A novel structural health monitoring approach in concrete structures using embedded magnetic shape memory alloy components

Abstract

In the field of structural health monitoring, innovative methods of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) are being investigated to enable safer, longer lasting structures. In concrete structures, stress-induced phase transformations in embedded Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy (MSMA) components caused by failure in a surrounding concrete matrix can be correlated to changes in measurable magnetic properties. In this paper, a computational framework is developed to evaluate the development of stress-induced martensite due to damage in a load-bearing concrete-MSMA composite, which alters an externally applied magnetic field. The computational results support a new approach in NDE of concrete structures using embedded phase transforming materials.