DFOS – Basic infrastructure for research, methodological development and application-oriented knowledge and technology transfer in Civil Engineering

The first project will establish a standalone DFOS basic infrastructure for laboratory investigations, methodological developments and application-oriented research and technology transfer tasks. The measurement system is intended, in particular, for investigations into structural maintenance, the assessment of existing load-bearing structures and refurbishment works. It enables the continuous recording of strain and state variations in structural elements and test specimens. In addition, equipment for the manufacture, assembly, testing and repair of in-house fibre-optic sensors will be installed. The infrastructure is to be used on a regular basis in research projects, collaborative development schemes, final-year projects and research-oriented teaching formats. This will give research assistants and students the opportunity to apply and further develop modern digital measurement and evaluation methods in practice.Project detailsProject period: 28/08/2026 – 30/09/2027Funding from the European Regional Development Fund: 59,547.24 EuroExpected outcomesEstablishment of a high-resolution distributed fibre-optic baseline measurement systemExpansion of the scope for investigating local strains and crack propagationDevelopment of in-house expertise in the manufacture and assembly of fibre-optic sensorsStrengthening the links between research, knowledge and technology transfer, and research-oriented teachingImprovement of the metrological conditions for investigations into existing structures

Expansion of the DFOS infrastructure for research, knowledge transfer projects and field-deployable measurement applications in Civil Engineering

The second project expands the basic infrastructure to accommodate more complex, multi-channel and long-range measurement tasks. The aim is to enable high-resolution measurements not only in the laboratory, but also under conditions close to real-world scenarios and during investigations of existing components and civil engineering structures. Through the parallel use of multiple measurement channels, mechanical strains and temperature effects can be recorded separately and taken into account during analysis. This is particularly important for measurements carried out outside controlled laboratory conditions. Potential areas of application include the investigation of crack formation and bonding behaviour, the recording of strain and deformation distributions, and the monitoring of ageing bridges and other civil engineering structures. A complementary digital documentation and analysis infrastructure supports the spatial and visual recording of the components under investigation.Project detailsProject period: 28/08/2026 – 30/09/2027Funding from the European Regional Development Fund: 57,774.60 EuroExpected resultsExtension of the DFOS system to include at least two measurement channels that can be used simultaneouslyCarrying out measurements with greater range and temperature compensationPreparation of measurement applications under realistic conditionsImprovement of investigation options for existing structures and civil engineering worksExpansion of digital documentation and three-dimensional analysisStrengthening of collaborative research and knowledge transfer projects

New DFOS Infrastructure for Research and Knowledge and Technology Transfer in Civil Engineering

The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is expanding its metrology research infrastructure in Civil Engineering. With a new infrastructure for Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS), strains and temperature changes can in future be continuously measured along optical fibres.

Laptop mit Versuchssoftware während eines Versuches — Bild 2: DFOS-Messung im Baulabor Konstruktiver Ingenieurbau der Fachhochschule Potsdam mit einem Leihgerät der Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal (h²). Der Testversuch dient der Erprobung von Messaufbau, Sensorapplikation und Datenauswertung. © Felix Zöllner

Period:

28/08/2026 – 30/09/2027

Type:

Transfer project

Organisational Unit:

Department of Civil Engineering

Funding:

Funded by the European Union under the ERDF programme for the State of Brandenburg.

Unlike individual point-type sensors, this measurement technology enables high-resolution monitoring of entire measurement sections. This makes it possible, for example, to investigate in detail local changes in strain, crack initiation and crack propagation, as well as other changes in the condition of components and load-bearing structures. Continuous measurement along the sensor fibre is a key advantage of distributed fibre-optic measurement methods.

Initial test to prepare the methodology

Even before the newly funded infrastructure is commissioned (currently undergoing Procurement Services), initial trials on the application and evaluation of DFOS measurement technology are being carried out at the Structural Engineering Laboratory of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

In an initial example tensile test, the axial strain of a timber profile bar was recorded along an attached optical measurement fibre (Figure 1). For the test, Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences (h²) kindly made its DFOS measuring device available on loan (Figure 2, top).

The test is intended, in particular, to trial the measurement setup, the application of the sensor fibre, and the processing and evaluation of the high-resolution measurement data. In addition to analysing the raw data, methods for filtering and processing the measurement signals were tested, and the results were compared with conventional reference measurements. An example of the temporal progression of the measurement data, including the individual steps of signal processing, is shown in Figure 3.

A key advantage of DFOS measurement technology is that strain can be measured not only at individual measurement points but also with spatial resolution along the optical fibre. Figure 4 shows, by way of example, a strain profile along the measurement fibre at a selected point in time and compares the raw data with the processed measurement curve.

The experience gained will, amongst other things, serve to prepare for further investigations within the ERIMA research project. There, DFOS measurement technology is to be used in the future to investigate the composite behaviour between timber anchors and clay. In particular, the spatially continuous recording of the strain distribution offers the possibility of investigating load transfer and local changes within the composite zone in a differentiated manner.

At the same time, the initial results highlight the requirements for further methodological development: in addition to the actual measurement, sensor application, calibration, data processing and the evaluation of local measurement artefacts play a particularly important role.

Two projects for a shared DFOS infrastructure

The investment is being made as part of two projects that are thematically linked.

Contribution to sustainability and knowledge transfer

Both projects support the digital and resource-efficient further development of Civil Engineering. More precise information on the actual load-bearing and deformation behaviour of existing structures can help to plan maintenance, repair and refurbishment measures on a more sound basis and to continue using existing structures for as long as possible.

At the same time, the new infrastructure strengthens the transfer of knowledge and technology between universities, research institutions, public bodies and industry partners. Research, digitalisation, sustainability and application-oriented testing are also key themes of the State of Brandenburg’s Regional Innovation Strategy.