Strain sensing and crack detection in prestressed concrete girders
Three 24-meter-long prestressed concrete girders were outfitted with embedded EpsilonRebars. The sensors were delivered on-site in coils and tightened to the existing reinforcement. This fast and easy installation process allowed the creation of smart elements able to self-diagnose during all stages: concrete hardening, prestressing, mounting in the structure, as well as during the load tests. Currently, the girders are under continuous operation in one of Polish production halls.
DFOS Sensors Installed: EpsilonRebar
Project challenges
Benefits of using the DFOS monitoring system
Results of using the DFOS monitoring system
The monitoring system, developed with Nerve-Sensors, provided invaluable data for structural analysis. The first stage (1) focused on concrete hardening, during which numerous microcracks were detected. However, all microcracks closed (see the plots) during the prestressing stage, coinciding with the activation of dead weight, allowing the girders to be safely installed on the columns (2) without risk. Finally, the structural performance was checked during mechanical load tests (3), which showed that the girders work in uncracked conditions. This knowledge was extremely valuable for designers and could be successfully used, e.g. for optimisation.
Example results
Recomendations (optional)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
John Doe
Project partner
