Theory and experiments on optical fiber strain sensors embedded in concrete

This thesis reports on theory and experiments on optical fibers embedded in concrete structures for the development of a polarimetric strain sensor. The objective is to study the feasibility of such a sensor and to identify the important issues in the design of the sensor system as well as its limitations. The two most important contributions of the theoretical analysis are the description of the micromechanics involved in measuring ambient strain from within a body using an embedded fiber sensor and the strain effects on the anisotropic birefringent properties of the optical fiber. The transmitted optical signal of the sensory system is theoretically studied, tested with different specimens and correlated with experimental work with good agreement. Throughout the experimental work much experience was gained on how to embed fibers in concrete and set up the system. This thesis provides guidelines and recommendations on the design of embedded fiber sensors in concrete structures. The detection of stress waves within concrete with the embedded polarimetric fiber sensing system is also demonstrated.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Calero, Javier

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gamble, William L.

• Engineering, Civil
• Engineering, Electronics and Electrical
• Physics, Optics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1995 Calero, Javier

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9522084
(UMI)AAI9522084

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F20532