First bridge in Germany with embedded strain and crack distributed sensors

EpsilonRebars and EpsilonSensors were integrated (embedded) inside the steel-concrete bridge, which is the first such type of smart bridge in Germany. The DFOS-based monitoring system was designed to provide the possibility of analysing strains in concrete, in steel reinforcing bars, as well as to detect all the microcracks and calculate vertical displacements (deflections). Also, additional distributed temperature measurements were applied for appropriate thermal compensation.

DFOS Sensors Installed: Epsilon Sensor

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 and steel reinforcement
Integrated system for crack (or microcrack) detection and their width estimation
Additional calculations of vertical displacements (deflections) and temperatures
Precise and reliable data for structural assessment during long-term monitoring

Results of using the DFOS monitoring system

EpsilonRebars (ER) and EpsilonSensors (ES) were secured by tightening them to the existing reinforcement. These sensors are dedicated to analysing strains and cracks directly inside the concrete (both within the lower and upper part of the slab). Moreover, a modified version of ES without an outer braid was successfully glued directly to the selected reinforcing bar to monitor its strains.

Technical specifications

45 000 measurement points
117 m of sensing path
2 x ER, 3 x ES
load tests & long-term

Example results

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John Doe

Project partner

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