Optical Fiber Relative Humidity Sensor Based on a FBG with a Di-Ureasil Coating

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Sandra F H Correia (Author) Other; Paulo Antunes (Author) Other; Edison Pecoraro (Author) Other; Patricia P Lima (Author) Other; Humberto Varum (Author) FEUP; Luis D Carlos (Author) Other; Rute A S Ferreira (Author) Other; Paulo S Andre (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Sensors

Vol. 12 No. 1

Pages: 8847-8860

ISSN: 1424-3210

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 54 Citations

Scopus - 89 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Structural engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-8AJ

DOI: 10.3390/s120708847

Abstract (EN): In this work we proposed a relative humidity (RH) sensor based on a Bragg grating written in an optical fiber, associated with a coating of organo-silica hybrid material prepared by the sol-gel method. The organo-silica-based coating has a strong adhesion to the optical fiber and its expansion is reversibly affected by the change in the RH values (15.0-95.0%) of the surrounding environment, allowing an increased sensitivity (22.2 pm/%RH) and durability due to the presence of a siliceous-based inorganic component. The developed sensor was tested in a real structure health monitoring essay, in which the RH inside two concrete blocks with different porosity values was measured over 1 year. The results demonstrated the potential of the proposed optical sensor in the monitoring of civil engineering structures.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14