Antonella D’Alessandro

Dynamic Characterization of a Soft Elastomeric Capacitor for Structural Health Monitoring

AbstractStructural health monitoring of civil infrastructures is a difficult task, often impeded by the geometrical size of the monitored systems. Recent advances in conducting polymers enabled the fabrication of flexible sensors capable of covering large areas, a possible solution to the monitoring challenge of mesoscale systems. The authors have previously proposed a novel sensor consisting of a soft elastomeric capacitor (SEC) acting as a strain gauge. Arranged in a network configuration, the SECs have the potential to cover very large surfaces. In this paper, understanding of the proposed sensor is furthered by evaluating its performance at vibration-based monitoring of large-scale structures. The dynamic behavior of the SEC is characterized by subjecting the sensor to a frequency sweep, and detecting vibration modes of a full-scale steel beam. Results show that the sensor can be used to detect fundamental modes and dynamic input. Also, a network of SECs is used for output-only modal identification of...

Novel nanocomposite technologies for dynamic monitoring of structures: a comparison between cement-based embeddable and soft elastomeric surface?sensors

The authors have recently developed two novel solutions for strain sensing using nanocomposite materials. While they both aim at providing cost-effective solutions for the monitoring of local information on large-scale structures, the technologies are different in their applications and physical principles. One sensor is made of a cementitious material, which could make it suitable for embedding within the core of concrete structures prior to casting, and is a resistor, consisting of a carbon nanotube cement-based transducer. The other sensor can be used to create an external sensing skin and is a capacitor, consisting of a flexible conducting elastomer fabricated from a nanocomposite mix, and deployable in a network setup to cover large structural surfaces. In this paper, we advance the understanding of nanocomposite sensing technologies by investigating the potential of both novel sensors for the dynamic monitoring of civil structures. First, an in-depth dynamic characterization of the sensors using a uniaxial test machine is conducted. Second, their performance at dynamic monitoring of a full-scale concrete beam is assessed, and compared against off-the-shelf accelerometers. Experimental results show that both novel technologies compare well against mature sensors at vibration-based structural health monitoring, showing the promise of nanocomposite technologies for the monitoring of large-scale structural systems.

Electromechanical modelling of a new class of nanocomposite cement-based sensors for structural health monitoring

This work focuses on the analysis of a new nanocomposite cement-based sensor (carbon nanotube cement-based sensor), for applications in vibration-based structural health monitoring of civil engineering structures. The sensor is constituted of a cement paste doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes, so that mechanical deformations produce a measurable change of the electrical resistance. Prior work of some of the authors has addressed the fabrication process, dynamic behaviour and implementation to full-scale structural components. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of a linear lumped-circuit electromechanical model, in which dynamic sensing is associated with a strain-dependent modulation of the internal resistance. Salient circuit parameters are identified from a series of experiments where the distance between the electrodes is parametrically varied. Experimental results indicate that the lumped-circuit model is capable of accurately predicting the step response to a voltage input and its steady-state response to a harmonic uniaxial deformation. Importantly, the model is successful in anticipating the presence of a superharmonic component in sensor’s output.

Static and Dynamic Strain Monitoring of Reinforced Concrete Components through Embedded Carbon Nanotube Cement-Based Sensors

The paper presents a study on the use of cement-based sensors doped with carbon nanotubes as embedded smart sensors for static and dynamic strain monitoring of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. Such novel sensors can be used for the monitoring of civil infrastructures. Because they are fabricated from a structural material and are easy to utilize, these sensors can be integrated into structural elements for monitoring of different types of constructions during their service life. Despite the scientific attention that such sensors have received in recent years, further research is needed to understand (i) the repeatability and accuracy of sensors’ behavior over a meaningful number of sensors, (ii) testing configurations and calibration methods, and (iii) the sensors’ ability to provide static and dynamic strain measurements when actually embedded in RC elements. To address these research needs, this paper presents a preliminary characterization of the self-sensing capabilities and the dynamic properties of a meaningful number of cement-based sensors and studies their application as embedded sensors in a full-scale RC beam. Results from electrical and electromechanical tests conducted on small and full-scale specimens using different electrical measurement methods confirm that smart cement-based sensors show promise for both static and vibration-based structural health monitoring applications of concrete elements but that calibration of each sensor seems to be necessary.

Concrete with self-sensing properties

Abstract Ageing and degradation of concrete civil structures and infrastructural systems are becoming a matter of primary concern worldwide. The definition of appropriate strategies for continuously monitoring the integrity of concrete structures is therefore an urgent priority. Self-sensing concrete (SsC), a concrete engineered at the nanoscale through the addition of functional fillers enabling strain and damage sensing, is a rapidly emerging technology that promises to be a brilliant solution to this monitoring challenge. SsC is based on the incorporation of micro- and nano-fillers into cementitious matrices, mostly using carbon nanoinclusions, to provide electrical conductivity. The strain sensitivity of SsC originates from the property of the material of exhibiting variations of its internal resistivity and impedance under an applied mechanical deformation or following a damage. This chapter gives an overview on the current state of development of the technology of SsC, also highlighting the most fruitful research directions for the full development of its potential. Topics covered in the chapter include composition and processing of SsC, strain sensing methods and models, main fields of applications, research trends and open problems.

Stainless Steel Microfibers for Strain-Sensing Smart Clay Bricks

Life cycle monitoring of structural health of civil constructions is crucial to guarantee users’ safety. An optimal structural health monitoring system allows to automatically detect, locate, and quantify any damage in structural elements, thus anticipating major risks of local or global failures. Critical issues affecting traditional monitoring systems are sensors’ placement, hardware durability, and long-term reliability of the measurements. Indeed, sensors’ deployment is crucial for an effective investigation of the static and dynamic characteristics of the structural system, whereby durability and long-term stability of sensing systems are necessary for long-term monitoring. A very attractive solution to some of these challenges is developing sensors made of the same, or similar, material of the structure being monitored, allowing a spatially distributed and long-term reliable monitoring system, by the use of self-sensing construction materials. Within this context, the authors have recently proposed new “smart clay bricks” that are strain-sensing clay bricks aimed at embedding intelligent monitoring capabilities within structural masonry buildings. While previous work focused on smart bricks doped with titanium dioxide and using embedded point electrodes, this work proposes an enhanced version of smart bricks based on the addition of conductive micro stainless steel fibers that possess higher electrical conductivity and a more suitable fiber-like aspect ratio for the intended application, as well as plate copper electrodes deployed on top and bottom surfaces of the bricks. The paper thus presents preparation and experimental characterization of the new smart bricks. The influence of different amounts of fibers is investigated, allowing the identification of their optimal content to maximize the gauge factor of the bricks. Both electrical and electromechanical experimental tests were performed. Overall, the presented results demonstrate that the new smart bricks proposed in this paper possess enhanced strain-sensing capabilities and could be effectively utilized as sensors within structural masonry buildings.

Innovative Structural Concretes with Phase Change Materials for Sustainable Constructions: Mechanical and Thermal Characterization

New phase change materials (PCMs) are promising fillers for the realization of multifunctional concretes, combining good mechanical properties with enhanced thermal storage capabilities within building envelope. These materials are currently receiving a growing interest in the scientific literature. Encapsulated PCMs result particularly suitable for applications in concrete. This paper presents a research on concretes doped with different contents of PCMs, up to the 5% of the total weight. Physical, mechanical and thermal experimental tests were carried out, in order to investigate the physical properties, the stress-strain behaviour, the ductility, the compressive strength, as well as the thermal conductivity, the diffusivity and the specific heat capacity of the novel concretes. The results of thermal tests demonstrated the effective enhancement of the thermal inertia of the materials, while mechanical tests showed performances compatible with structural applications. Overall, new multifunctional concretes with PCM inclusions appear promising for achieving sustainable and lightweight concrete structures.