A case study of an intelligent civil structure - the Winooski one hydroelectric dam 8 years later

The Winooski One hydroelectric dam in Winooski Vermont, built in 1992, represented the world's first high performance civil structure into which were embedded various fiber optic sensors. While the goal was to have these sensors provide measurements not previsouly attainable, given the large levels of electromagnetic interference present within such a power generation facility, in some respects the larger issue has been the overall survivability of fiber optic sensors which have been embedded into a reinforced concrete structure. Details regarding sensor choices, sensor placement, installation details, measurements, and the benefits to the dam owners are presented.