The present techniques are directed to systems and methods for forming a pipe-conforming structure. The pipe-conforming structure includes a polymer material and one or more optic fibers embedded within the polymer material. The polymer material is formed into a structure that is conformed to the shape of a pipe. A method includes forming a polymer material into a structure including an edge region and a center region. The center region has a greater thickness than the edge region. The method includes inserting one or more optic fibers into the polymer material.