Impedance-based Damage Measurement in Concrete using Bonded PZT patches

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a process of assessing the structural integrity of the constituent parts and the level of damage level in the structure during its life period. SHM relies on non-destructive evaluation (NDE) procedures and continuous monitoring of structural parameters to determine the intensity and location of the damage. Coupling the structure to the PZT changes the mechanical impedance of the PZT, which produces a change in its vibration characteristics. The change in the electrical impedance of the PZT due to the elastic restraint by the surrounding medium provides the basis for impedance-based measurements. Thesis evaluating the existing analytical formulations and develop a numerical framework for interpreting the electro-mechanical impedance-based measurements of a PZT patch bonded to a concrete substrate. Assessment of incipient damage and the evolution of damage are studied using electromechanical impedance based technique. Root mean square deviation (RMSD) is used to quantify the effect of stress and damage in the concrete