Self-sensing performance of concrete columns using Multi-layer Graphene filled cement-based sensors with different arrangements

Abstract

The Multi-layer Graphene (MLGs) filled cement-based sensor (GCBS) was developed and applied in the concrete columns. The strain-sensing performance of GCBS was investigated under cyclic and monotonic loading after being embedded in the column. Meanwhile, the influence of embedded location and adjacent sensor distance on the piezoresistive performance of the sensor was discussed. The strain measured by the embedded sensor agreed well with that obtained by LVDTs within the elastic regime. However, the embedded sensor underestimated the concrete strain after stepping into the plastic stage because of the increasing transverse deformation coefficient. Moreover, improper arrangement of the sensor resulted in uneven deformation, generating significant strain differences between the sensor with concrete and increasing prediction deviation. To guarantee the predicting accuracy of the sensor, it is recommended that the embedded position of the sensor from the superficial layer of the column should exceed 25 mm, and the distance between adjacent sensors should not be lower than 107.24 mm.