The 2nd bridge in Germany with embedded strain and crack distributed sensors

EpsilonSensors were embedded within the concrete slab of the bridge in question, making it the second smart structure of this type created in Germany. The DFOS-based monitoring system was designed to measure strain profiles in the concrete and detect all the microcracks formed during early-age concrete hydration. Reference spot thermistors were used to measure unregular temperature distributions and then to compensate for DFOS strain results.

DFOS Sensors Installed: EpsilonSensor

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

Measurements of internal strains of concrete within the safety-critical area
Integrated system for crack (or microcrack) detection and their width estimation
Analysis of thermal-shrinkage behaviour during early-age concrete hydration
Precise and reliable data for structural assessment during long-term monitoring

Results of using the DFOS monitoring system

Three EpsilonSensors (ES) were installed by tightening them to the existing reinforcement. The measurements done the day after concreting allowed us to identify all microcracks formed due to the shrinkage of the constrained concrete.

Technical specifications

23 000 measurement points
30 m of sensing path
3 x EpsilonSensor
early-age conc. & long-term

Example results

Recomendations (optional)

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John Doe

Project partner

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