Self-sensing characteristics of smart high-performance cementitious composites containing multiwall carbon nanotubes, steel fibers, and steel slag aggregates under compression

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. Vol. 365; p. 114920
• Main Authors: Le, Huy Viet, Nguyen, Van Manh, Pham, Thi Nhan, Tang, Van Lam, Pham, Xuan Nui, Nguyen, Duy Liem, Kim, Dong Joo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2024
• Subjects: MWCNT; Self-sensing; Smart high-performance cementitious composite; Steel fiber; Steel slag aggregate; FF; SSA; AC; SSC; Steel slag aggregate; SHPCC; DP; CP; DCP; CCP; FWC; FCR; ICP; Self-sensing; Steel fiber; MWCNT; Smart high-performance cementitious composite; FD
• ISSN: 0924-4247; 1873-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2023.114920

Smart high-performance cementitious composite (SHPCC) with sensing abilities, high mechanical, and high durability is a potential smart material instead of current sensors applied for structural health monitoring systems of infrastructures. This study deeply investigated the sensing properties of SHPCCs containing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), steel fibers, and steel slag aggregates (SSAs) under compression. SHPCCs containing different contents of MWCNTs (0.1% and 0.5% of cement weight), steel fibers (2 and 4 vol%), SSAs (10% and 50% instead of sand), and free water (fully dried and moisture specimens) were prepared and evaluated. The results indicated that the SSA content was a key factor controlling the electrically conductive network response and the stress-sensing ability of SHPCCs. MWCNTs significantly enhanced the stress-sensing ability of fully dried SHPCCs under compression. Besides, the free water content in pore systems significantly influenced the stress-sensing ability of SHPCCs. A conductive network of SHPCCs with MWCNTs, fibers, SSAs, and free water at micro and nano levels was proposed and analyzed to explain the electrical resistivity response under compression. [Display omitted] •The micro particle FF (SSAs) mainly controlled stress sensing properties of SHPCCs under compression.•MWCNTs improved the sensing ability of fully dried SHPCCs.•The free water content significantly influenced the FCR of SHPCCs.•A conductive network of SHPCCs at micro and nano levels were proposed and analyzed.