A Comparison of Sensing Technologies Detecting Damage and Changes in Smart Concrete

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study of smart concrete with a combination of surface-mounted lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric transducers and electrical resistivity-based sensing systems. Tests were performed to identify their sensitivities to concrete properties including cure state, load, and cracking. The smart concrete slab was created with added graphene nano-platelets, internal electrodes, and fiber reinforcement supporting electrical resistivity mapping. Electrical resistivities were measured over the curing time and with external loads applied to the cured specimens. The test results indicated that electrical resistivity was effective in detecting curing conditions of cement-based material. In addition, both piezoelectric transducers and smart concrete were effective in detecting cracks generated during a three-point bending test.