Fibre optic monitoring of segmental lining at the Brenner Base Tunnel

The reliability of infrastructure, especially key structures, is crucial for the future efficiency of the entire infrastructure system. To ensure high availability of the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT), various aspects in the planning and construction measures were implemented. Following this requirement, a distributed fibre optic sensing system was employed for the mechanised tunnelling sections of construction lots H41 and H53. This system enables detailed load monitoring of the segmental lining during both construction and operation phase. By continuously monitoring the condition of the segmental lining, the system supports optimised on‐site implementation planning (e.g. for temporary supports of cross‐passage openings) and facilitates targeted maintenance during operation. Thanks to its durability and immunity to electromagnetic interference, the distributed fibre optic sensing system embedded in the segments is ideally suited for long‐term monitoring during operation, i.e. serving as a structural health monitoring system.