Damage tracking using distributed optic fiber sensors in structures

Early detection of damage and monitoring helps improving the safety and durability of structures. The ability to model and simulate this phenomenon, along with measurements, facilitates system control. Various sensor types have been used in the context of structural health monitoring. Among them, Distributed Optic Fiber Sensors grant certain benefits which make them a convenient option for real-time monitoring of structures. This work comprises of using distributed strain sensors, based on Rayleigh backscattering and OFDR technology, in samples that bear loading up to their failure point. The collected data are then post-processed in the framework of modified constitutive relation error (mCRE) to perform damage model updating and estimate the material condition. Several damage models are presented and compared, and the most suitable model is also selected using mCRE.