Real-Time Monitoring of Concrete Properties Using an Embedded Smart Piezoelectric Sensor with Active and Passive Sensing Abilities

Concrete undergoes physical and chemical changes from the time of casting. These changes in early stage of hydration of concrete, highly influence the final properties and overall performance of concrete structures. Comprehensive health monitoring sensors can help to improve the quality and performance of concrete structures by providing detailed and accurate real-time information about the properties and condition of concrete at different stages of its life cycle. In this study, an embedded smart PZT (Lead Zirconate and Titanium) sensor is developed and its potential for comprehensive health monitoring of concrete structures is explored. To protect the PZT sensor from short-circuiting and alkaline environment, a robust and sensitive protection scheme is developed. The developed embedded smart PZT sensor was placed in the concrete during casting to infer the in-situ properties of concrete through active and passive sensing techniques. Through active sensing techniques Electrical Impedance (EI) and wave propagation (WP), the hydration and damage are monitored, respectively; through passive sensing techniques vibration, and acoustic emission (AE), the development of Young’s modulus and cracking in concrete are monitored. The methodology to infer the changes in workability, complete set behavior, property development, and crack opening in concrete structures is developed. The reproducibility of all these techniques using the developed embedded smart PZT sensor is established. Since the developed sensor is capable of both active and passive sensing, it allows for a more comprehensive and flexible approach to health monitoring. This contributes to increased data accuracy, reliability, and a more holistic understanding of the concrete structure’s condition.