Application of fiber optic measurement in textile-reinforced concrete testing

Abstract

In research on concrete constructions, fiber optic sensor technology is becoming increasingly important. It enables high-frequency and quasi-continuous measurement of temperature and strain distribution. Furthermore, this technology offers the opportunity to determine the crack width within the cross section of specimens and not, as with conventional instrumentation, only from the outside. While experience for application of fiber sensors in steel-reinforced concrete research already exists for several years, only few findings are available for textile-reinforced concrete (TRC). This article gives a short overview of the principle of fiber optic sensor technology, presents possible concepts for utilization in TRC testing, and explains the necessary post-processing steps for the preparation of the measurement results by means of an example from current research. Finally, the results are validated with conventional measuring methods and the applicability and further challenges are discussed.