IEEE White Paper

- Active. Smart infrastructure applications have used distributed fiber optic sensors to monitor strain, vibration, and temperature. IEEE standards exist for Bragg grating sensors and distributed acoustic sensors (DAS). The current standard activity will expand the monitoring capability to include overloading bridge capacity with heavy vehicles, the impact of corrosion, crack formation, and growth in structural members. The purpose is to monitor structural health by changes in monitored parameters (including strain and vibration signature) and identify potential points of failure. While the impact of corrosion and cracked structures will be monitored, the scope of the activity does not include characterization of the fracture mechanics of the crack formation or chemistry associated with corrosion, which typically requires a laboratory environment. In addition, the standard activity will address how these sensing systems interface with both wired and wireless local area networks and power remote sensing systems. Monitored infrastructure includes bridges, tunnels, dams, buildings, rail lines, power lines, and pipelines.