Title: Fiber Optics Technique for Quality Control and Monitoring of FRPInstallations

Author(s): V. Antonucci, M. Giordano, and A. Prota

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 230

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 195-208

Keywords: curing; fiber optic sensors; quality control; refractometer;wet lay-up systems

DOI: 10.14359/14833

Date: 10/1/2005

Abstract:
Advantages such as light weight, high mechanical properties and resistanceto aggressive and chemical agents, non invasive installation, low tooling andmachinery costs, possibility to repair the structure without interrupting its use havedetermined great expectation on Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites for thestrengthening of civil structures. However, their diffusion is often limited by the lack ofprocedures and methods to assess the quality of installations. The main focus of thispaper is to present a non destructive methodology based on a fiber optic refractometerfor the quality control of FRP wet lay-up systems. After summarizing the basicparameters necessary for monitoring the cure reaction and introducing the principles ofthe proposed technique, some preliminary experimental tests are discussed. Theanalysis of laboratory outcomes allows identifying the aspects that need furtherresearch before the proposed technique can be implemented as a field tool for qualityassessment of FRP installations.