Fuzzy Logic-Based and Nondestructive Concrete Strength Evaluation Using Modified Carbon Nanotubes as a Hybrid PZT-CNT...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Nondestructive Testing

Background:

• Monitoring concrete strength development during early curing is crucial for structural safety and preventing construction incidents.
• Traditional methods for assessing concrete strength can be time-consuming or destructive, necessitating advanced monitoring techniques.
• Electromechanical impedance (EMI) signatures, influenced by material properties, offer a promising avenue for real-time structural health monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel nondestructive testing (NDT) technique for monitoring concrete strength development at early curing ages.
• To integrate carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and piezoelectric (PZT) materials into a hybrid sensor for enhanced electromechanical impedance (EMI) measurements.
• To develop a fuzzy logic-based model for predicting concrete strength using EMI data, hydration temperature, and mixture ratios.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid PZT-CNT sensor and a Smart Rock temperature sensor were embedded in concrete specimens for data acquisition.
• Electromechanical impedance (EMI) signatures were measured to capture changes related to concrete's elastic modulus and strength development.
• A fuzzy logic model integrated EMI data, hydration temperature (for maturity method), and Universal Testing Machine (UTM) results for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• The proposed EMI-based method accurately predicted concrete strength development during early curing ages.
• The technique demonstrated a strong correlation between EMI signatures, concrete mechanical properties, and strength gain.
• Comparative analysis confirmed the proposed method's effectiveness against traditional maturity and UTM methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed hybrid PZT-CNT sensor and fuzzy logic model provide a cost-effective and rapid approach for estimating concrete strength.
• This NDT technique enhances structural safety by enabling reliable monitoring of concrete during construction.
• The method's sensitivity to changes in concrete's mechanical properties offers a valuable tool for real-time infrastructure health assessment.