Crack Localization and Detection in Small-Scale Reinforced Concrete Beams With Smart Technology

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures form the backbone of modern civil engineering, yet the emergence of cracks poses a significant challenge to their long-term integrity. The integration of smart sensors and data analytics further augments precision by enabling real-time data collection and analysis, allowing for early intervention. Continuous monitoring, facilitated by remote sensing and wireless communication, ensures a dynamic understanding of crack propagation. To validate the proposed approach, an experimental campaign was conducted using reinforced concrete beams. Three point bending tests were conducted on two small-scale reinforced concrete beams. Different configurations of SEC arrays were used on the two specimens to assess the capacity and limitation of the proposed approach. Results show that the sensing skin was capable of detecting and localizing cracks that formed in both specimens.