FBG Sensing Technology for SHM of Railway Bridges

Railway bridges play a vital role in the transportation industry, allowing trains to safely cross over rivers, valleys, and other obstacles. However, the safety and structural integrity of these bridges can be compromised due to various factors such as aging, weather conditions, and heavy traffic. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the health of railway bridges continuously to prevent any potential accidents or failures. 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 bridge in the transportation 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

Common Problems of Railway Bridges and their Particularity:

Railway bridges are subjected to several types of loads such as static, dynamic, and cyclic loads, which can cause several problems such as fatigue cracking, corrosion, and deformation. The particularity of railway bridges lies in the fact that they have to support a large amount of weight and endure continuous vibrations from passing trains. This can lead to fatigue damage, which can eventually lead to structural failure.

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

Difficulties in Monitoring Railway Bridges in the Transportation Industry:

The monitoring of railway bridges in the transportation industry can be challenging due to several reasons. Firstly, railway bridges are located in remote areas, making it difficult to access and monitor them regularly. Secondly, conventional monitoring techniques such as strain gauges and accelerometers can be challenging to install and maintain due to the limited space available on the bridge structure. Finally, conventional monitoring techniques can be unreliable and may not provide accurate data in real-time.

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

What Problems can be Solved by FBG Technology:

FBG sensors can solve several problems associated with the monitoring of railway bridges in the transportation industry. Firstly, FBG sensors are compact and can be easily installed on the bridge structure, making them ideal for monitoring hard-to-reach areas. Secondly, FBG sensors provide accurate and reliable data in real-time, enabling early detection of potential problems. Thirdly, FBG sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for use in harsh environments.

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 Bridges:

Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd.(short for DCYS) can provide solutions for monitoring railway bridges in the transportation industry.

大成永盛光纤光栅传感监测系统框图

Other Points Need to Be Clarified:

The application of fiber grating sensing technology in the health monitoring of railway bridges in the transportation industry can significantly improve the safety and structural integrity of these critical infrastructure components. FBG sensors offer several advantages over conventional monitoring techniques and can provide accurate and reliable data in real-time, enabling early detection of potential problems. Beijing Dacheng Yongsheng Technology Co., Ltd. can provide solutions for monitoring railway bridges using FBG sensors, helping to ensure the safety of railway infrastructure in the transportation industry.

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