Dynamic Response Monitoring of the Zeeland Bridge Using Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing on Existing Telecom Fibres

Abstract

This paper presents a pioneering application of Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) technology for the dynamic response monitoring of the Zeeland Bridge, a 5 km long cantilever-balanced prestressed concrete bridge. The study explores the feasibility and potential of using pre-installed single-mode telecommunication fibres, embedded within ducts inside the bridge structure, as a sensing network for large-scale structural health monitoring. Spatially high-resolution dynamic strain measurements were performed under two distinct loading scenarios: (i) a controlled bridge closure during which a test vehicle was driven over the deck, and (ii) normal operational conditions under ambient traffic. These measurement campaigns allowed for the evaluation of the bridge’s dynamic behaviour under both controlled and operational loading conditions. The DFOS system successfully captured vibration signatures induced by both test and ambient loads, demonstrating its capability to detect dynamic responses over the entire monitored length of the structure. The results highlight the effectiveness of leveraging existing telecom fibre infrastructure for distributed, continuous, and minimally invasive monitoring. Ongoing data analysis focuses on identifying clear correlations between locally varying structural characteristics of the bridge and its dynamic response. These correlations are expected to provide valuable insights into the bridge’s dynamic properties and spatial variability, contributing to an improved understanding of its structural behaviour. Overall, this study demonstrates the strong potential of DFOS technology combined with existing telecommunication fibres for the long-term monitoring of large-scale civil infrastructure. The proposed approach offers a promising pathway towards more efficient asset management, condition assessment, and maintenance strategies for ageing bridge structures.