Highway with composite bars: distributed strain sensing (DSS) and crack detection

The project involves a 100 m long section of a highway in Poland, which was reinforced with only composite bars, including EpsilonRebars from the Nerve-Sensors family. The entire experimental section was concreted without any dilatations,
which is a pioneering approach in road engineering. Our DFOS-based monitoring system provided essential information on strain profiles and crack morphology, while also becoming structural reinforcement.

DFOS Sensors Installed: EpsilonRebar

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

Key information about crack morphology along the entire highway section
Double function of EpsilonRebars: both sensing and reinforcing at the same time
Unique data for scientific analysis and improvement of design procedures
Reliable long-term control of a new experimental section of the highway

Results of using the DFOS monitoring system

EpsilonRebars were installed in two lines along the entire length of the highway section, as well as at selected critical locations (including transvers direction). Two diameters of the sensors were applied in this project, corresponding to the design assumptions. Sensors had a double function in the structure: sensing and reinforcing at the same time. Measurements performed during long term monitoring allowed for detection of all the cracks formed during hardening of early age concrete – see example in the figure below..

Technical specifications

28 000 measurement points
280 m of sensing path
8 x EpsilonRebar
long-term

Example results

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John Doe

Project partner

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