Polymeric Macro-Molecular Piezoelectric Sensors for Evaluation of Structural Damage

Finding damages and their prevalence in structures is a very challenging problem. In order to identify potential structural damage, non-destructive methods are not very helpful. One of the most popular piezoelectric ceramic materials used worldwide is macromolecular lead zirconate titanate (PZT), also known as Pb[Zr(x)Ti(1-x)]O3. PZT transducers are proving to be a successful alternative for assessing the structure's health. The Macro-molecular PZT's self-actuating and sensing properties are utilized by the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method. In this capacity, the macro-molecular PZT patches serve as co-located actuators and sensors and make use of ultrasonic vibrations to produce a distinctive admittance “signature” of the structure. PZT patches perform exceptionally well in terms of damage sensitivity. The higher modes of vibration are locally activated by the local application of an AC source on the PZT transducers attached to the host structure. The alteration of the admittance response is a sign of injury to the transducer's vicinity. In the current study, the damage percentage and its location in a 150 × 150 × 150 mm concrete cube are being examined. Regression analysis is also used to determine the concrete cube's strength. This method also can identify hair-like cracks at an early stage, which explains how it can shield the building from serious failures.