Fiber Optic Sensing of a Bridge in Waterbury, Vermont

The use of fiber optic sensors for the internal state measurements of large civil structures has been increasing in recent years. Sensors are embedded into the reinforced concrete structure in order to obtain information about the internal structural health and overall structural performance. The installation process is of utmost importance for if incorrectly done, the sensors will not withstand the rigorous conditions present during the construction and concrete pouring process. A detailed description of the sensor installation and excavation process undertaken when a suite of fiber optic sensors were embedded into a 67 m long steel truss bridge spanning the Winooski River in Waterbury, Vermont (USA) arise is presented.