Abstract
Traditional structural monitoring systems have disadvantages such as the shorter life span of sensors relative to that of the structure being monitored. The present study uses carbon fiber reinforced cementitious composite (CFRC) as a structural monitoring sensor to extend the life of a sensor to match that of the structure. There are some known advantages of CFRC, such as high tensile strength and high ductility that increase the seismic capacity and security of such structures. However, CFRC has functionality similar to piezoresistive materials, which can be used as self-sensing materials for strain measurement and damage detection. This property is based on the reversible effect of strain on the volume of electrical resistivity and the irreversible effect of material damage on its resistivity. Considering the economic benefits, the fiber content is only 0.2 vol.%, which is less than half of the amount used in other studies. The experimental results show that the conductivity of current materials is significantly improved by CFRC and that it can be used for strain measurement and damage detection. Moreover, the experimental results of CFRC-coated beams and the RC portal frame can be kept in a database for applications in structural health monitoring.
Highlights
This paper examines carbon fiber reinforced cementitious composite (CFRC), in which carbon fibers are added into cement paste with functionality similar to piezoresistive materials
Considering the economic benefits, the fiber content is only 0.2 vol.%, which is less than half of the amount used in other studies, in order to clarify the capability of low carbon fiber content CFRC for strain measurement and damage detection
The slope of fractional change with compressive strain is a good indicator for damage detection under compressive loading
Summary
This paper examines carbon fiber reinforced cementitious composite (CFRC), in which carbon fibers are added into cement paste with functionality similar to piezoresistive materials. It can be used as a self-sensing material for strain measurement and damage detection. It is based on the reversible effect of strain on the volume electrical resistivity and the irreversible effect of damage on the resistivity. The strain sensing behavior is such that the resistivity decreases reversibly upon compression, owing to the slight push-in of crack-bridging fibers and the consequent decrease in the contact electrical resistivity of the fiber-cement interface. With the use of electrical resistance changes and appearance of structural cracks in CFRCs, it is possible to integrate sensors that possess a material smartness quotient for selfsensing, stability, and repetitiveness
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