An investigation in the influence of helical structure on bend loss of pavement optical fiber sensor

Abstract Monitoring the complex strain and stress distribution of pavement under actual loading using the conventional sensors has always been a problem for pavement engineers. In order to monitor the mechanical response of pavement under actual loads, a macro bend loss modulation method is developed. The relationship between the shape of the helical structure and macro bend loss of optical fiber is explored. Theoretical calculations and laboratory experiments have proved that this optical loss modulation method is feasible. This paper presents the results of the development.