Fiber optic sensors for traffic monitoring applications

Pekka Suopajaervi; Riku Pennala; Mikko Heikkinen; Pentti Karioja; Veijo Lyori; Risto A. Myllylae; Seppo M. Nissilae; Harri K. Kopola; Heikki Suni

doi:10.1117/12.310611

17 June 1998 Fiber optic sensors for traffic monitoring applications

Pekka Suopajaervi, Riku Pennala, Mikko Heikkinen, Pentti Karioja, Veijo Lyori, Risto A. Myllylae, Seppo M. Nissilae, Harri K. Kopola, Heikki Suni

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3325, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Smart Systems for Bridges, Structures, and Highways; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310611
Event: 5th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A novel fiber optic sensors for traffic monitoring applications are presented. They are useful for monitoring the traffic entering and leaving guarded areas, counting traffic on public roads as well as in determining lane occupancy at traffic lights. When installing sensor arrays, the sensors may also be used to provide additional information: measure the speed, wheel base of a vehicle and also to determine the number of axles and vehicle type. The sensors are based on optical fiber or cable, installed inside the asphalt layer of the road, to measure compression or vibrations near the road surface. Two sensor principles were used. One based on the microbending effect and another that utilizes the speckle phenomenon. In both cases the whole length of the fiber acts as a sensor. The microbending sensor requires a special fiber and special set-up, whereas in the speckle sensor a standard cable may be used. Both sensor types were tested in field applications where the harsh environment, especially the heat, sets great demands on installation. In these experiments, speed and vehicle type measurements were carried out with good results. In the paper, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both sensor types and present some field test results. We will also show the benefits of these particular fiber optic sensors over traditional sensors.

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Pekka Suopajaervi, Riku Pennala, Mikko Heikkinen, Pentti Karioja, Veijo Lyori, Risto A. Myllylae, Seppo M. Nissilae, Harri K. Kopola, and Heikki Suni "Fiber optic sensors for traffic monitoring applications", Proc. SPIE 3325, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Smart Systems for Bridges, Structures, and Highways, (17 June 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310611

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