Strain sensing and damage detection in the famous University Bridge

After seven years of operation, the University Bridge in Bydgoszcz became famous because of its structural failure. Significant deformations of the steel anchorage plates beyond the elastic range were identified. All the cables were relieved and then prestressed again after strengthening. Nerve- Sensors were used to monitor this process and identify the safety-critical areas most probable to yield. Now, this unique and essential to the city bridge came back to regular operation.

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 control of the famous cable-stayed bridge during its strengthening
Identification of local and safety-critical areas most probable to yield
Reliable diagnostic data for expert analysis and 3D FEA validation
Integrated nerve system capable of long-term structural health monitoring

Results of using the DFOS monitoring system

DFOS sensors were glued to the steel anchorages using two-component epoxy. The cables suspended to the unique pylons (A-shaped and Ω-shaped) were relieved and prestressed again after strengthening. Nerve-Sensors were used to control this process in a very detailed way. Thanks to high-spatial resolution strain measurements, identifying local and safety-critical areas (susceptible to yielding) was possible.

DFOS measurements provided reliable data for the expertise and calibration of 3D finite element models. The installed sensor system can be successfully used for long-term structural health monitoring.

Technical specifications

1 600 measurement points
16 m of sensing path
16 x DFOS strain sensors
short-term (strenghtening)

Example results

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John Doe

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