Short-gage and long-gage sensors: Applicability and interpretation of measurement

B. Glisic, D. Inaudi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Depending on the geometric basis of measurement (or gage-length), discrete deformation sensors can be classified as a short-gage sensors (typically 10 to 100 mm) or long-gage sensors (typically 0.25 to 10 m). Strain field in homogenous materials is continuous and although the strain can vary a lot in terms of sign and magnitude in distant points of a structure, strain variations are low, quasi constant, over very short segments. Thus, the measurement of a short-gage sensor approximates very well the real strain value at location of the measurement, while the long-gage measurement may give slightly less accurate result, depending on strain variation along its length. Nevertheless, both types of sensors can be used for global structural monitoring of structures built of homogenous construction materials. However, frequently used construction materials, and notably concrete, are inhomogeneous and can be affected by local defects, such as cracks, air pockets and inclusions. All these defects introduce discontinuities in the mechanical material properties. The gage length of a deformation sensor can cross several discontinuities that influence the measurement and its interpretation. Short-gage sensor will provide accurate information concerning the local strain value, but analysis at global structural level may be very inaccurate or even impossible. Contrary, the long-gage sensor will still provide with very useful information on global structural behavior. Basic notions concerning the gage length of a deformation sensor is presented in this paper. Gage length influence on measurement accuracy is analyzed depending of strain variation magnitude for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous materials. Guidelines for determination of applicability and selection of sensor gage lengths depending on project specifications are developed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationStructural Health Monitoring 2009
Subtitle of host publicationFrom System Integration to Autonomous Systems - Proceedings of the 7th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring, IWSHM 2009
EditorsFu-Kuo Chang
PublisherDEStech Publications
Pages1659-1666
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781605950075
StatePublished - Jan 1 2009
Event7th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring: From System Integration to Autonomous Systems, IWSHM 2009 - Stanford, United States
Duration: Sep 9 2009Sep 11 2009

Publication series

NameStructural Health Monitoring 2009: From System Integration to Autonomous Systems - Proceedings of the 7th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring, IWSHM 2009
Volume2

Other

Other7th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring: From System Integration to Autonomous Systems, IWSHM 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityStanford
Period9/9/099/11/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Health Information Management
  • Computer Science Applications

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