UIC-2009-085 – Crack Sensor

The present UIC invention provides a new methodology to measure large displacements in concrete structures. In general, structural displacements and crack openings in civil structures are large and in the order of a few millimeters or centimeters. Mechanical systems using springs and magnetic transduction methods or other techniques are employed to measure large displacements. These systems are not easily deployable in structures because of the lack of conformity with structural shapes. Strain gauge type systems such as fiber optic Bragg gratings are highly sensitive and enjoy high resolutions, but their strain measurement range is small. Higher displacement readings generally damages the strain sensor/ or just simply is not transduced. The method of the present invention de-amplifies the larger displacements and increases the displacement measurement range to 10 mm. Mark Krivchenia krivchen@otm.uic.edu (312) 996-6626