Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors for Strain and Deformation Monitoring of Pipelines and Penstocks

Abstract

Pipeline and penstock management present challenges that are quite unique. Their long length, high value, high risk and often difficult access conditions require continuous monitoring and optimizing maintenance interventions. One of the main concerns for pipeline owners involves the development of excessive strain due to external action, potentially leading to cracking or buckling. The onset of those strain hot-spots can be detected and localized using distributed fiber-optic sensors. Additionally, pipeline strain distribution and soil movement can be identified using the same technology. The aim of this review paper is to present the main technologies used for distributed strain and deformation monitoring of pipelines or penstocks and illustrate their applications through several application examples.