A novel method for temperature self-sensing of reinforced concrete

Abstract

In this work, a temperature-sensing reinforced concrete has been developed using capacitance and resistance-based measurements. No additives are required for self-temperature sensing. Steel bars in the reinforced concrete are used as electrodes. To determine the self-sensing properties of the reinforced concrete specimen, it is cooled from room temperature to -9 degrees C and heated from room temperature until it reaches 50.9 degrees C. The varying capacitance and resistance values of the sample concerning temperature changes are evaluated. Fractional changes in capacitance and resistance upon cooling are 80.6% and 276%, respectively. Fractional changes in capacitance and resistance upon warming are 60% and 35%, respectively. Temperature coefficients of capacitance and resistance (fractional change in capacitance and resistance per unit change in temperature) upon cooling are 2.5 x 10-2/degrees C and 8.6 x 10-2/degrees C, while upon warming they are 2.2 x 10-2/degrees C and 1.3 x 10-2/degrees C. This study aims to use capacitance and resistance-based sensing techniques to detect temperature variations in steel-reinforced concrete structures. Further studies are planned to investigate various factors such as moisture, porosity, aggregate proportion, and water content that affect the self-temperature-sensing performance of reinforced concrete.