Structure-integrated fiber-optic sensors for reliable static and dynamic analysis of concrete foundation piles

摘要

Assessment of ultimate bearing capacity and bearing behavior of large concrete piles in existing foundations or during and after installation remains a difficult task. A common and widespread test method is high-strain dynamic load testing using the one dimensional theory of wave propagation to calculate bearing capacity. Another method of quality insurance based on this theory is low-strain dynamic pile integrity testing. Both testing methods use sensors attached onto or near the pile head. In order to get more precise information about the pile response over whose length, highly resolving fiber optic sensors based on Fabry-Perot technology have been developed for integration into concrete piles at several levels. Motivation is the monitoring of pile deformations during dynamic low-strain, high-strain and static load testing with only one measuring device. First small scale piles have been tested in model tests. All signal responses from integrated sensors have been recorded and compared to signals obtained from common methods of instrumentation. The paper describes the sensing principle, sensor head installation as well as test results.