The use of macro-fibre composites for pipeline structural health assessment

Abstract

Pipeline structures are susceptible to cracks, corrosion, and other ageing defects. If left undetected, these forms of damage can lead to the failure of the pipeline system, which may have catastrophic consequences. Most current forms of health monitoring for pipeline systems involve non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. These techniques require sophisticated instruments and direct access to the structure, which is not always possible for civil pipeline applications. This research proposes the use of macro-fibre composite (MFC) transducers for real-time structural health monitoring in pipeline systems. In particular, we propose the coupled implementation of impedance-based and Lamb wave-based methods that are simultaneously used to accurately determine the health of a pipeline network. The self-sensing impedance methods are used to detect structural damage occurring at pipeline connection joints, while the Lamb wave propagation measurements identify cracks and corrosion along the surface and through the wall thickness of the pipe structure. Both methods utilize the same MFC active sensors, which are flexible, durable, relatively inexpensive, and can be permanently bonded to the surface of a pipe during installation. Therefore, measurements for damage identification can be performed at any time, even while the system is in operation. Based on the success of this study, guidelines are outlined for the full-scale development of a low-cost, active-sensing-based SHM system suitable for pipeline applications. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.