A new multichannel optical sensor for monitoring large structures, consisting in an eight-optical-fiber ribbon pultruded in composite material, has been realized and completely characterized. Both strain and temperature sensitivity, and both dynamic and thermal strain response, as well as birefringence tests and mechanical characterization are reported. The experimental results confirm the capabilities of pultrusion to realize multichannel optical sensors for large structures that are able to operate in a severe environment. The sensor can fulfill mechanical, chemical, and electrical custom requirements with quality consistency at low cost. The sensors have been used as strain sensors for an 85-m-long oil-rig riser.
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