Monitoring Carbonation Curing of Concrete Structures Using Low-Cost Smart Piezoelectric Patches

The physical characteristics and sustainability of concrete structures can be enhanced by carbon curing, which promotes carbon sequestration and accelerates the development of early-age strength. Using the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) approach, the present study examines the novel viability of employing piezoelectric materials like modified lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic patches to track the strength growth of concrete during accelerated carbonation curing at 60 psi pressure. The real-time monitoring of physical changes during the complex hydration-carbonation phase is made possible by the interaction between the piezo sensors in surface-bonded configurations and the concrete matrix. The PZT-identified conductance signatures were extracted and compared in a frequency interval between 115 and 125 kHz at seven different curing durations up to 28 days. The sensitivity analysis for the conductance variations with development of compressive strength has been carried out using three different statistical health monitoring indices, namely as root mean square deviation (RMSD), cross-correlation deviation (CCD), and mean absolute percentage deviation (MAPD). The RMSD and MAPD indices demonstrate superior performance, which are thereby correlated with strength development rates through regression equations proposed with higher confidence levels. Overall, the technique offers an effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly solution to track the real-time health of carbon-cured concrete structures.