Self-Sensing Cementitious Composites: Review and Perspective

Abstract

Self-sensing concrete (SSC) has been vastly studied for its possibility to provide a cost-effective solution for structural health monitoring of concrete structures, rendering it very attractive in real-life applications. In this review paper, comprehensive information about the components of self-sensing concrete, dispersion methods and mix design, as well as the recent progress in the field of self-sensing concrete, has been provided. The information and recent research findings about self-sensing materials for smart composites, their properties, measurement of self-sensing signal and the behavior of self-sensing concrete under different loading conditions are included. Factors influencing the electrical resistance of self-sensitive concrete such as dry-wet cycle, ice formation and freeze thaw cycle and current frequency, etc., which were not covered by previous review papers on self-sensing concrete, are discussed in detail. Finally, major emphasis is placed on the application of self-sensing technology in existing and new structures.

Keywords

• self-sensing
• cementitious composites
• electrical resistivity
• damage detection
• structural health monitoring