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Optical Fiber Sensors Used for Civil Engineering
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Optical Fiber Sensors Used for Civil Engineering

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2025 | Viewed by 3892

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Michael Sakellariou

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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Structural Mechanics and Engineering Structures, School of Rural, Surveying and Geoinformatics Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Zografos, 15780 Athens, Greece
Interests: geotechnical engineering and geomechanics; numerical and experimental stress analysis; structural health monitoring; stress analysis of tunnels; landslide hazards analysis in GIS environment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optical fiber sensors (OFs) are a relatively new technology used to measure strain, temperature, and accelerations in situ to monitor the structural performance of civil engineering structures in aerospace and mechanical engineering industries, etc. This technology acts as an extension of strain gauges and other methods used to monitor structures in all scales from scaled-down physical models to real structures. This development is relevant to the need for structural health monitoring (SHM), performance-based design, and improved and versatile methods in experimental mechanics. In this Special Issue, papers reporting on the advanced use of OFS in research and industry are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Michael Sakellariou
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Bragg sensors
  • Brillouin sensors
  • distributed optical fiber sensors
  • structural health monitoring
  • BIM

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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14 pages, 3965 KiB  
Article
Application of Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Active Near-Surface Seismic Monitoring
by Eslam Roshdy, Mariusz Majdański, Szymon Długosz, Artur Marciniak and Paweł Popielski
Sensors 2025, 25(5), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25051558 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 422
Abstract
High-resolution imaging of the near-surface structures of critical objects is necessary in various applications including geohazard studies, the structural health of artificial structures, and generally in environmental seismology. This study explores the use of fiber optic sensor technology in active seismic surveys to [...] Read more.
High-resolution imaging of the near-surface structures of critical objects is necessary in various applications including geohazard studies, the structural health of artificial structures, and generally in environmental seismology. This study explores the use of fiber optic sensor technology in active seismic surveys to monitor the embankment structure of the Rybnik Reservoir in Poland. We discuss the technical aspects, including sensor types and energy sources, and provide a comparison of the data collected with a standard geophone-based survey conducted simultaneously. A thorough data processing methodology is presented to directly compare both datasets. The results show a comparable data quality, with DAS offering significant advantages in terms of both the spatial and temporal resolution, facilitating more accurate interpretations. DAS demonstrates its ability to operate effectively in complex geological environments, such as areas with high seismic noise, rough terrain, and variable surface conditions, making it highly adaptable for monitoring critical infrastructure. Additionally, DAS provides long-term monitoring capabilities, essential for ongoing structural health assessments and geohazard detection. For example, the multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) using DAS data clearly identifies S-wave velocities down to 13 m with an RMS error of 3.26%, compared to an RMS error of 6.2% for geophone data. Moreover, the DAS-based data were easier to process and interpret. The integration of DAS with traditional seismic data can provide a more comprehensive understanding of subsurface properties, facilitating more accurate and reliable geophysical assessments over time. This innovative approach is particularly valuable in challenging environments, underscoring its importance in monitoring critical infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Fiber Sensors Used for Civil Engineering)
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26 pages, 15681 KiB  
Article
Applications of Optical Fiber Sensors in Geotechnical Engineering: Laboratory Studies and Field Implementation at the Acropolis of Athens
by Elena Kapogianni and Michael Sakellariou
Sensors 2025, 25(5), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25051450 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 342
Abstract
The current study investigates the feasibility and performance of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) optical sensors in geotechnical engineering applications, aiming to demonstrate their broader applicability across different scales, from controlled laboratory experiments to real-world field implementations. More specifically, the research evaluates the sensors’ [...] Read more.
The current study investigates the feasibility and performance of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) optical sensors in geotechnical engineering applications, aiming to demonstrate their broader applicability across different scales, from controlled laboratory experiments to real-world field implementations. More specifically, the research evaluates the sensors’ ability to monitor key parameters—strain, temperature, and acceleration—under diverse loading conditions, including static, dynamic, seismic, and centrifuge loads. Within this framework, laboratory experiments were conducted using the one-degree-of-freedom shaking table at the National Technical University of Athens to assess sensor performance during seismic loading. These tests provided insights into the behavior of geotechnical physical models under earthquake conditions and the reliability of FBG sensors in capturing dynamic responses. Additional testing was performed using the drum centrifuge at ETH Zurich, where physical models experienced gravitational accelerations up to 100 g, including impact loads. The sensors successfully captured the loading conditions, reflecting the anticipated model behavior. In the field, optical fibers were installed on the Perimeter Wall (Circuit Wall) of the Acropolis of Athens to monitor strain, temperature, and acceleration in real-time. Despite the challenges posed by the archaeological site’s constraints, the system gathered data over two years, offering insights into the structural behavior of this historic monument under environmental and loading variations. The Acropolis application serves as a key field example, illustrating the use of these sensors in a complex and historically significant site. Finally, the study details the test setups, sensor types, and data acquisition techniques, while addressing technical challenges and solutions. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of FBG sensors in geotechnical applications and highlight their potential for future projects, emphasizing their value as tools for monitoring structural integrity and advancing geotechnical engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Fiber Sensors Used for Civil Engineering)
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17 pages, 10452 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study of Sinkhole Propagation Induced by a Leaking Pipe Using Fibre Bragg Grating Sensors
by Josué Yumba, Maria Ferentinou and Michael Grobler
Sensors 2024, 24(19), 6215; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24196215 - 25 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1377
Abstract
Sinkhole formation caused by leaking pipes in karst soluble rocks is a significant concern, leading to infrastructure damage and safety risks. In this paper, an experiment was conducted to investigate sinkhole formation in dense sand induced by a leaking pipe. Fibre Bragg grating [...] Read more.
Sinkhole formation caused by leaking pipes in karst soluble rocks is a significant concern, leading to infrastructure damage and safety risks. In this paper, an experiment was conducted to investigate sinkhole formation in dense sand induced by a leaking pipe. Fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were used to record the strain. A balloon was gradually deflated within a bed of wet silica sand to create an underground cavity. Eighteen FBG sensors, with a wavelength range between 1550 nm and 1560 nm, were embedded horizontally and vertically in the physical model at different levels to monitor deformation at various locations. A leaking pipe was installed to induce the collapse of the formed arch above the cavity. The strain measurements suggested the following four phases in the sinkhole formation process: (1) cavity formation, (2) progressive weathering and erosion, (3) catastrophic collapse, and (4) subsequent equilibrium conditions. The results showed differences in the strain signatures and distributions between the horizontal and vertical measurements. During the critical phase of the sinkhole collapse, the horizontal measurements primarily showed tension, while the vertical measurements indicated compression. This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of FBGs as advanced monitoring tools for sinkhole precursor identification. The study also suggests using FBGs in geotechnical monitoring applications to improve the understanding and mitigation of sinkholes and related geohazards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Fiber Sensors Used for Civil Engineering)
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14 pages, 4637 KiB  
Article
Fluorescent Probe-Based Fiber Optic Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Chloride Ions in Coastal Concrete Structures
by Zhen Lin, Quanfeng Ouyang, Chuanrui Guo and Yiqing Ni
Sensors 2024, 24(12), 3700; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24123700 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1120
Abstract
Coastal concrete structures, such as cross-sea bridges and tunnels, are susceptible to the penetration of chloride ions, which can lead to the deterioration of the passive film on the rebar surface, consequently accelerating the corrosion process. Conventional methods for monitoring chloride ions typically [...] Read more.
Coastal concrete structures, such as cross-sea bridges and tunnels, are susceptible to the penetration of chloride ions, which can lead to the deterioration of the passive film on the rebar surface, consequently accelerating the corrosion process. Conventional methods for monitoring chloride ions typically require in situ drilling for sample collection, thereby compromising efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, real-time monitoring and early warning cannot be achieved. To address these challenges, this work introduces a fluorescent-probe-based fiber optic sensor for monitoring chloride levels in concrete structures. Quinine sulfate was chosen as the fluorescent material due to its exceptional sensitivity to chloride ions and its stability in concrete environments. The proposed sensor was manufactured using sol–gel and 3D-printing techniques. Tests were conducted using concrete simulation fluid and cement mortar specimens. The results demonstrate that the sensitivity of the proposed sensor is greater than 0.01 M, and its accuracy in penetration depth measurement is better than 3 mm. The findings confirm that the designed fiber optic sensor based on quinine sulfate enables real-time monitoring of chloride ions in concrete structures, offering high sensitivity (0.1% in concentration and 2.7 mm in terms of penetration depth), unique selectivity (as it is immune to other ions whose concentrations are 10 times higher than those of Cl−), and a compact size (10 × 20 mm). These attributes render it promising for practical engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Fiber Sensors Used for Civil Engineering)
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