Active Nondestructive Health Monitoring Using Embedded Multifunctional Piezoceramic Sensors

摘要

The following study investigates the development and implementation of piezoceramic sensors as part of an active non-destructive health monitoring system for reinforced concrete members. As the world demand for economic and sustainable energy rises, the demand for nuclear power containment and offshore platforms development has increased dramatically. These state of the art structures require the most reliable, and durable, monitoring systems in order to ensure their most economic, yet prudent operation. The proposed system uses permanently embedded sensors to actively assess the working condition of these high-risk facilities throughout their lifetimes. In the study a series of small, and full-scale concrete specimens were tested. The results of these tests are presented, as to demonstrate validity of the proposed system, and provide a means of establishing an active non-destructive system that not only provides the extent of damage, but also its location within the reinforced concrete member.