Masters Theses
Abstract
"Even under service loads, reinforced concrete (RC) structures can develop cracks that result in excessive deflection of the structures and provide passages for moisture to corrode steel reinforcement. It is thus critical to develop a simple, cost-effective tool for real-time crack monitoring and associated corrosion detection that may affect the engineering maintenance of RC structures. The objectives of this study include: (1) to develop a die-cut manufacturing process of coaxial cables with spiral outer conductors, (2) to quantify the sensing properties of a miniaturized topology-based crack sensor, (3) to investigate the effectiveness of various sensor installation procedures in RC applications, and (4) to detect the distribution of corrosion in steel reinforcement. A new manufacturing process was developed to fabricate spirally-wrapped, miniaturized coaxial cables in the order of mm in diameter. To understand their performance and sensitivity, eight miniaturized sensors were fabricated and placed in seven RC concrete members that were tested under three-point loading. Various grout materials were also investigated to compare their effects on sensor sensitivity. Test results indicated that the miniaturized, die-cut coaxial cable sensors are more uniform and more sensitive to cracks than their early versions since the new manufacturing process can refine the topology of their outer conductors. Like embedment, surface attachment of a coaxial cable on a RC member can be effective with appropriate bonding agents such as Sikagrout materials. Preliminary tests by submerging coaxial cables into 3% and 5% NaCl solutions demonstrated that cable sensors can indicate the breaching of small holes on their outer conductor as a result of corrosion, potentially providing a promising technology for distributed corrosion detection"--Abstract, page iii.
Advisor(s)
Chen, Genda
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Degree Name
M.S. in Civil Engineering
Publisher
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Publication Date
Spring 2011
Pagination
xi, 97 pages
Rights
© 2011 Iana Muchaidze, All rights reserved.
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Subject Headings
Cables -- CorrosionCoaxial cables -- EvaluationDetectorsReinforced concrete -- CrackingStructural health monitoring
Thesis Number
T 9846
Print OCLC #
785162803
Electronic OCLC #
713282253
Recommended Citation
Muchaidze, Iana, "Installation and performance evaluation of coaxial cable sensors for crack and corrosion detection" (2011). Masters Theses. 4925.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/4925