Application of electro-mechanical impedance sensing technique for online monitoring of strength development in concrete using smart PZT patches

Electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) sensing technique utilizing smart piezoelectric materials has emerged as a potential tool for the implementation of an online monitoring system for structural health monitoring. Many nondestructive methods for strength gain monitoring seem to have limited capabilities in monitoring of the strength gain in a continuous manner. In this study, the feasibility of the EMI sensing technique for the online strength gain monitoring of early-age concrete is investigated. The experimental study is conducted on the piezoelectric patch instrumented concrete specimen. It is found that the EMI signature is very sensitive to the strength gain in early age concrete.