Method of monitoring subsurface concrete structures
AssigneesCementation Skanska Limited, Ove Arup & Partners International Limited, Cambridge Enterprise Limited
InventorsAndrew Bell, Yue Ouyang, Kenichi Soga, Duncan Nicholson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Fiber optic sensors are used to monitor the integrity of a subsurface concrete structure such as a pile or diaphragm wall. A fiber optic sensor array (48) is attached to a reinforcement or framework assembly (20) for the subsurface concrete structure. Concrete is applied to surround the reinforcement or framework assembly (20) and fiber optic sensor array (48). The fiber optic sensor array (48) is then used to collect temperature data during hydration of the subsurface concrete structure. The temperature data is monitored in real time to determine differentials across the structure, indicative of a problem within the structure.
Claims17
A method of monitoring a subsurface concrete structure, the method comprising:
- providing a reinforcement or framework assembly for a subsurface concrete structure;
- providing a fibre optic array in association with the reinforcement or framework assembly, the fibre optic array comprising at least one fibre optic cable sensor, wherein the fibre optic cable sensor comprises a fibre optic cable which acts as a sensing element;
- installing the reinforcement or framework assembly at a desired subsurface location;
- applying concrete medium to surround the reinforcement or framework assembly and the at least one fibre optic cable sensor at the subsurface location;
- using the at least one fibre optic cable sensor immediately or shortly after the application of concrete medium to directly sense and collect temperature data along a length of the at least one fibre optic cable sensor during hydration of the subsurface concrete structure;
- and
- analysing the temperature data to determine a characteristic of the subsurface concrete structure,
- wherein the at least one fibre optic cable sensor is folded upon itself so as to leave an opening between its parts, thereby forming an open loop arrangement having a first section and a second section spaced apart from one another and extending along a length of the reinforcement or framework assembly.
A reinforcement or framework assembly for a subsurface concrete structure, comprising:
- a cage constructed from at least one metal bar;
- and
- a fibre optic array attached to the cage, the fibre optic array comprising at least one fibre optic cable sensor, the fibre optic cable sensor comprising a fibre optic cable which acts as a sensing element, the fibre optic cable sensor folded upon itself so as to leave an opening between its parts, thereby forming an open loop arrangement having a first section and a second section spaced apart from one another and which extend along a length of the reinforcement or framework assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.