Fibre‐optic‐based sensors bring new capabilities to structural monitoring

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the range of fibre‐optic sensors available for monitoring the integrity of buildings and civil engineering structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the need for structural monitoring and reviews the types of fibre‐optic sensors. Concentrating on elongation and temperature sensing, shows how each technology works, which companies supply the products, and gives an overview of their technical specifications.

Findings

Fibre optics are able to provide integrated, single‐point and distributed sensor systems. The fibre is a communication channel as well as a sensor, and in some systems, carries highly multiplexed data over considerable distances to a central monitoring station. The take‐up of this technology in structural sensing is helped by appropriate packaging that assists attachment to buildings. Durability and measurement stability give a continuity of measurement that was not previously possible.

Originality/value

An introduction to the range of sensors applicable to structural monitoring, of general interest to scientists, but particularly to civil and constructional engineers.

Citation

Connolly, C. (2006), "Fibre‐optic‐based sensors bring new capabilities to structural monitoring", Sensor Review, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 236-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602280610675537