Use of Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Structural Health Monitoring of Asphalt Pavements  

This research investigates the feasibility of utilizing Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) technology to monitor strain within pavement structures. Unlike traditional sensors, DFOS provides high-resolution strain measurements along the entire length of an optical fiber, enabling continuous monitoring of pavement behavior under traffic loading. The study involved calibrating a DFOS system using a dedicated jig and implementing it within a laboratory-scale accelerated pavement testing setup. Challenges related to sensor installation, compaction, and slab support were encountered and addressed.

Figure 2: Aluminum jig instrumented with distributed fiber optic sensor connected to the interrogator. 

Results demonstrated the ability of DFOS to capture high-resolution strain distributions within asphalt slabs subjected to simulated traffic loads, surpassing traditional methods and with readings every 2.6 mm along the fiber. The study concludes that DFOS offers significant advantages in real-time pavement monitoring, improving the accuracy and efficiency of data collection for maintenance planning. These findings will support the development of best practices for implementing DFOS systems, equipping pavement engineers with tools for proactive road management and optimizing infrastructure maintenance strategies