Triboluminescent sensors for cement-based composites

Cementitious composites like concrete are one of the most widely used materials for civil infrastructural systems like bridges, tunnels, and dams. The degradation of these critical concrete structures occurs through the formation and propagation of cracks. Consequently, monitoring cracks in concrete is an effective way to assess the structural condition or “health” of concrete structures. Triboluminescence-based sensor systems have the potential for wireless, in-situ, real time and distributed (WIRD) sensing that can enable continuous monitoring of civil and aerospace structures. This chapter focuses on progress made in the development and application of triboluminescence-based sensors for cementitious composites. Two broad application methodologies namely direct dispersion of triboluminescent crystals (ZnS:Mn) in cementitious composites and the use of the proprietary in situ triboluminescent optical fiber (ITOF) sensor are discussed. The application of the ITOF sensor for damage sensing in unreinforced, reinforced, and retrofitted CC structures is discussed