Structural Health Monitoring by Magnetic Sensing in Concrete Structures via Embedded Shape Memory Alloy Components

Abstract

In the field of structural health monitoring (SHM), innovative methods of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) are currently being investigated with the purpose of providing prognostic information toward safer, longer lasting structures. Therefore, it is desirable to integrate NDE techniques with existing structural reinforcement techniques for in situ measurement capability, increasing service life. Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) offer the potential for NDE via magnetic sensing, while further offering the multi-functionality of crack closing and structural reinforcement. The current research proposes a novel SHM approach for concrete structures using embedded MSMAs for magnetic sensing, and investigates the properties of such a system.