Piezoelectric sensor based nondestructive active monitoring of strength gain in concrete

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 monitoring techniques. In particular, the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) sensing technique utilizing piezoelectric materials has emerged as a potential tool for the implementation of a built-in monitoring system for damage detection of civil structures. However, there is little effort to apply this technique for concrete monitoring. In this study, an effort to extend the applicability of the EMI sensing technique is made for strength gain monitoring of early age concrete. PZT (piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate) patches are employed to sense the EMI signature of curing concrete. A series of experiments was conducted on concrete specimens to verify the applicability of the EMI sensing technique. The results show the excellent potential of the EMI sensing technique as a practical and reliable nondestructive method for strength gain monitoring.