Benefits of Standards for Fiber-optic Sensors in Soil-structure Interaction

Abstract

Measurement and data recording systems are important parts of a holistic Soil-Structure Interaction Health Monitoring (SSIHM) system. New sensor technologies such as fiber-optic sensors (FOS) are regarded at times as experimental despite the strong track record; standards or at least guidelines not being widely available internationally has always been an impediment. This lack in standardization makes the acceptance of FOS technologies in SSIHM systems more difficult. Some success has been made in publishing first standards to fill this gap over the past decade. Much more effort is needed in this area and this paper gives an overview of what has been accomplished, what is in progress, and what obstacles were along the way. A case is made for a truly independent standard writing platform that can govern itself for the fiber-optic sensing industry composed of its sellers, buyers and subject matter experts.