Polymer optical fiber sensing of concrete structures

Researchers throughout the world have successfully developed embedded long-lived silica-based fiber optic sensors for the performance and health monitoring of reinforced concrete structures. We have examined the use of polymer optical fiber (POF) as the base material for fiber optic sensors which are to be embedded into concrete structures. Such POF sensors hold the possibility for considerably reduced expense both in terms of actual component costs and, perhaps more importantly, in the relative ease with which such sensors may be embedded into concrete structures. Results of our laboratory and field studies, where POF sensors were embedded into an in-service railroad bridge, are discussed.