Surface-Mounted Smart PZT Sensors for Monitoring Damage Using EMI-Based Multi-Sensing Technique †

Abstract

In this article, a multi-sensing technique on surface-mounted PZT sensors is proposed. The investigation was performed on concrete structures to detect and localize structural damage. Multiple smart sensing units (SSU) were adhesively bonded on the top surface of a concrete beam. As each PZT sensor features a small zone of influence, the use of multiple smart sensors is recommended for effective damage detection. The conductance signatures were obtained at different stages in the frequency range of 0–450 kHz. This article also presents an effective methodology for damage localization, which assumes the parallel connection of SSUs in MISO mode. The methodology adopted for structural damage detection is effective, as it is verified by the experimental results performed on concrete structures with multiple surface-mounted PZT sensors.