Fiber Bragg grating sensors are used over conventional sensors in structural health monitoring based on a number of advantages they provide:
- FBG sensors are more stable;
- fiber Bragg grating sensors are more durable, namely, they don’t rust;
- FBG sensors can be highly multiplexed;
- the sensors can be used in highly explosive atmospheres, like natural gas or oil.
These features are desirable for the health monitoring of complex structures. FBG structural health monitoring systems are essential in the design of smart buildings. The FBG sensor systems help to ensure building safety and performance. The systems are of particular use for buildings situated in earthquake-prone zones.
The mechanism behind FBG sensors allows to monitor complex structures based on the measurements of the wavelength of the reflected light; its wavelength changes under the influence of pressure, building incline, etc. Due to the fact that a single FBG sensor reflects a narrow region of the light, it is possible to multiplex them, which provides higher data accuracy. However, the number of FBG elements should be carefully designed and spaced in accordance with the range and bandwidth of the input light source.
The FBG strain sensors are fragile on their own, therefore they need to be placed on a base of some kind to protect them from outside physical influence. Usually, the sensors have a metal protective cover that prevents damage to the sensors from environmental factors. The sensors are then welded or glued to a structural member. FBG strain sensors, or FBG deformation strain sensors, can be used in both steel and concrete structures; they offer high accuracy and resolution. The measurements received from the sensors are often used to detect the behavior of structural materials under different environmental influences. The detection of segments that are stressed is essential for proper maintenance of the building and its structural parts and prevents premature aging and failure of these structures.
FBG strain sensors may also be used in the monitoring of tunnel ribs, pipelines, ship hulls, etc. Their high accuracy, easy installation, and compact nature provide a wide area of applications.
Optromix, Inc. is a U.S. manufacturer of innovative fiber optic products for the global market, based in Cambridge, MA. Our team always strives to provide the most technologically advanced fiber optic solutions for our clients. If you would like to purchase Optromix FBG Strain Sensors, please contact us: info@optromix.com or +1 617 558 98 58