Integrating self-sensing nano composite and fiber optic sensors technologies for advancing structural monitoring: A mini review

Abstract

Concrete structures are susceptible to various damages due to ageing and natural hazards. The growing research focus in civil engineering systems is Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Meanwhile, advanced sensing technologies play an eventual role in SHM, enhancing safety and maintenance by providing real-time data on concrete structures. This review represents the characteristics of advancing sensing technology, such as self-sensing sensors based on nanomaterials and fiber optic sensors. Further, the investigation has been performed to comprehend the evolving field of sensing technology related to several aspects, such as the principal mechanism, practical application, and challenges pertain to SHM. The advantages and limitations of integrating self-sensing multifunctional sensors with nanotechnology as an alternative to fiber optic sensors is discussed. In addition, the analogy of these two sensors is detailed to understand the efficiency of advanced sensing technology using nanotechnology. Both types of sensors exhibit the capability to monitor the changes in the structures. Self-sensing technology provides a straightforward solution, thus leading to cost-effective and simplified structural integrity compared to complex and fragile fiber optic sensors. Self-sensing multifunctional sensors offers an efficient integrated approach while fiber optic sensors provide comprehensive solution for structural monitoring. Particularly, self-sensing sensors offers direct data collection and large-scale applications for extensive projects due to their ease of installation. Therefore, the highly advanced self-sensing sensors with Level 5 technology will eventually be an ideal choice over FOS for SHM.