Application of Concrete Sensors in Different Structural Members

The unpredictable nature of crack formation and propagation in reinforced concrete structures may seriously affect the stability and strength of structures, and thus, has been a subject of many studies in recent years. The field of structural health monitoring has gained substantial attention as it plays a crucial role in damage detection. In this study, concrete sensor is manufactured with 0.5% of Multi-Walled Carbon Nano-Tubes (MWCNT) and it is embedded into structural members like reinforced concrete column and beams at different locations. Responses in the form of resistance will be collected from these concrete sensors under loading and analyzed. Beams and columns are modified by introducing change in cross section at different locations. Concrete sensors are placed at different locations in modified structural members. Variation of electric resistance, deflection, initial crack and ultimate crack with the increase in load are studied. Variation in the responses of structural members with modification is compared to the normal structures' response. Crack monitoring is accomplished by analyzing variations in the slope of electrical resistance under load, which enables the replacement of electronic sensors with concrete sensors in structural members. This research contributes to the advancement of crack monitoring techniques in reinforced concrete structures, with the potential for improved structural integrity and safety.