Increased functionality in laminated glass products with fiber optic sensors

Purpose and goal

The project aim was to investigate the possibilities to use fibre sensors in laminated glass products. The idea was to use the fibres advantage of monitoring large distances in both transparent and opaque constructions during a long time. It is possible to measure strain, temperature and vibrations in large objects. The benefit of involving the Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture industry is that a direct dialog with the trade and that the users can contribute with possible applications.

Expected results and effects

Laminating fibres in both glass-glass and glass-wood constructions work very well. The regular telecom fibre without a coloured coating is hardly visible between two glass panes. All combinations of laminate and fibres tested gave successful results. Industry lamination showed that it is possible to handle the fibres in production. The fibre is very strain sensitive and we have also seen that reacts on moisture. Fibres are thus a sensitive sensor for constructions under load and we have identified a large potential for moisture detection in buildings.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is a collaboration between RISE. Linneus University(LNU), the Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture industry(TMF) and the laminating company GFAB. RISE laminated in smaller scale, analysed the results and evaluated the fibre optical properties. The laminating knowledge was transferred to industrial scale and a 1x2 m lamination was performed. The members of TMF made a visual evaluation of the glass-glass laminated fibres and identified different application possibilities. LNU made a comparative study between fibres and deflection measurements.