Measuring Support Reactions in a Composite Model Bridge Using Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 149, Issue 7
Abstract
This paper investigates the potential of using distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) to evaluate load distribution and support reactions within a statically indeterminate structure. A multibeam two-span composite model bridge was built and instrumented with DFOS. Three different loading scenarios (full width, concentrated, and offset) and two different slab thicknesses were used to investigate their impact on load distribution and reactions forces. Disturbed regions near the supports meant that shear forces, and thus reactions, could not be measured in this region and thus had to be extrapolated. Two extrapolation techniques (linear and second order) were developed and evaluated using a grillage model. The second-order fitting technique provided more accurate reaction forces for the grillage model and was then used with the distributed strain data from the model bridge to estimate the reactions. Challenges associated with the scale of the experiment were identified that should result in better performance on full-scale structures.
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Data Availability Statement
All data generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request. Data includes distributed strains, strains, and displacements measured in the tests.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada, and Transport Canada for their financial support of this research. They would also like to thank Jack Poldon and Paul Thrasher for their assistance with the experiments.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 149 • Issue 7 • July 2023
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 10, 2022
Accepted: Feb 6, 2023
Published online: Apr 22, 2023
Published in print: Jul 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Sep 22, 2023
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Bridge engineering
- Bridges
- Bridges (by material)
- Building materials
- Composite bridges
- Composite structures
- Concentrated loads
- Continuum mechanics
- Design (by type)
- Dynamic loads
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Engineering mechanics
- Fabrics
- Impact loads
- Load distribution
- Materials engineering
- Measurement (by type)
- Model accuracy
- Models (by type)
- Sensors and sensing
- Solid mechanics
- Static loads
- Statics (mechanics)
- Structural design
- Structural dynamics
- Structural engineering
- Structures (by type)
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