Abstract
A new method combining an embedded smart aggregate and surface mounted piezoceramic patches is introduced for health monitoring of concrete structures. The smart aggregate is embedded in a concrete beam as an actuator (or transmitter), and piezoceramic patches are attached on the surface of the concrete beam as sensors. Two tests using the smart aggregate and the piezoceramic patches are conducted. The first test investigates the sensitivity of the recorded signal amplitude-frequency relation on the piezoceramic patches. To explain the significant amplitude fluctuations in the results, the possibility of resonance occurring in the piezoceramic patches in a certain frequency range is verified through finite element modeling. In the second test, a damage index is proposed to evaluate the health of concrete structures and a three-point bending test is conducted to induce damage in the concrete beam. It is observed that, with increasing severity of damage in the concrete beam, the recorded signal amplitude at the patches decreases gradually while the value of the damage index increases significantly. The experimental results show that the proposed method is an effective tool for health monitoring of concrete structures.
Highlights
Concrete is the most popular man-made material in civil engineering
The embedded smart aggregate and surface mounted piezoceramic patch combination is used for monitoring damage in concrete beam structures
The smart aggregate acted as the transmitter generating the sinusoidal signals and piezoceramic patches were used as the receivers recording the elastic waves on the surface
Summary
Concrete is the most popular man-made material in civil engineering. Many important civil infrastructures, such as bridges, dams, and tunnels, are made of concrete. Concrete structures have a long service life compared to structures made of other artificial materials. Sometimes this material does not perform well because of the brittle nature of concrete. Since concrete is weak in tension, brittle failure of concrete under tension can occur. It is important to ensure the safe operation of concrete structures throughout their operation life
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