Concrete setting and hardening monitoring using a novel graphene-based sensor

Paper in proceeding, 2017

This paper presents the procedure towards the development of a durable structural sensor based on graphene and other carbon fillers, for the monitoring of structural performance of concrete. The sensor captures electrical resistivity as a strength development and durability index during the whole service life of concrete. To date, performance monitoring systems usually fail in the long-run before the failure of the actual structure. The proposed sensor is embedded in the interrogated structure and ensures sustainable consolidation via appropriate physico-chemical adherence and mechanical interlocking. This allows for an efficient performance monitoring 'build-up' expected to surpass the service life of the parent concrete structure. The effects of different concentrations of graphene and other fillers on the electrical properties of concrete were studied. After an initial investigation to select the appropriate synthesis, the ability of the sensor to monitor the development of resistivity during setting and hardening was tested and the results are presented herein.