The invention provides increased structural monitoring systems that have
sensitive continuous coaxial cable sensors. A preferred embodiment sensor
cable of the invention includes an inner conductor, a dielectric jacket,
and an outer conductor that is configured to passively deform
responsively to strain in an associated structure. The deformation can be
aided by the physical structure of the dielectric jacket, the outer
conductor, or a combination of both. The deformation translates strain
into a measurable change in a reflection coefficient associated with the
outer conductor.