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The Application of High-Resolution, Embedded Fibre Optic (FO) Sensing for Large-Diameter Composite Steel/Plastic
Nigel J Cassidy1, Paul O'Regan2, Sha Luo1
1School of Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 24, 2024
Summary
A novel hot-weld encapsulation method for embedding optical fibers onto pipelines improves strain measurement for infrastructure health monitoring. This technique enhances data accuracy and simplifies interpretation compared to traditional adhesive methods.
Area of Science:
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Distributed optical fibre sensing (DOFS) is crucial for infrastructure health monitoring.
- Current adhesive methods for attaching optical fibres to thermoplastic pipelines (e.g., HDPE) present practical performance and measurement challenges.
- Accurate strain measurement is vital for assessing the structural integrity of buried infrastructure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a new hot-weld encapsulation method for installing optical fibres on pipelines.
- To compare the performance of the hot-weld embedment method against traditional adhesive techniques.
- To demonstrate the improved strain transference and dynamic measurement capabilities for infrastructure monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Development of a hot-weld encapsulation technique to fully embed optical fibres onto HDPE pipeline surfaces.
- Full-scale, real-world dynamic loading trials on a 1.8 m diameter, 6.4 m long HDPE stormwater pipeline.
- Utilisation of optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) for strain measurement.
- Testing under simulated UK rail-road network transport loading conditions.
Main Results:
- The hot-weld encapsulation method significantly improves strain transference and dynamic measurement performance.
- Data interpretation is simplified, eliminating the need for complex strain transfer functions.
- Centimetre- to metre-scale strain variations were clearly resolved at frequencies relevant to buried infrastructure loading scenarios.
- Enhanced performance was observed compared to adhesive affixment methods.
Conclusions:
- The hot-weld encapsulation method offers a superior approach for integrating DOFS with thermoplastic pipelines.
- This technique enhances the reliability and practicality of strain monitoring for buried infrastructure.
- The improved measurement accuracy supports better infrastructure health assessment and maintenance strategies.
