Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025

Author Spotlight: Microfluidic Channel-Based Soft Electrodes and Their Application in Capacitive Pressure Sensing
Published on: March 17, 2023
Experimental Study and FEM Simulations for Detection of Rebars in Concrete Slabs by Coplanar Capacitive Sensing
Farima Abdollahi-Mamoudan1, Clemente Ibarra-Castanedo1, Tobin Filleter2
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Université Laval, 1065 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
Abstract:
In the present study, a relatively novel non-destructive testing (NDT) method called the coplanar capacitive sensing technique was applied in order to detect different sizes of rebars in a reinforced concrete (RC) structure. This technique effectively detects changes in the dielectric properties during scanning in various sections of concrete with and without rebars. Numerical simulations were carried out by three-dimensional (3D) finite element modelling (FEM) in COMSOL Multiphysics software to analyse the impact of the presence of rebars on the electric field generated by the coplanar capacitive probe. In addition, the effect of the presence of a surface defect on the rebar embedded in the concrete slab was demonstrated by the same software for the first time. Experiments were performed on a concrete slab containing rebars, and were compared with FEM results. The results showed that there is a good qualitative agreement between the numerical simulations and experimental results.
Related Concept Videos
Non-destructive Tests for Concrete Strength
Behavior of Concrete Under Compressive Load
As the concrete specimen fractures under...
Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete
The sonic test is a common method to determine the dynamic modulus. In this test, a concrete beam, sized either 6 x 6 x 30 inches or 4 x 4 x 20 inches, is clamped at its center. Vibrations are initiated at one end of the beam by an electromagnetic exciter unit powered by...
Measurement of Air Content in Concrete
The pressure method,...
Vibrating Concrete

