Piezoelectric sensor based nondestructive active monitoring of strength gain inconcrete

Abstract

The recent advent of smart materials, such as piezoelectric materials, shape-memory alloys,and optical fibers, has added a new dimension to present structural health monitoringtechniques. In particular, the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) sensing techniqueutilizing piezoelectric materials has emerged as a potential tool for the implementation of abuilt-in monitoring system for damage detection of civil structures. However, there is littleeffort to apply this technique for concrete monitoring. In this study, an effort to extend theapplicability of the EMI sensing technique is made for strength gain monitoringof early age concrete. PZT (piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate) patches areemployed to sense the EMI signature of curing concrete. A series of experiments wasconducted on concrete specimens to verify the applicability of the EMI sensingtechnique. The results show the excellent potential of the EMI sensing techniqueas a practical and reliable nondestructive method for strength gain monitoring.