Concrete Monitoring Through Fiber Optic Technology.
In the dynamic world of construction and infrastructure development, innovation often emerges from the most unexpected places. The GO-SENS project, a collaborative effort between seven partners with a mission to pioneer next-generation solutions in distributed optical fiber sensing (DOFS) for high-voltage power cable monitoring, is a testament to this pursuit of cutting-edge technology. Among the project’s participants, Maturix, a pioneering Danish company, recently conducted a groundbreaking test involving fiber optic technology.
Enhancing Concrete Monitoring
Maturix’s experiment focused on one of the critical aspects of concrete construction: temperature distribution. The evenness of heat distribution during the curing process is of paramount importance. Variations in temperature can lead to a phenomenon known as microcracking, which, over time, can compromise the structural integrity of the concrete.
The experimental approach was straightforward yet ingenious. This innovative experiment was designed to monitor concrete, particularly within mass-concrete structures like large reservoir walls and base foundations, that were being constructed on-site. The ultimate goal of this endeavor is to assess the structural integrity of piles by measuring time-dependent temperature profiles. While the initial tests weren’t conducted directly on piles, the successful results obtained from mass-concrete structures set the stage for future applications in pile monitoring.
Maturix embedded fiber optic technology within the concrete, enabling real-time temperature monitoring. The results were nothing short of remarkable. This cutting-edge approach offers an early warning system for potential structural issues, enabling prompt intervention and minimizing the risk of costly repairs down the road. In essence, Maturix’s innovative Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technology is a game-changer in the world of concrete monitoring.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the advantages of Maturix’s approach are crystal clear, there are challenges to be overcome. Installing fiber optic sensors within concrete can be a demanding task. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial challenges. Early detection of temperature irregularities can save construction companies significant sums by preventing structural issues and reducing the need for extensive repairs.
Additionally, another use case for this technology is much simpler and involves using the fiber cable to measure temperature in large concrete structures. In this way, it is possible to obtain hundreds of data points without the need for hundreds of individual sensors. As a proof of concept, Maturix is testing the ability of using the fiber cable for this purpose and assessing some of the challenges involved.
About Maturix
Maturix is dedicated to helping businesses in the construction and concrete industry make data-driven decisions that improve their bottom line. Their wireless sensor solutions facilitate remote data collection and automatic documentation. Real-time data analysis enables businesses to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
Maturix’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions has the potential to transform the construction industry and positively impact the businesses they serve.
About the GO-SENS Project
Maturix’s contribution to the GO-SENS project is just one example of the collaborative efforts among seven partners with the common goal of advancing distributed optical fiber sensing. The project aims to revolutionize the real-time monitoring of high-voltage power cables’ well-being, enhancing their reliability and safety.
GO-SENS Partners: DFM – National Metrology Institute of Denmark, DTU – Department of Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Maturix, Marlinks, LIOS Technology, Energinet and Denish Optical Fiber Innovation.