monitoring of different sections of an RC structure using multiple sensors.
• To provide an early warning system for potential displacements.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a system of 10 optical fiber sensors with Bragg gratings inscribed in silica and polymer fibers.
• Sensors were implemented to monitor strain variations along reinforcing bars (RB).
• Focused on straightforward and non-intrusive sensor deployment in a civil construction setting.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the feasibility of implementing optical fiber sensors in civil construction environments.
• Showcased the non-intrusive nature of the small-dimensioned sensors.
• Validated the capability of the sensors to detect strain variations indicative of bond-slip.

Conclusions:

• The developed optical fiber sensor system offers a practical solution for monitoring bond-slip in RC structures.
• The technique is easily implementable and non-intrusive, suitable for real-world applications.
• This method enhances the safety and reliability of reinforced concrete structures through early detection of critical defects.