Distributed strain measurements in a historical brick masonry wall

This unique research was performed at the Cracow University of Technology. Even though it was a laboratory test, the lessons learned will be beneficial during the monitoring and maintaining the real brick masonry walls of the barracks located in Auschwitz Birkenau camp. Thus, the project is of significant historical meaning. DFOS strain sensors were used to monitor the wall response (built with all imperfections corresponding to the actual state) during mechanical load tests.

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

Detailed strain measurements over the entire height of the brick masonry wall
Non-invassive diagnostics important for historical structures
Thousands of virtual gauges capable of local damage and imperfection detection
Unique scientific data for expert analysis

Results of using the DFOS monitoring system

DFOS strain sensors were glued to the surface of the brick masonry wall using two-component epoxy. Eight measurement sections were formed on both sides for detailed structural response control during the mechanical load test. By means of hydraulic jacks, an attempt was made to bring the deformed wall back upright.

Thanks to the precise and high spatial resolution strain measurements, it was possible to identify the weakest areas and calculate horizontal displacements (shape changes).

Technical specifications

3 200 measurement points
16 m of sensing path
8 x DFOS strain sensors
short-term (laboratory)

Example results

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