Distributed strain measurement with polymer optical fibers integrated into multifunctional geotextiles

Sascha Liehr; Philipp Lenke; Katerina Krebber; Monika Seeger; Elke Thiele; Heike Metschies; Berhane Gebreselassie; Johannes Christian Münich; Lothar Stempniewski

doi:10.1117/12.780508

30 April 2008 Distributed strain measurement with polymer optical fibers integrated into multifunctional geotextiles

Sascha Liehr, Philipp Lenke, Katerina Krebber, Monika Seeger, Elke Thiele, Heike Metschies, Berhane Gebreselassie, Johannes Christian Münich, Lothar Stempniewski

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7003, Optical Sensors 2008; 700302 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.780508
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2008, Strasbourg, France

Abstract

Fiber optic sensors based on polymer optical fibers (POF) have the advantage of being very elastic and robust at the same time. Unlike silica fibers, standard PMMA POF fibers can be strained to more than 40% while fully maintaining their light guiding properties. We investigated POF as a distributed strain sensor by analysing the backscatter increase at the strained section using the optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) technique. This sensing ability together with its high robustness and break-down strain makes POF well-suited for integration into technical textiles for structural health monitoring purposes. Within the European research project POLYTECT (Polyfunctional textiles against natural hazards) technical textiles with integrated POF sensors, among others sensors are being developed for online structural health monitoring of geotechnical structures. Mechanical deformation in slopes, dams, dikes, embankments and retrofitted masonry structures is to be detected before critical damage occurs. In this paper we present the POF strain sensor properties, reactions to disturbing influences as temperature and bends as well as the results of the different model tests we conducted within POLYTECT. We further show the potential of perfluorinated graded-index POF for distributed strain sensing with increased spatial resolution and measurement lengths.

Citation Download Citation

Sascha Liehr, Philipp Lenke, Katerina Krebber, Monika Seeger, Elke Thiele, Heike Metschies, Berhane Gebreselassie, Johannes Christian Münich, and Lothar Stempniewski "Distributed strain measurement with polymer optical fibers integrated into multifunctional geotextiles", Proc. SPIE 7003, Optical Sensors 2008, 700302 (30 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.780508

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available