Development of an Embedded PZT Sensor for Monitoring Mechanical Impedance of a Cementitious Material through Setting and Early Strength Gain

Author(s): Arun Narayanan, Amarteja Kocherla and K V L Subramaniam
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceeding of the 71st RILEM Annual Week & ICACMS 2017
Editor(s): Manu Santhanam, Ravindra Gettu, Radhakrishna G. Pillai, Sunitha K. Nayar
ISBN:978-2-35158-195-7, 978-2-35158-190-2 (Set)
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-191-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 497-506
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract: An embedded Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT)-based sensor for continuously monitoring the local state of a cementitious material from immediately after casting is presented. The PZT- based sensor consists of a PZT sensing element and a multi-layer hydrophobic insulation and physical protection scheme. The electromechanical (EM) impedance of the PZT sensing element is shown to be sensitive to changes in the mechanical compliance of the surrounding medium. A method for assessing the changes in the elastic mechanical impedance of a cementitious material from after casting using the embedded sensor is presented. The method is applied to mortar mixes with different compositions to assess the efficacy and sensitivity of the embedded sensor. The measured changes in the EM conductance of the embedded sensor are shown to accurately reflect the changes induced by varying rate of hydration produced by the use of admixtures. Changes in the mechanical impedance of the cement mortars are sensitively detected during setting as the material transforms from fluid to solid state and during the strength gain of the solid material.

Online publication :2017
Publication type :full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00