Pavement roughness monitoring method using fiber optic vibration sensors

Fiber optic sensor system, which is not corrosible semi-permanent, no influence by electromagnetic waves, and able to multiplex, can be expect to take an important part to assess the safety and residual estimate the life span of the highway pavement structure. In this research, as in situ monitoring of roughness of pavement, we propose the vibration monitoring method using fiber optic sensors. We designed and produced prototype fiber optic vibration sensor packages. Laboratory impact tests with the sensors were performed. The sensors showed very good responsibility to the impact and nice damping shape like other ordinary accelerometers. Actual road tests with the prototype vibration sensor were also performed. The ambient vibration by the vehicles was used for the experiment.