journal article·2022-09-28Open access

Review of Flexible Piezoresistive Strain Sensors in Civil Structural Health Monitoring

Ke Gao, Zhiyue Zhang, Shun Weng, Hongping Zhu, Hong Yu, Tingjun Peng

Applied Sciences· Volume 12· Issue 19

Abstract

Owing to the outstanding sensing properties, especially high sensitivity and large stretchability, flexible piezoresistive strain sensors are advantageous for achieving intelligent sensing and have become a popular topic in the field of civil structural health monitoring (SHM). To explore advanced flexible strain sensors for civil SHM, this paper summarizes the recent research progress, achievements and challenges in flexible piezoresistive strain sensors. First, four common piezoresistive mechanisms are introduced theoretically. Sensor materials, including conductive materials, flexible substrates and electrodes, are explained in detail. Second, essential sensing parameters are interpreted and then followed by specific explanations of improvement strategies for the sensor performance in terms of each parameter. Third, applications of flexible piezoresistive strain sensors in the deformation measurement and damage detection of steel structures, concrete structures and fiber-reinforced composite structures are presented. Existing challenges and prospects in the practical application and large-scale production of flexible strain sensors are also reported. Last but not least, strategies for the selection of piezoresistive sensors for civil SHM are explained.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Smart Materials for Construction · Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Structural Health Monitoring Techniques

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

China Railway Siyuan Survey and Design Group Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430063, China

Funding

National Key R&D Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province · Research Fund of China Railway Siyuan Survey and Design Group Co., Ltd.

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