Distributed sensing technologies for monitoring FRP-strengthened structures

Abstract

In this paper, some research achievements on the damage detection of Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (FRP) strengthened structures are briefly reviewed. Two primary methods are developed to make the FRP-strengthened structures with distributed damage detection functions. One method is to make full use of the inherent characteristics of materials to form smart structural systems. For HCFRP (Hybrid Carbon FRP)-strengthened structures, the HCFRP, used both as reinforcing and sensing materials, can provide the structures with smart structural health monitoring (SHM) function in virtues of the electrical conductivity. Another method, particularly for the electrically inert FRP-strengthened structures, is to embed distributed fiber optic sensors. It is revealed that these kinds of distributed sensing technologies are effective in monitoring the distributed damage, debonding behavior and the overall structural performance of FRP-strengthened structures, which can also be combined for the SHM and damage detection purposes. © 2005 Springer.