Thanks to the dynamic development of advanced building technologies as well as the growing awareness, experience and responsibilities of engineers, structural health monitoring systems (SHM) are increasingly applied in civil engineering and geotechnical applications. This is also facilitated by the construction law and standard requirements, e.g., the observation method for geotechnical structures described in the Eurocode 7. Still, the most common approach is to apply spot sensors in selected points of the structure to validate theoretical models, numerical simulations and support technical assessments by involving statistic and approximation methods. The main limitation of spot sensing is the inability to detect localized damages such as cracks, fractures, sinkholes or shear planes. Thus, such analysis is subject to considerable uncertainty, especially within geotechnical structures, characterized by random mechanical parameters that change with location, but also over time. Another approach is based on distributed fibre optic sensors (DFOS), which are finding a growing acceptance in laboratory and field projects, overcoming limitations of conventional measurements. The design and applications of new DFOS dedicated for 3D displacement sensing are described hereafter in the article. The novelty of the presented solution lies in several features, including design, application, production technology and materials. This article is focused on the operational rules governing DFOS and proving their effectiveness in laboratory and geotechnical field applications.

The article presents research on the performance of different distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) tools, including both layered cables and monolithic composite sensors. The main need for the presented research was related to the growing applications of the DFOS techniques for the measurements of cracked concrete structures. There are no clear guidelines on the required parameters of the DFOS tools, which, despite their different designs, are offered for the same purpose (strain sensing). The state-of-the-art review and previous experiences show noticeable differences in the quality of the results depending on the applied DFOS tool. The technical construction of selected solutions was described with its theoretical consequences, and then laboratory tests on full-size reinforced concrete beams were discussed. Beams equipped with embedded tools were investigated in four-point bending tests, causing the formation of multiple cracks in the tension zone along the beams’ length. The results in the form of strain profiles registered by selected DFOS tools were analysed regarding the qualitative (crack detection) and quantitative (width estimation) crack assessment. The comparison between crack-induced strain profiles was based on a new parameter called crack shape coefficient CSC, which could be applied to assess the effectiveness of the particular DFOS tool in crack detection and analysis. It was one of the world’s first research allowing for such direct comparison between the layered and monolithic sensing tools. The summary indicates practical guidelines referring to the preferable design of the tools best suitable for crack measurements, as well as the field proofs based on data from two concrete bridges in Germany.

The article presents research on the performance of composite and monolithic sensors for distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS). The introduction summarises the design of the sensors and the theoretical justification for such an approach. Lessons learned during monitoring cracked concrete are summarised to highlight what features of the DFOS tools are the most favourable from the crack analysis point of view. Later, the results from full-size laboratory concrete specimens working in a cracked state were presented and discussed in reference to conventional layered sensing cables. The research aimed to compare monolithic sensors and layered cables embedded in the same reinforced concrete elements, which is the main novelty. The performance of each DFOS nondestructive tool was investigated in the close vicinity of the cracks—both the new ones, opening within the tension zone, and the existing ones, closing within the compression zone. The qualitative (detection) and quantitative (widths estimation) crack analyses were performed and discussed. Finally, the examples of actual applications within concrete structures, including bridges, are presented with some examples of in situ results.

Due to the low costs of distributed optical fibre sensors (DFOS) and the possibility of their direct integration within layered composite members, DFOS technology has considerable potential in structural health monitoring of linear underground infrastructures. Often, it is challenging to truly simulate the actual ground conditions at all construction stages. Thus, reliable measurements are required to adjust the model and verify theoretical calculations. The article presents a new approach to monitor displacements and strains in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) collectors and pipelines using DFOS. The research verifies the effectiveness of the proposed monitoring solution for health monitoring of composite pipelines. Optical fibres were installed over the circumference of a composite tubular pipe, both on the internal and external surfaces, while loaded externally. Analysis of strain profiles allowed for calculating the actual displacements (shape) of the pipe within its cross-section plane using the Trapezoidal method. The accuracy of proposed approach was positively verified both with reference spot displacement transducer as well as numerical simulations using finite element method (FEM). DFOS could obtain a comprehensive view of structural deformations, including both strains and displacements under externally applied load. The knowledge gained during research will be ultimately used for renovating existing collectors.

Structure monitoring systems are increasingly used to assess the technical condition and improve the safety of structures. Monitoring the structural behaviour becomes necessary in the case of structures located in areas with complicated ground conditions. Due to the risk of failures and the resulting economic and non-material costs, monitoring should be in particular applied to linear structures, including railways, tramlines, motorways and expressways, as well as related facilities (e.g. bridges). Monitoring shall consist in regular observations, measurements and documenting all significant data during construction, after its completion and during usage, and in analysing and evaluating the results. This paper presents the application of structure monitoring systems to the assessment of the behaviour of bridges exposed to the impact of mining operations.