Concrete cylinders – mechanical strains under laboratory conditions

In this case study, Nerve-Sensors introduced new tools for the structural analysis of small concrete laboratory specimens. Twenty standard cylinders were tested in mechanical axial compression tests, pushed to the point of failure. DFOS strain sensors allowed for measurements of both compression (longitudinal) and tension (circumferential) strains at the same time. Thanks to the unique data, advanced structural analysis was possible.

DFOS Sensors Installed: Optical fibre in acrylate coating

Project challenges

How to apply non-invasive diagnostics in demanding historic structures?
How to get precise measurement data to detect local damage and imperfection?
How to measure detailed strain profiles over the entire height of the brick masonry wall?

Benefits of using the DFOS monitoring system

Simultaneous measurements of compression and tension strains
New approach in structural failure prediction based on Poisson’s ratio analysis
Thousands of gauges in the small-size cylinder without disturbing its behaviour
Unique data inc. impact of aggregate size, eccentricity, pores, cracks, imperfections

Results of using the DFOS monitoring system

This laboratory research shows the great advantage of DFOS-based strain sensors over conventional techniques. Compression and tension strains were recorded at the same time to calculate Poisson’s ratio and predict the time of structural failure. Taking into account mechanical properties (such as elasticity modulus), other parameters were studied, e.g. size of the aggregate, pores, local imperfections and microcracks developed within circumferential (tension) sections – see example results in spatial and pie charts.

Technical specifications

7 200 measurement points
36 m of sensing path
20 x strain sensors
short-term lab tests

Example results

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