Non-intrusive monitoring of historic structures using fibre Bragg gratings – Application at the monastery of Batalha

Fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) emerge as a groundbreaking tool for preserving the structural integrity of historic sites, offering real-time monitoring without compromising authenticity. Applied at the Monastery of Batalha, these non-intrusive sensors detected potential active movement in the cloister, demonstrating their capability to track stresses, strains, and environmental conditions with precision. The study combined FBG technology with laser scanning for a comprehensive assessment, emphasizing the need for reversible sensor integration to safeguard heritage structures while enabling early intervention. This approach sets a new standard for structural health monitoring (SHM) in conservation efforts.

Bourgeois, I., Pereira, L., Antunes, P., Ferreira, V., & Rodrigues, H. (2024). Non-intrusive monitoring of historic structures using fibre Bragg gratings – Application at the monastery of Batalha. Journal of Building Engineering, 94, 109879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109879