Nanoengineered smart cement composite for electrical impedance-based monitoring of corrosion progression in structures

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop smart cement-based composite, as embedded sensor, for the detection and monitoring of corrosion induced damage in structures. A systematic method for development of the sensor through incorporation of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes is presented. In order to develop an efficient sensor, the optimum dosage of CNTs is ascertained through the percolation threshold limit. Prior to employ the developed sensors for damage monitoring, effect of embedment depth, positioning of sensors, and exposure to the saline environment on the electrical characteristics are investigated. The efficacy of the developed sensors for corrosion monitoring is investigated using electrical impedance/conductance technique. The variation in conductance signature is quantified by statistical metrics and change in the bandwidth of the frequencies. The results illustrate the very promising performance of the developed novel cement composite based sensor for electrical impedance-based measurement. It can be effectively used as embedded sensors for quantitative evaluation and temporal tracking of corrosion in structures.