Dynamic analysis and temperature measurements of concrete cantilever beam using fibre Bragg gratings

We analyzed the action of fire, causing degradation in a concrete cantilever beam using dynamic testing. The structure was fitted with two fibre Bragg gratings (FBG) sensors. One of them measured vibration and the other measured the temperature inside of the cantilever beam, while the beam was exposed to fire. A high-temperature probe based on a simple packaging system, which isolates the sensing FBG from any mechanical action, was developed. A low-cost fibre Bragg grating interrogation system, including easy assembly and maintenance, was used for the measurements. The temperature in the cantilever beam increased until 150 degrees C and a reduction in the strength of concrete was observed through modal analysis. Results reveal a considerable reduction in strength occurs even with exposures to moderate temperatures (less than 90 degrees C). (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.