@article{ref1,
title="Fiber-optic sensing technology for rail-buckling detection",
journal="Transportation research record",
year="1997",
author="Signore, James and Abdel-Maksoud, Mohamed and Dempsey, Barry",
volume="1584",
number="",
pages="41-45",
abstract="Buckling and cracking of steel rails is a contributing factor in accidents on railroads today. Detection and notification of buckled track sections before a train reaches these locations will significantly increase rail safety. A fiber-optic-based sensing system, with the fiber affixed to a beam, was developed and evaluated to detect buckled regions. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the sensitivity of the fiber-optic sensing system to buckling of a long structural member. Numerous facets of fiber-optic sensing have been explored. Fiber-to-steel bonding techniques were examined and tested. Full-scale laboratory testing was conducted by elastically buckling a 24.4-m-long (80-ft) wide-flange section with hydraulic rams. Typical measurement accuracy within 10 percent of theoretical predictions was achieved by optical time domain reflectometry techniques. For field testing, however, a more robust solution is sought and is currently under development. It is suggested that a lower-cost fiber break or bend detector is a suitable option. The optical fiber will break or bend at the location of rail elongation in the buckled area, allowing the detection equipment to locate the buckled area.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0361-1981",
doi="10.3141/1584-06",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3141/1584-06"
}