A study on monitoring the hydration process of glasscrete using electromechanical impedance technique

Abstract

Glass has been suggested as a viable material to replace aggregates in concrete to maintain sustainable development for the future. However, a concern is raised about the cementitious reaction with glass that could cause concrete spalling and loss of strength. Therefore, monitoring the concrete hydration process and the structural health throughout its service life is essential. In this study, the hydration process of lab-scale glasscrete prisms is monitored using the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique. This technique employs one piezoelectric-based transducer that encases a material called Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) to operate as an actuator and senor. The experimental result shows that the embedded transducer is an effective means to monitor the glasscrete hydration process. The acquired admittance signature was able to capture the strength development during the glasscrete hydration period via interpreting the PZT and structural resonance peaks