Research activities to push standardization of fibre-optic strain sensors

Performance description of fiber-optic sensor products is mostly well done; however, the performance of sensors when applied in rather harsh environment is different from those determined in laboratory before installation. Performance of applied sensors is difficult to define. Standardized procedures for evaluation of the sensor performance after application or integration into materials are necessary. The difficulty to evaluate on-site the mechanical behavior or physical and chemical processes in the sensing zone of strain sensors is described for sensors installed in offshore environment. The paper refers on current standardization activities and corresponding research activities to develop guidelines for application and integration.