Plastic optical fiber sensors for structural health monitoring: a systematic review

Purpose This paper systematically reviews plastic optical fiber (POF) sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM). The POF sensing paradigm is thoroughly analyzed, compared with silica-based sensors, and future research directions are outlined. Design/methodology/approach Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the authors reviewed relevant literature from the Web of Science database covering the period from January 2000 to August 2025. After screening, they selected 90 articles for both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Findings Intensity-modulated sensors are the dominant technology, used in 67% of the reviewed studies, followed by distributed sensing technologies based on optical time-domain reflectometry (14%). POF performs well in large-strain monitoring applications; however, challenges persist, including high thermal sensitivity and the need for adequate packaging and protection in field applications. Practical implications POF sensors provide a cost-effective, robust solution for SHM in infrastructure. They can replace traditional silica glass optical fibers for large-strain monitoring and can be integrated into hybrid monitoring systems for practical deployments. Originality/value This is the first post-2021 review focusing on the application of POFs in SHM. It synthesizes recent developments in the field through both quantitative and qualitative analyses.