Optical fiber sensor-based smart structures

With the rapid growth of civil infrastructures, it has been significant to develop life-cycle monitoring of structures from their inception throughout construction, until final commission and elimination. This paper presents the use of built-in optical fiber sensors and prefabrication methods with the support of Building Information Management (BIM) for the life-cycle issue. Optical fiber-based sensors (OFs) are integrated into the material to produce OF-based intelligent components and systems. The latest progress on the built-in OFs materials, components, and integrated systems with the functionality of self-sensing ability to detect any kind of changes occurring in structures being concerned are presented. Finally, case studies of the project in China using existing developed smart components are also presented. The integration of optical fiber sensors into material and component level ease and improve the structural health monitoring by detection of local and distributed damage with high accuracy throughout the lifespan of the structure.