Identification of Bending Stiffness Distribution in RC Plate Using Distributed Fiber Optics

Abstract

Brillouin Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR) is a promising candidate for static damage evaluation in large structures as it allows continuous distribution of strain along the structure. In previous works, it was found that even though the inherent limitation of spatial resolution of approximately 1m, a quantified parameter for very localized damage as cracks and an equivalent bending stiffness distribution can be found in RC beam. To use this concept in plate-like structures, estimation of the curvature distributions along x and y directions with respect to the capability of the BOTDR technology should be considered, as well as, consideration to the influence of the redistribution of the internal forces and moments on the curvature distributions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate these issues in details and to suggest a tailored identification procedure for plate-like structures based on the BOTDR technology.