Variables affecting strain sensing function in cementitious composites with carbon fibers

In this work, cement paste samples with 1% (by cement mass) of a conductive carbon fiber admixture have been studied under uniaxial compression. Three different arrangements were used to measure the resistivity of the samples. According to the results obtained, the resistance should be measured using the four wire method in order to obtain good sensitivity and repeatability. The effect of the load value and the load rate on the fractional change of the volume resistivity has been determined. It has been observed that the gage factor (fractional change in resistance respect to strain) increases when the maximum load is increased, and the loading rate does not affect significantly this parameter. The effect of the sample ambient humidity on the material piezoresistivity has also been studied, showing that the response of the composite is highly affected by this parameter.