Crack Detection in Mortar Beams using Optical Time Domain Reflectometry

광학적 시간영역 반사시스템을 이용한 모르타르 보의 균열 탐사

Detection of cracks in concrete beams using optical fiber sensors is useful for monitoring of concrete structures. In this study, optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) is used to detect cracks. Resolution of OTDR is the main contributor to detect cracks in concrete structures. The OTDR used in this study can detect cracks with high precision of 0.5 m. Two mortar beams, reinforced with a 19 mm diameter steel bar, are made with the dimensions of 140 mm (width) ${\times}$ 200 mm (depth) ${\times}$ 2.000 mm (length). Two fibers are embedded inside each beam and two fibers are attached under the beams. The application of measurement system which consists of fiber and FC/PC connecter is studied. For this, theory of optics, resolution, crack moment, and size of specimens are investigated. From the measured data, it is verified that fibers which are attached under the beam can detect the crack in beams effectively. However, fibers embedded inside the beam are unable to detect cracks in beams using the OTDR in this study.