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 abou t the internal structural health and overall structural performance. The in stallation process is of utmost importance for if incorrectly done, the sen sors will not withstand the rigorous conditions present during the construc tion and concrete pouring process. A detailed description of the sensor ins tallation and excavation process undertaken when a suite of fiber optic sen sors were embedded into a 67 m long steel truss bridge spanning the Winoosk i River in Waterbury, Vermont (USA) arise is presented.