Światłowody w monitorowaniu konstrukcji inżynierskich

The majority of structural health monitoring systems is created using spot measurements, aided with a numerical model. However, in the near future fiber optic measurement technique has a chance to introduce a new quality to the field of knowledge covering structural monitoring of buildings. It allows for measuring selected physical quantities (e.g. strain or temperature) continuously over its entire length. For example, attaching the optical fiber along concrete, load-carrying beam, it is possible to obtain information about the time and place (the reason) of occurring cracks and about the width of its opening. Implementation of optical fibers for general applications in the construction industry, however, still requires much researches and testing. This paper presents an overview of current projects and studies related to the applications of optical fibers in structural health monitoring of engineering structures, as well as an overview of selected studies carried out in this field at the Institute of Building Materials and Structures (Cracow University of Technology).