Cement based strain sensor: A step to smart concrete

Abstract

According to a report published in USA, 30% of the bridges in USA were found to be structurally de cient while concrete infrastructures have a state of material deterioration before the design life is reached (1). Earthquakes, material degradations and other environmental effects decrease the performance of the structures. The assessment of structures by structural health monitoring is very important to protect the lives of people. The best decision about a damaged structure after an earthquake can be made by use of structural tests and structural health monitoring. Structural tests and structural health monitoring are important steps in the decision making of asset management for maintenance and repair of infrastructures. The classical sensors (strain gauges, piezo-electric sensors) have low durability, low sensitivity and high cost. The low durability of classical sensors disables long term measurement while their high cost limits the amount of sensors that can be used (2). The addition of carbon ber to cement based material decreases the electrical resistance of the material. By application of load, the electrical resistance of the material changes (3-5).