FBG-based fiber optic strain gauges such as Scaime, Luna os3100, and BBN International ESA-01/SG-01 are widely used for structural monitoring in Southern Europe.

Key Models and Features

1. Scaime Fiber-Optic Strain Sensors Scaime offers a complete range of FBG-based strain gauges suitable for civil engineering, composite laminates, concrete, and tar applications. These sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, resistant to corrosive environments, and can be installed in hazardous or disruptive environments like hydroelectric plants, offshore structures, and electric locomotives. They support multiplexing, allowing several sensors along a single fiber, and can measure strains up to 10,000 µm/m. Many models are ATEX/IECEx-certified, making them suitable for explosive atmospheres . 2. Luna os3100 Optical Strain Gage The os3100 is a spot-welded or epoxy-mounted FBG sensor with a stainless steel carrier that protects the fiber and simplifies installation. It offers high sensitivity and accuracy, comparable to foil strain gauges, with greater strain range and 100 times more fatigue life. Temperature compensation can be achieved using Luna's os4100 or os4350 sensors. The os3100 is designed for harsh environments and rapid deployment, making it ideal for structural testing and monitoring . 3. BBN International FBG Sensors BBN International provides several FBG-based models:

• FFA-01: A configurable fiber array for direct gluing to surfaces, capturing strain changes along the fiber.
• ESA-01: Embeddable sensor array for concrete, capable of measuring strain in µɛ or µm units between anchoring points.
• ES-01: Directly embeddable strain sensor without additional support, suitable for composite or concrete structures.
• SG-01: Surface-mounted fiber optic equivalent of an electrical strain gauge, supplied with an installation kit for accurate surface strain measurement .

Advantages of FBG Strain Gauges

• High reliability for long-term monitoring without drift.
• Multiplexing capability allows multiple measurement points on a single fiber.
• Temperature compensation ensures accurate strain readings.
• Versatility: suitable for surface mounting, embedding in composites, or concrete.
• Resistance to harsh environments: marine, offshore, and high-voltage applications.
• Non-explosive and ATEX-certified options for hazardous zones .

Applications in Southern Europe

These FBG strain gauges are commonly used in:

• Civil infrastructure monitoring (bridges, tunnels, buildings)
• Composite material testing in aerospace and automotive industries
• Offshore and marine structures
• High-voltage and electromagnetic-sensitive environments These models are widely available through European distributors and are compatible with standard FBG interrogators for real-time strain monitoring.