FBG Sensing Technology for Small Earth-rock Dam Structural Health Monitoring in the Civil Engineering Industry

Small earth-rock dams are widely used in various fields such as irrigation, water conservation, flood control, and hydropower. The structural health of these dams is critical to ensure their stability and prevent disasters. However, the detection of the structural health of small earth-rock dams poses significant challenges. Fortunately, fiber grating sensing technology has emerged as a promising solution to these challenges. In this article, we will discuss the problems that fiber grating sensing technology can solve,and how Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS ) can support small earth-rock dam structural health monitoring in the civil engineering industry.

Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle:

Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are periodic structures that are inscribed in the core of an optical fiber. These structures reflect a specific wavelength of light that is determined by the periodicity of the grating. When the grating is subjected to mechanical or thermal strain, the reflected wavelength changes in a predictable manner. By monitoring the reflected wavelength, changes in strain, temperature, and other parameters can be detected. FBG sensors can be used to monitor a wide range of parameters, including strain, stress, temperature, and vibration.

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Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Principle - FBG Principle - FBG Sensor Principle - FBG Temperature Strain Stress Vibration Shape Sensing Principle

Basic Introduction to Small Earth-Rock Dams:

Small earth-rock dams are typically constructed by compacting a mixture of rock and soil. These dams are typically less than 15 meters high and are used for water storage, flood control, and irrigation purposes. Small earth-rock dams are prone to internal erosion and seepage due to their heterogeneous nature and the presence of potential seepage paths. These factors can lead to the gradual degradation of the dam's structure, which can pose significant risks to the environment and human life.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® High-Range Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Strain Sensor (Strain Gauge) - Single-ended, Length 1m­­

Challenges in Structural Health Monitoring of Small Earth-Rock Dams:

The monitoring of the structural health of small earth-rock dams poses significant challenges. The primary challenge is the heterogeneity of the dam material, which makes it difficult to use conventional sensors for monitoring. In addition, small earth-rock dams are typically located in remote areas, making it challenging to establish a reliable and robust communication system. Furthermore, the harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures and humidity, can impact the sensors' performance.

Physical Diagram of OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Single-ended FBG Strain Sensor/FBG Strain Gauge­­

What problems can be solved by FBG sensing technology:

Fiber grating sensing technology can help to solve several problems that are faced in the structural health monitoring of small earth-rock dams. Firstly, fiber grating sensors can be used to detect strain and deformation in the dam structure, which can help to identify any potential issues before they become more serious. This can help to prevent costly repairs and maintenance, and can ensure the safety of the dam.

Secondly, fiber grating sensors can be used to monitor the temperature of the dam structure. Changes in temperature can cause the dam to expand or contract, which can lead to structural damage over time. By monitoring the temperature, engineers can identify any potential issues and take corrective action before they become more serious.

Thirdly, fiber grating sensors can be used to detect any changes in the vibration or displacement of the dam structure. This can help to identify any potential issues with the foundation or with the stability of the dam. By monitoring these factors, engineers can take corrective action to prevent any further damage or deterioration of the structure.

Overall, fiber grating sensing technology can provide a comprehensive and accurate method for monitoring the structural health of small earth-rock dams. This can help to ensure the safety of the dam and can prevent costly repairs and maintenance in the long term.

Recommended fiber grating strain sensors:

1500με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - Metal Encapsulation - High Temperature FBG Strain Sensor

The product is a fiber Bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) encapsulated in seamless steel tube, used for strain measurement. In most cases, it is a single-point single-ended structure, or it can be produced as a multi-point single-ended structure. In a few cases, it can also be a double-ended structure. The deployment method of the product depends on the supporting fixtures, which can be directly inserted into the test object, or installed by surface welding with corresponding fixtures, bolted with drilled holes for fixation, adhesive surface mounting, tied with straps for fixation, or fixed with clamps, among various installation methods. This product is a basic structural product, which can be calibrated as a FBG displacement sensor, or used as a FBG stress sensor.

Product Summary:

The OFSCN® Capillary Seamless Steel Tube Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor (FBG strain gauge) is composed of fiber optic connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), stainless steel seamless tubes, and single-point FBG encapsulation.

It can also be customized as a high-temperature resistant fiber Bragg grating strain sensor.

This product features a small size, lightweight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof, moisture-proof, and fully sealed characteristics. By utilizing the strain characteristics of the FBG, this sensor can be inserted, clamped, surface-mounted, glued, or embedded into the measured structure to perform strain detection and monitoring.

6000με Fiber Bragg Grating Strain Sensor - FBG Strain Gauge - polymer material packaging - metal protection strain sensor - range 6000με/8000με

This product is a high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) used for strain measurement. It can be used in a single-ended structure, where it is inserted into the object to be measured for strain measurement. It can also be used in a double-ended structure, where it is fixed with a fixture or bonded directly to the surface for strain measurement, enabling multi-point strain measurement when connected in series. The structure of this product is the same as that of fiber bragg grating stress sensors.

Product Overview:

The OFSCN® high-range fiber bragg grating strain sensor (FBG strain gauge) consists of fiber connectors (FC, SC, LC, ST, etc.), high elastic materials, and single-point FBG encapsulation. Depending on the materials used, it can work at room temperature or a maximum high temperature of 120 degrees Celsius (customizable upon request).

This product is characterized by its small size, light weight, high tensile and compressive strength, waterproof and moisture-proof properties, and full sealing. By utilizing the strain characteristics of FBG, this sensor can be inserted, welded, bonded, or adhered to the internal or surface of the test structure for strain detection and monitoring.

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.:

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) is a professional manufacturer of fiber grating sensors, fiber grating demodulators and system software. Specializing in the production of various fiber grating sensors, including temperature, strain, stress, displacement, vibration, shape sensors, etc. DCYS also produces fiber grating demodulators, and can customize and develop related application software.

Recommended fiber grating demodulator:

Fiber Bragg Grating Demodulator - Fiber Optic Grating Interrogator - High-Speed/Frequency FBG Analyzer

This product is produced by DCYS, and it is a high-speed high-frequency fiber Bragg grating demodulator(Interrogator). The fiber grating demodulator is compatible with various specifications and models of OFSCN® fiber bragg grating sensors (temperature, strain, stress FBG sensors, etc.). It features adjustable port density (4, 8, 12, 16 channels) and high-speed high-refresh rate capabilities.

DCYS Supports Small Earth-rock Dam Structural Health Monitoring in the Civil Engineering Industry:

DCYS also produces fiber grating solutions tuning instruments, which can be used to fine-tune the sensors to the specific needs of a particular application. DCYS also offers customized development of related application software, which can help to optimize the use of the sensors and provide more accurate and comprehensive data.

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) can help the civil engineering industry solve some problems in the structural health monitoring of small earth-rock dams. By providing high-quality fiber grating sensors and related solutions, DCYS can help to ensure the safety of these important structures and prevent costly repairs and maintenance in the long term.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

It is worth noting that while fiber grating sensing technology can provide a comprehensive and accurate method for monitoring the structural health of small earth-rock dams, it is not the only method available. Other methods, such as strain gauges and accelerometers, can also be used to monitor the structural health of these dams.

However, fiber grating sensors do offer several advantages over these other methods. For example, they are more durable and resistant to environmental factors such as temperature and moisture. They are also less intrusive and can be installed more easily and with less disruption to the dam structure.

Overall, fiber grating sensing technology is a valuable tool for the structural health monitoring of small earth-rock dams, and can help to ensure the safety of these important structures for years to come.

 

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