Bridge bearings equipped with optical fiber sensor for measuring vertical load through the support

Jean-Marie Caussignac; Mohamed Barbachi; Alain Chabert

doi:10.1117/12.238842

22 April 1996 Bridge bearings equipped with optical fiber sensor for measuring vertical load through the support

Jean-Marie Caussignac, Mohamed Barbachi, Alain Chabert

Proceedings Volume 2719, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Systems for Bridges, Structures, and Highways; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.238842
Event: 1996 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1996, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The durability of bridges and the ability to maintain their initial structural capacity are topics of growing interest. For a long time, inspection programs have been carried out to follow up a changing state of large structures. To help managers in their decisions, an advanced metrology was introduced in sensitive parts of bridges to assess their structural aptitude. In particular, an abnormal behavior of the structure often causes a load re-distribution on its bearings. If the reaction force is monitored at the bearings, the entire structure can be assessed and its main deficiencies eventually detected. A technology based on using optical fiber sensors was developed and a prototype tested. A system of three or five sensors is incorporated in an external metallic plate put under the bearing. The microbending technique is used and light attenuation is measured. The shape of the plate grooves, containing the fibers, is chosen so that the sensor range and offset can be adapted to the operating load. Bearing reaction real time measurements, introduced into an automatic or semi-automatic processing, provide the structure with a certain 'intelligence.' Theoretical and experimental results are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Jean-Marie Caussignac, Mohamed Barbachi, and Alain Chabert "Bridge bearings equipped with optical fiber sensor for measuring vertical load through the support", Proc. SPIE 2719, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Systems for Bridges, Structures, and Highways, (22 April 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.238842

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