FBG sensors for structural health monitoring

Two homemade FBG (Fiber Brag Grating) sensors were installed on specific locations of a small-scale three-story structure model. The model was excited by various kinds of vibrations and the dynamic strain data were measured. In order to make a full comparison, the traditional RSG sensors were also installed on the same location of the FBG sensors. The accelerometers and LVDT's were also used to offer detailed dynamic information about the structure. Analysis on the test results showed good agreements between the FBG and the RSG sensors and the advantages of using FBG sensors. The fundamental frequency of the structure was also obtained from analyzing the measured data. The result shows that the FBG sensors can be a good alternative for the RSG sensors in monitoring the structure behavior. In addition, experimental study of plates with cracks was carried out using the FBG sensors. Four homemade FBG (Fiber Brag Grating) sensors were installed on specific locations of an aluminum plate. Four traditional RSG sensors were also installed on the same location of the FBG sensors. Test results shows that the FBG sensors can be used to locate the position of cracks. This study shows that the FBG sensors are very good candidates in structural health monitoring and could be widely used in the near future.