Periodic Reporting for period 1 - POSPORI (Polymer Optical Sensors for Prolonged Overseeing the Robustness of civil Infrastructures)
Période du rapport: 2019-06-19 au 2021-06-18
Civil infrastructure construction and maintenance are vital European investments. With the growth of new construction sites and the need to maintain existing structures, focus on assessing load-bearing capabilities and extending lifespans has increased. Monitoring civil infrastructures' health through sensors provides real-time information on abnormalities or damages, enhancing safety. Optical fibre sensors, particularly polymeric ones, offer promising characteristics like immunity to electromagnetic interference, corrosion resistance, small size, and multi-parameter sensing capabilities. The POSPORI project was focused on the utilisation of novel polymer optical fibre Bragg grating sensors to monitor the critical parameters defining the health of civil infrastructures. The initial objective was the fabrication and characterisation of these sensors, and then facilitating their integration into diverse prototype designs. Subsequently, the development of various reinforced concrete monitoring prototypes was undertaken, and testing was conducted in a designated environment. Emphasis was placed on concrete curing monitoring and rebar-concrete bond-slip detection, leveraging the unique attributes of the polymer optical fibre sensors. The final objective was to develop custom-made geostrips with embedded sensors and test both reinforced concrete and soil monitoring prototypes in an operational environment. The objectives were successfully met, and the potential of these sensors in both controlled and real-world environments was demonstrated. Changes in concrete and soil conditions were effectively detected, highlighting the potential for further advancements and commercial applications. In conclusion, significant advancements in optical fibre sensors were achieved, opening avenues for research and commercial endeavours. The innovations have the potential to revolutionise civil infrastructure monitoring, leading to cost-effective maintenance and enhanced public safety. The results promise a transformative approach to monitoring and maintaining various critical infrastructures.
The POSPORI project, instrumental in advancing the field of fibre sensing technology for structural health monitoring, was organised into several distinct work packages (WP). WP1 laid the ethical groundwork, including obtaining necessary authorisations and adhering to safety guidelines. WP2 implemented the Data Management Plan for optimal data handling and legal compliance. WP3 managed the project's overall structure, communication, reporting, and risk management. WP4 focused on dissemination and commercialisation, including outreach activities and marketing strategies for polymer optical fibre Bragg grating (POFBG) sensors. WP5 was dedicated to the fabrication and characterisation of POFBG sensors, assessing their sensitivity to strain, temperature, and humidity. WP6 involved trans-national collaboration in the development and testing of a reinforced concrete monitoring system. This phase included embedding sensors in steel bars and concrete, monitoring the concrete curing process, and investigating the bond stress-slip response of rebar in concrete. Pull-out tests were performed after two months, confirming the prototypes' ability to detect shear stress, and early signs of debonding (bond-slip) at the interface between reinforcing bars and concrete. WP7 developed and tested reinforced concrete and soil monitoring systems in an operational environment, using custom-made geostrips and embedded sensors on rebars. This work evaluated the performance and durability of prototypes in real-world scenarios, laying the groundwork for further refinement and potential industry applications.
The POSPORI project has marked a significant advancement beyond the current state of the art in the field of fibre sensing technology and structural health monitoring. By leveraging innovative technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, the project has developed novel polymer optical fibre Bragg grating (POFBG) sensors capable of detecting in-situ changes in reinforced structures, such as internal strain, stress, temperature, humidity, and interfacial debonding (bond-slip) between rebars and concrete. The use of a custom-made polymer optical fibre with specific core and overcladding properties has enabled enhanced sensitivity and resilience, setting a new standard in the field. The successful development and testing of novel prototype sensors in intended and operational environments, including soil monitoring and reinforced concrete monitoring in residential structures, have demonstrated the potential of the technology, laying the groundwork for further refinement and potential industrial applications. The project's collaborative nature, involving different teams and disciplinary areas across nations, has facilitated a rich exchange of know-how and expertise, fostering a broader understanding of the technology's potential applications. The innovative prototype sensors developed in the POSPORI project have the potential to contribute to more sustainable urban development, reducing unnecessary expenditures, and enhancing public safety, with clear pathways to potential socio-economic benefits. Beyond the immediate applications in structural health monitoring, the innovations hold promise for other sectors using fibre sensing technology, such as transportation, industrial automation, and healthcare, leading to transformative changes in various domains.