Monitoring of concrete curing using the electromechanical impedance technique: review and path forward

Abstract

The ability to monitor the strength development of early-age concrete is an important capability in the laboratory and in the field. Accurate and reliable in situ measurements can inform the appropriate time for removal of formwork and loading of structural elements, as well as determination of batch quality. The piezoelectric-based electromechanical impedance technique is emerging as a viable option for such monitoring needs. The first research articles on the topic started to appear in 2005, and since then, the research field has advanced and has grown in popularity. This article therefore presents the first state-of-the-art review of the topic to date. In this article, existing research is reviewed and sorted into key themes while critical developments as well as knowledge gaps are identified. The topics addressed range from miniaturization of hardware, methods of installation, incorporation of wireless technology, modeling, data interpretation, signal processing, influence of curing, and environmental conditions to a wide range of other practical issues. Previous studies have indicated that the electromechanical impedance technique has the potential to be developed into an autonomous and remote monitoring system, capable of predicting the strength development of early-age concrete structures in real time. An end game is therefore the realization of this capability. Appropriate comments are therefore also provided in this article about this goal. Researchers interested in venturing into this research area shall find this article a useful introduction as well as a state-of-the-art assessment. In addition, the identified research gaps can inform projects for more experienced research teams.

Strength development monitoring and dynamic modulus assessment of cementitious materials using EMI-Miniature Prism based technique

“…This rightward shift of the first resonance peak (increase in resonance frequency of the first resonance peak) indicates the cementitious material was undergoing a stiffening process. 7,17,26 One can observe that the first resonance of P_10, occurring approximately at 220 kHz on day 1 (Figure 19), is considerably higher than that of P_30 (at approximately 62 kHz on day 1, shown in Figure 18). This is consistent with the inherent vibrational properties of the PZT transducers, that is, the larger transducer has a lower first resonance frequency.…”

“…Lim 26 investigated the performance of different conductance signature peaks in monitoring the hydration of concrete at different stages of curing. The study showed that the PZT resonance peak is effective in monitoring early age hydration, but not as effective in the later stage.…”

“…29 However, the traditional approach often requires bulky and costly testing equipment, and needs to be operated by skilled technicians. Employing the previously mentioned structural resonance peaks, 26 the EMI technique also possesses the capability to serve as an alternative approach to evaluating dynamic modulus of elasticity with its distinctive advantage.…”

Design and Application of a Self-Powered Dual-Stage Circuit for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems

“…Lately, the emergence of mechanical vibration-based piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) technology as a sustainable, microscale energy harvesting and conversion system is found to be a potential alternative to conventional batteries with a limited life-span for powering electronic devices with low energy demand. Its applications include medical implant and wireless sensors for structural health monitoring [5], [6].…”

Optimum PZT Patch Size for Corrosion Detection in Reinforced Concrete Using the Electromechanical Impedance Technique

“…Recent research has shown that this behavior can be used to track the curing process of concrete [ 32 ], where the compressive strengthening and stiffness of the concrete develops.…”