Wireless surface acoustic wave sensors for displacement and crack monitoring in concrete structures. (22nd February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perry, M; McKeeman, I; Saafi, M; Niewczas, P
• Is Part Of: Smart materials and structures. Volume 25:Number 3(2016:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2016-02-22
• Subjects: surface acoustic wave sensors -- structural health monitoring -- wireless sensing -- concrete crack monitoring; Smart materials -- Periodicals; Strucural design -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1088/0964-1726/25/3/035035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-1726

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, we demonstrate that wireless surface acoustic wave devices can be used to monitor millimetre displacements in crack opening during the cyclic and static loading of reinforced concrete structures. Sensors were packaged to extend their gauge length and to protect them against brittle fracture, before being surface-mounted onto the tensioned surface of a concrete beam. The accuracy of measurements was verified using computational methods and optical-fibre strain sensors. After packaging, the displacement and temperature resolutions of the surface acoustic wave sensors were 10 and 2 °C respectively. With some further work, these devices could be retrofitted to existing concrete structures to facilitate wireless structural health monitoring.