Sol-Gel Coating Membranes for Optical Fiber Sensors for Concrete Structures Monitoring

The use of advanced sensing devices for concrete and reinforced structures (RCS) is considered a rational approach the assessment repair options scheduling inspection maintenance strategies. immediate benefits are cost reduction reliable prevention unpredictable events. optical fiber sensors (OFS) such purposes has increased considerably in last few years due to their intrinsic advantages. In most OFS, chemical transducer consists immobilized reagents placed region sensor by direct deposition or encapsulation polymeric matrix. choice support matrix impacts directly on performance OFS. two decades, development OFS functionalized with organic–inorganic hybrid (OIH) sol–gel membranes have been reported. Sol–gel route simple method that offers several advantages when compared traditional synthesis processes, allowing obtain versatile materials unique physical properties, particularly valuable design OIH materials. This review will provide an update current state-of-the-art based sol-gel RCS since 2016 until mid-2021. main achievements be discussed. challenges future directions this field also considered, as well limitations monitoring.