Corrosion detection in reinforced concrete roadways and bridges via embedded fiber optic sensors

Abstract

The problems associated with the application of chloride-based deicing agents to roadways and specifically bridges include chemical pollution and accelerated corrosion of strength members (especially the rebar) within the structure. In many instances, local ordnances are attempting to force state agencies to reduce, if not eliminate, the use of these chlorides (typically at the cost of increased driving hazards). With respect to the corrosion aspects of chloride application, cracks that occur in the roadway/bridge pavement allow water to seep into the pavement carrying the chloride to the rebar with the resultant increase in corrosion. In tandem with these efforts has been the continuing use of embedded fiber optic sensors for identification of faults or cracks within a highway structure-i.e., structural health monitoring. In this paper, we present multiple-parameter sensing fiber optic sensors which may be embedded into roadway and bridge structures to provide an internal measurement and assessment of its health. Such issues are paramount in determining if remedial or preventative maintenance should be performed on such structures. Laboratory results, comparisons with conventional sensing methods as well as a review of real-world issues in highway sensing are presented.

Smart Sensing Technologies for Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Engineering Structures

“…With respect to corrosion detection, Fuhr and Huston [43] reported their rebar corrosion detection technique using FOS based on colour modulation. When the fibre was in close proximity (<10 mm) to the corroding rebar, the input light from the fibre at its end or at a windowed region was colour modulated.…”

Development of a Quantitative High Throughput Method for the Early Detection of Corrosion on Coated Aluminum

“…23 Fiber optic sensors have been used for the detection of corrosion at a large scale. 24 Fuhr and Hutson embedded multiple-parameter sensing fiber optic sensors into steel reinforced concrete samples. 24 A broadband of light was transmitted through the fiber to the steel surface and either collected by a second fiber or reflected back to the first.…”

“…24 Fuhr and Hutson embedded multiple-parameter sensing fiber optic sensors into steel reinforced concrete samples. 24 A broadband of light was transmitted through the fiber to the steel surface and either collected by a second fiber or reflected back to the first. 24 Color shifts induced by the presence of corrosion were measured.…”

“…24 A broadband of light was transmitted through the fiber to the steel surface and either collected by a second fiber or reflected back to the first. 24 Color shifts induced by the presence of corrosion were measured. 24 In this application, corrosion is indicated by damage to the fiber, which is assumed to result from the occurrence of corrosion within the material.…”

“…24 Color shifts induced by the presence of corrosion were measured. 24 In this application, corrosion is indicated by damage to the fiber, which is assumed to result from the occurrence of corrosion within the material.…”