Fiber optic sensors for infrastructure applications.

PDFTech ReportFHWA-OR-RD-98-18SPR 374Fiber opticsSensorsTransportation, hydraulic and utility facilitiesOregonOregon. Dept. of TransportationUdd, EricSchulz, WhittenSeim, J.Corones, JohnLaylor, H. MartinBlue Road ResearchOptical Technologies Development and Research Co.Oregon. Dept. of TransportationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionFiber optic sensor technology offers the possibility of implementing "nervous systems" for infrastructure elements that allow high performance, cost effective health and damage assessment systems to be achieved. This is possible, largely due to synergistic developments in the fiber optic telecommunication and optoelectronics fields, where industries with multi-billion dollar research and development budgets exist. Now, essential components are becoming available with prices and performance that are improving dramatically on an annual basis. This report is an introduction to fiber optics, fiber optic sensor technology and some of the applications that make this field, which is still in its early infancy, one of the most promising new developments in infrastructure systems