The first attempt of utilizing mineral-impregnated carbon fibre reinforcements as load sensors for structural health monitoring

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

A novel reinforcement of mineral-impregnated carbon fiber (MCF) composite has been introduced to replace traditional steel or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcements, primarily attributed to its high-temperature endurance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable utilization. Previous studies have investigated the advantages of MCF in terms of its processing and exceptional mechanical performance over a wide temperature range, however, superior inherent electrical conductivity and related piezoresistivity of carbon fibers (CFs) embedded within the matrix have not yet been explored systematically. In this study, we explore the utilization of MCF as highly sensitive stress sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM), including the electrical resistance, piezoresistivity, and underlying mechanisms of MCF composites under cyclic flexural stresses. Additionally, the effect of two different electrode configurations is examined. The findings reveal that the MCF exhibits a significant stress-sensing capacity under cyclic flexural loading within an elastic regime. Specifically, MCF with outer electrodes shows superior electrical conductivity, albeit with less significant fractional changes of resistance (FCR) and stress-sensing sensitivity. Conversely, MCF with inner electrodes exhibits the opposite trend. These outcomes provide valuable insights into the intrinsic self-sensing capability of MCF and propel its potential applications as a multifunctional composite, particularly in fields such as 3D-printed smart sensors and SHM for concrete infrastructures.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1152-1159
Number of pages8
JournalProcedia Structural Integrity
Volume64
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Conference

Title7th International Conference on Smart Monitoring, Assessment and Rehabilitation of Civil Structures
Abbreviated titleSMAR 2024
Conference number7
Duration4 - 6 September 2024
Website
LocationUniversity of Salerno in Fisciano
CitySalerno
CountryItaly

Keywords

Keywords

  • Cement-based sensors, Electrical conductivity, Mechanical sensing, Mineral-impregnation, Piezoresistivity