Embedded distributed fiber optic strain sensing for multi-scale monitoring and 3D assessment of cementitious materials deterioration
Abstract
Cementitious structures are subjected throughout service life to physical and chemical actions that induce gradual or sudden deterioration. Monitoring these processes in situ is particularly challenging when damage initiates cement. As part of the PALLAS project, this study presents an innovative method for direct monitoring of cementitious materials deterioration using distributed fiber optic strain (DFOS) sensing embedded along a helical path and supported by an additively printed structure. Three laboratory tests representing common degradation mechanismsa mechanical loading test leading to cracking, an accelerated sulfate attack inducing swelling, and an accelerated carbonation process inducing shrinkagewere conducted on small-scale mortar specimens to capture global and localized deformation over varying temporal scales. The embedded DFOS system successfully detected and localized gradual internal strain variations associated with shrinkage and swelling, as well as abrupt strain changes due to cracking. A polyharmony interpolation framework was introduced to convert helical-path strain data into interpolated surfaces and three-dimensional representations, enabling visualization of the structure's geometry, non-uniform deformation patterns, and comparison with visual inspections. Notably, although further investigations are required, these experiments provide initial evidence that strain gradients measured prior to cracking correlate with the locations of future cracks, suggesting that DFOS could serve as an effective early-warning tool for stress-driven damage. Overall, although the embedded support structure may influence crack development, this approach demonstrates strong capabilities for multi-scale and multi-temporal monitoring of mortar degradation, with potential applications in civil engineering and in the monitoring of engineered barriers and waste-package systems in radioactive waste disposal facilities.
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BibTeX
@article{simon2026embedded,
title = {{Embedded distributed fiber optic strain sensing for multi-scale monitoring and 3D assessment of cementitious materials deterioration}},
author = {Nataline Simon and Pierre Dick and Julie Pouya and Nicolas Aubert and Aghiad Khadour and Alexandre Dauzères},
journal = {Measurement - Journal of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO)},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1016/j.measurement.2026.123203},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05761605v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Embedded distributed fiber optic strain sensing for multi-scale monitoring and 3D assessment of cementitious materials deterioration
AU - Nataline Simon
AU - Pierre Dick
AU - Julie Pouya
AU - Nicolas Aubert
AU - Aghiad Khadour
AU - Alexandre Dauzères
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/23
JO - Measurement - Journal of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO)
DO - 10.1016/j.measurement.2026.123203
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05761605v1
AB - Cementitious structures are subjected throughout service life to physical and chemical actions that induce gradual or sudden deterioration. Monitoring these processes in situ is particularly challenging when damage initiates cement. As part of the PALLAS project, this study presents an innovative method for direct monitoring of cementitious materials deterioration using distributed fiber optic strain (DFOS) sensing embedded along a helical path and supported by an additively printed structure. Three laboratory tests representing common degradation mechanismsa mechanical loading test leading to cracking, an accelerated sulfate attack inducing swelling, and an accelerated carbonation process inducing shrinkagewere conducted on small-scale mortar specimens to capture global and localized deformation over varying temporal scales. The embedded DFOS system successfully detected and localized gradual internal strain variations associated with shrinkage and swelling, as well as abrupt strain changes due to cracking. A polyharmony interpolation framework was introduced to convert helical-path strain data into interpolated surfaces and three-dimensional representations, enabling visualization of the structure's geometry, non-uniform deformation patterns, and comparison with visual inspections. Notably, although further investigations are required, these experiments provide initial evidence that strain gradients measured prior to cracking correlate with the locations of future cracks, suggesting that DFOS could serve as an effective early-warning tool for stress-driven damage. Overall, although the embedded support structure may influence crack development, this approach demonstrates strong capabilities for multi-scale and multi-temporal monitoring of mortar degradation, with potential applications in civil engineering and in the monitoring of engineered barriers and waste-package systems in radioactive waste disposal facilities.
SN - 0263-2241
SN - 1873-412X
ER -