Gkantou, M, Muradov, M, Kamaris, GS, Hashim, KS, Atherton, W and Kot, P (2019) Novel Electromagnetic Sensors Embedded in Reinforced Concrete Beams for Crack Detection. Sensors, 19 (23). ISSN 1424-8220

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Abstract

This paper investigates the possibility of applying novel microwave sensors for crack detection in reinforced concrete structures. Initially, a microstrip patch antenna with a Split Ring Resonator (SRR) structure was designed, simulated and fabricated. To evaluate the sensor’s performance, a series of structural tests were carried out and the sensor responses were monitored. Four reinforced concrete (RC) beam specimens, designed according to the European Standards, were tested under 3-point bending. The load was applied incrementally to the beams and the static responses were monitored via the use of a load cell, displacement transducers and crack width gauges (Demec studs). In parallel, signal readings from the microwave sensors, which were employed prior to casting of the concrete, located at the neutral axis at the mid-span of the beam, were recorded at various load increments. The microwave measurements were analysed and compared with those from crack width gauges. A strong linear relationship between the crack propagation and the electromagnetic signal across the full captured spectrum was found, demonstrating the technique’s capability and its potential for further research offering a reliable, low cost option for structural health monitoring (SHM).

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	0502 Environmental Science and Management, 0602 Ecology, 0301 Analytical Chemistry, 0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TH Building construction T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering
Divisions:	Civil Engineering (merged with Built Env 10 Aug 20)
Publisher:	MDPI AG
Date Deposited:	10 Jan 2020 12:09
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2021 08:23
DOI or ID number:	10.3390/s19235175
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/11810

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