The development of a Fibre Bragg Grating river scour sensor utilizing vortex flow

Abstract

The ability to effectively manage the deterioration of a network wide bridge stock condition from year on year is vital for the effective use of finite resources while maintaining public safety. The leading cause of bridge failure and deterioration globally is as a result of scouring. This research looks at the development of a Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) scour sensor utilizing vortex flow effects, which can inform decision making within an existing road bridge management system (BMS). This paper will briefly review the current types of scour sensors available before outlining the initial development of a novel FBG sensor setup and associated prototype development. The findings of initial field trails are presented before outlining future research opportunities on the concept of incorporating real time data from targeted representative structures with on-site sensors to inform and update the scour risk rating.