Application of Embedded FBG Sensors for Monitoring the Structural Stability of Residential Timber Buildings Under Hurricane

Abstract The present work investigates the application of Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) systems as embedded strain and temperature sensors in residential timber buildings. Due to their corrosion resistance, electromagnetic interference immunity, and high sensitivity, (FBG) sensors have been used as embedded temperature and strain sensors for real-time monitoring the structural healthy in aerospace, automotive, and civil infra structures. A proof-of-the concept experimental setup validates the system’s performance and functionality. A scaled-down timber building has been built and placed in a wind tunnel to estimate the structural performance and stability of the building under wind load. The attached FBG sensors measure the change in strain and wavelength of FBGs. At the second phase, the reported strain will be used to estimate the load-carrying capacity of the building. Using Internet of Things (IoT) algorithms, a mobile application can be developed that provides a collecting, storing, processing, and reporting platform for the structural health monitoring system. The assessment results are used to generate condition-based maintenance, safety, and stability reports as well as issuing real-time failure and damage warnings, enhancing the overall resilience of the residual buildings. The present work focuses on the first phase of the proposed structural health monitoring system for residential buildings.