Self-sensing Concrete Formed by Nano Alumina, Iron Oxides and Carbon fibre Beneficial for Structural Health Monitoring

Abstract

Sensing Concrete is a smart material which can monitor itself by its property of Electrical Conductivity. This multi-functional material finds different applications in the field of Structural Health Monitoring, De-icing of pavement etc. This study shows an experimental investigation on the effect of fillers like nano iron oxides, nano aluminium oxides and carbon fibres as a partial replacement (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 %) of cement quantity on electric property of concrete. The nano modified conductive concrete was tested for workability in the fresh state. These fillers are added individually to each mix and the effect on conductivity and compressive strength for varying percentage of fillers are studied. Variation of conductivity with the age of concrete is also represented and optimum quantity of filler required to convert a conventional concrete to a Sensing concrete is identified and it is without compromising to the mechanical properties of concrete i.e. compressive strength.