Cement-Based Piezoelectric Ceramic Composite and Its Sensor Applications in Civil Engineering

In this study, a new kind of mechanical sensor for application in civil engineering is achieved by introducing piezoelectric ceramic into cement material, which can be used to monitor real-time structural health and provide instantaneous information on a condition of a specified structure. It is especially ideal for situ-dynamic measurement for a concrete structure, as it combines the high piezoelectric activity of piezoelectric ceramic and high mechanical properties of cement-based material. From the experimental results, a linear mechanic-electrical relationship is obtained. It is believed that cement-based piezoelectric ceramic composites hold a great application potential in civil engineering.