Strain sensing and crack detection in prestressed concrete girders
Three 24 m long prestressed concrete girders were equipped with EpsilonRebars embedded inside. The sensors were delivered on-site in coils and tightened to the existing reinforcement. This fast and easy installation process allowed the creation of smart elements able to self-diagnose during all stages: concrete hardening, prestressing, mounting in the structure, as well as during the load tests. Currently, the girders are under continuous operation in one of Polish production halls.
DFOS Sensors Installed: EpsilonRebar
Project challenges
Benefits of using the DFOS monitoring system
Results of using the DFOS monitoring system
The monitoring system created based on Nerve-Sensors provided unique data for structural analysis. The first stage (1) was concrete hardening when a number of microcracks were detected. However, all of them were closed (see the plots) during prestressing stage (and activation of dead weight at the same time), so girders could be installed on columns (2) without any risk. Finally, the structural performance was checked during mechanical load tests (3), which showed that the girders work in uncracked conditions. This knowledge was extremely valuable for designers and could be successfully used, e.g. for optimisation.
Technical specifications
Example results
Recomendations (optional)
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John Doe