Abstract
Force changes in axially loaded members can be monitored by quantifying variations in impedance signatures. However, statistical damage metrics, which are not physically related to the axial load, often lead to difficulties in accurately estimating the amount of axial force changes. Inspired by the wearable technology, this study proposes a novel wearable piezoelectric interface that can be used to monitor and quantitatively estimate the force changes in axial members. Firstly, an impedance-based force estimation method was developed for axially loaded members. The estimation was based on the relationship between the axial force level and the peak frequencies of impedance signatures, which were obtained from the wearable piezoelectric interface. The estimation of the load transfer capability from the axial member to the wearable interface was found to be an important factor for the accurate prediction of axial force. Secondly, a prototype of the wearable piezoelectric interface was designed to be easily fitted into existing axial members. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed technique was established by assessing tension force changes in a numerical model of an axially loaded cylindrical member and a lab-scale model of a prestressed cable structure.
Highlights
In civil structures, axially loaded members, such as columns, connecting rods, cables, and trusses, are common elements that are subjected to only tension or compression
Inspired by the wearable technology, this study proposes a novel piezoelectric interface-based impedance method that can be used to monitor and quantitatively estimate the force changes in axial members
The interface was directly attached to the cable, This study proposes a novel wearable piezoelectric interface that can be used to monitor and which comprised seven wires twisted into a helix
Summary
Axially loaded members, such as columns, connecting rods, cables, and trusses, are common elements that are subjected to only tension or compression. Wang et al [22] designed a wearable sensor device comprising PZTs for health monitoring of bolted joints These studies demonstrate the promising value of wearable devices for impedance-based SHM. Owing to its promising advantages, many researchers have used the impedance-based technique to monitor the tension force in axial members, such as prestressing strands [23,24,25], in steel rods [26], and in rock bolts [27]. Inspired by the wearable technology, this study proposes a novel piezoelectric interface-based impedance method that can be used to monitor and quantitatively estimate the force changes in axial members. The feasibility of the proposed technique was established by assessing tension force changes in the numerical model of an axially loaded cylindrical member and a lab-scale model of a prestressed cable structure
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