Anchorage zone in a 57-year-old concrete girder: strain and crack detection

Ageing infrastructure is a growing problem in many countries, making it a challenge to take optimal decisions for their further safe operation. Therefore, effective diagnostic solutions are being sought, enabling reliable technical condition assessments. The case study presents the results of static and dynamic DFOS strain measurements of a 57-year-old girder dismantled from one of the production halls. Nerve-Sensors were successfully applied for this purpose.

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 investigation of a 57-year-old post-tensioned girder
Real-time, high-frequency measurements while cutting the tendon off
Detection of all the microcracks and estimation of their widths
Thousands of measurement points without disturbing structural behaviour

Results of using the DFOS monitoring system

DFOS sensors were glued to the upper surface of the girder using two-component epoxy to monitor strains within the anchorage zone (along longitudinal and transverse sections at the same time). With high-spatial-resolution strain measurements, the transmission length of the tendon – related to the quality of cement injection – was analyzed in exceptional detail. Measurements were conducted in both static and dynamic (high-frequency) modes as one of the tendons was cut. Additionally, this approach enabled the detection of existing microcracks and estimation of their widths. The tests demonstrated the significant potential of DFOS technology for assessing existing prestressed concrete structures.

Technical specifications

27 600 measurement points
138 m of sensing path
48 x DFOS strain sensors
short-term (laboratory)

Example results

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