Lessons learned in embedding fiber sensors into large civil structures

Fiber optic cables have long since held the promise of providing low cost, widespread sensing capabilities. The use of fiber optic sensors within a large civil structure could allow for multiple sensing capabilities providing information as to the health of a structure. The Stafford Emerging Technologies Research Complex is a five-story, 65,000 square foot building currently under the final phases of construction on the campus of the University of Vermont. Over the course of the eight months approximately seventy fiber optic sensors have been installed within the concrete frame work of the building. The intrinsic and extrinsic fiber sensors are comprised of various types of singlemode and multimode cables. Since this project is the first major installation of it's kind, very little was known as to what techniques should be implemented to maximize fiber survivability. While installing the sensor network at the Stafford building site many lessons have been learned that would aid in future fiber installations. The techniques developed while installing fiber optic sensors are presented.