Results in monitoring and assessment of damages in large steel and concrete structures by means of fiber optic sensors

Monitoring of the structure condition with the long-term goal of a `self-supervising' building presupposes sensor techniques which yield measuring information about the building characteristic and open up possibilities to detect beginning damage. This paper is to demonstrate the activities of the IEMB in Berlin for use of fiber optic sensors in order to get more efficient information about quality parameters of buildings and structure components. The necessary steps for a successful integration of fiber sensors into structures -- from lab experiments via tests on large parts of structures in the test hall to applications on real structures -- are described. The preconditions for a sensor design which is suitable for embedment into mortar bodies for construction-accompanying measurements as well as for a handable application on steel structures on-site are presented. Examples of applications of fiber optic sensors for experimental investigations on large elements, and for measurements during construction and on specially test loaded bridges are described.