FBG Sensing Technology for SHM of Railway Slope

The transportation industry plays a vital role in the global economy and society, and rail transport is an essential component of it. Railway tracks and related structures need to be maintained and monitored regularly to ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains. Among the critical components of railway infrastructure, railway slope structures are prone to various types of damage and failures, which can have severe consequences for the safety of railway operations. The health monitoring of railway slope structures is, therefore, essential to identify potential risks and avoid accidents. Fiber grating sensing technology provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for the health monitoring of railway slope structures. 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 help to do structural health monitoring(SHM) of railway slope.

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

Common Slope Problems of Railway Tracks:

Railway slopes are susceptible to several types of damage and failures, including landslides, soil erosion, and rockfalls. These problems are often caused by environmental factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or temperature changes. Slope failures can lead to train derailments, track blockages, and, in severe cases, injuries or fatalities.

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

Consequences of Railway Track Slope Collapses and Landslides:

Railway slope collapses and landslides can have severe consequences for the safety and reliability of railway operations. They can cause derailments, track blockages, and infrastructure damage, resulting in delays, cancellations, and economic losses. Moreover, slope failures can pose a significant risk to the safety of passengers and railway workers.

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

Difficulties in Monitoring Railway Slopes in the Transportation Industry:

Monitoring railway slopes is a challenging task for several reasons. Firstly, railway slopes are often located in remote or inaccessible areas, making it difficult to install and maintain monitoring equipment. Secondly, traditional monitoring methods such as visual inspections or manual measurements are time-consuming and can only provide limited information about the health of the slope. Thirdly, the harsh environment surrounding railway slopes, such as heavy rainfall, extreme temperatures, and vibrations from passing trains, can cause damage or interference with monitoring equipment.

What Problems can be Solved by FBG Technology:

The use of fiber grating sensing technology can provide accurate and real-time monitoring of railway slope structures, detecting any changes in the slope's behavior that may indicate an imminent failure. It can also help identify potential areas of risk and predict future slope failures, allowing for proactive maintenance and repair work to be carried out before any major damage occurs.

Fiber grating sensors can measure parameters such as strain, temperature, and displacement, which are crucial in monitoring the health of railway slope structures. By placing fiber grating sensors at strategic locations along the slope, it is possible to obtain precise information about the slope's behavior and its response to external factors such as wind, rain, and temperature changes.

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 Helps to Do SHM of Railway Slope:

With our expertise in fiber grating sensing technology, DCYS can help the transportation industry solve some of the challenges in railway slope monitoring. DCYS offers a range of fiber grating sensors that are suitable for different applications, including those that are designed for use in harsh environments.

By working closely with railway operators, DCYS can develop customized solutions that meet the specific needs of each project. DCYS's fiber grating sensors can be integrated with other monitoring systems to provide a comprehensive view of the railway slope's behavior, allowing for better decision-making and more efficient maintenance work.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

In addition to the benefits of fiber grating sensing technology for railway slope monitoring, it is worth noting that this technology has many other applications in the transportation industry. For example, fiber grating sensors can be used to monitor the health of bridges, tunnels, and other critical infrastructure, helping to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers and cargo.

Moreover, fiber grating sensing technology has the potential to reduce maintenance costs and increase the lifespan of transportation infrastructure. By providing real-time and accurate data, it is possible to identify problems early on and carry out maintenance work before major damage occurs, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

In conclusion, fiber grating sensing technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor and maintain transportation infrastructure. With its ability to provide real-time and accurate data, it can help prevent accidents, reduce maintenance costs, and increase the lifespan of critical infrastructure. As such, it is a technology that should be embraced by the transportation industry as we strive towards safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transport systems.

 

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