An Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) based fiber optic sensor scheme\nâ??embeddedâ? in concrete for the purpose of structural health monitoring (SHM) of carbon concrete\ncomposites (C3) is presented. The design, while strengthening the concrete structure, also aims to\nmonitor common SHM parameters such as strain and cracks. This was achieved by weaving the\ncarbon fiber together with optical fiber, based on a specialized technique that uses an embroidery\nsetup where both the carbon and optical fiber are woven on a water dissolvable polymer substrate.\nThe performance of the sensing scheme was characterized in-situ utilizing the OFDR based technique\nand the results presented. The sensors embedded on a custom made concrete block were subjected to\nvarying strain via a three point bending test to destruction and the results discussed. The intended\ndual-achievement of the scheme thus proposed in SHM and strengthening the C3 is demonstrated.\nThe suitability of the OFDR scheme for C3 is combined with a fibre Bragg grating (FBG)-based\napproach, and discussed in detail.
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