Fiber optic pH sensor for early detection of danger of corrosion in steel-reinforced concrete structures

摘要

Corrosion in steel-reinforced concrete structures is a critical issue. Corrosion appears if the pH value of the concrete matrix decreases due to deterioration of the calcium hydroxide layer on the steel surface. At present, several reliable systems for determination of chemical parameters in aggressive environments are available on the market, but can not be used for long-term monitoring of pH in concrete structures. This paper describes the development of a fiber optic chemical sensor for this purpose. Particular attention is paid to the requirements on such a sensing system. Usually applied methods of fiber optical chemical sensing were investigated and compared by using several pH-sensitive materials. Based on these results, a functional pH sensor has been configured. It shows good response behavior and works under strongly alkaline conditions for one year. Therefore, it represents a promising sensor type for in-situ long-term monitoring in concrete structures. Further work is in progress to test such sensors on-site under real application conditions, e.g. in ground anchors.