Continuous monitoring of the health status of cement-based structures: electrical impedance measurements and remote monitoring solutions

Authors

  • Nicola Giulietti Università Politecnica delle Marche
  • Paolo Chiariotti Politecnico di Milano
  • Gloria Cosoli Università Politecnica delle Marche http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7982-208X
  • Giovanni Giacometti Università Politecnica delle Marche
  • Luca Violini Università Politecnica delle Marche
  • Alessandra Mobili Università Politecnica delle Marche
  • Giuseppe Pandarese Università Politecnica delle Marche
  • Francesca Tittarelli Università Politecnica delle Marche
  • Gian Marco Revel Università Politecnica delle Marche

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/acta_imeko.v10i4.1140

Abstract

The continuous monitoring of cement-based structures and infrastructures is fundamental to optimize their service life and reduce maintenance costs. In the framework of the EnDurCrete project (GA no. 760639), a remote monitoring system based on electrical impedance measurements was developed. Electrical impedance is measured according to the Wenner’s method, using 4-electrode arrays embedded in concrete during casting, selecting alternating current as excitation, to avoid the polarization of both electrode/material interface and of material itself. With this measurement, it is possible to promptly identify events related to contaminants ingress or damages (e.g. cracks formation). Conductive additions are included in some elements to enhance signal-to-noise ratio, as well as the self-sensing properties of concrete. Specifically, a distributed sensor network was implemented, consisting of measurement nodes installed in the elements to be monitored, then connected to a central hub (RS-232 protocol). Nodes are realized with an embedded unit for electrical impedance measurements (EVAL-AD5940BIOZ board with AD5940 chip, by Analog Device) and a digital thermometer (DS18B20 by Maxim Integrated), enclosed in cabinets filled with an IP68 gel against moist-related problems. Data are available on a Cloud through Wi-Fi network or LTE modem, hence can be accessed remotely via a use-friendly multi-platform interface.

Author Biography

Gloria Cosoli, Università Politecnica delle Marche

G. Cosoli was born in Chiaravalle (AN) in 1989. She received the M.S. degree in electronic engineering (cum laude) from the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) in 2013 and the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from the same university in 2017.
From 2016 to date, she has been a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Department of Industrial Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (DIISM) of UNIVPM. 

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Published

2021-12-30

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 4 (2021)

Section

Research Papers

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