Optical Fiber-Based Sensors for In-Situ Measurements of Moisture within Building Envelopes

The presence of moisture in inaccessible building regions can lead to paint failure and rotting that reduces property values and creates dangerous habitat environments. Secondarily, the presence of moisture can lead to mold growth with allergenic and toxic properties that present a significant health risk. Diagnosis may include measurement of the moisture content of building materials, as well as measurement of water infiltration through the exterior barrier. The current tools available for diagnosis are limited to bulky, electrical-based sensors that are not optimal for embedding in small crevices and often produce unreliable results over long-term evaluation. To address the need for robust sensors and instrumentation to measure moisture content within building envelopes, Luna Innovations proposes to develop low profile, low cost, optical fiber-based instrumentation for in-situ simultaneous measurements of humidity and temperature, within inaccessible regions of buildings. The proposed system will enable remote detection in an embeddable, multiplexed format, and offer a low cost solution that can be used in may commercial and industrial structures and meets the competitive price points of the housing industry.