SMART FRP–CONCRETE COMPOSITE ELEMENTS WITH EMBEDDED SENSING FOR STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING

Abstract

The growing demand for resilient and intelligent civil infrastructure has led to the development of smart composite systems that integrate sensing capabilities within structural materials. This study investigates Smart Fiber–Reinforced Polymer (FRP)–concrete composite elements embedded with advanced sensing components for real-time Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The proposed system combines high-strength FRP laminates, a ductile concrete matrix, and embedded sensor networks—such as fiber Bragg grating sensors, piezoelectric patches, and self-sensing carbon fibers— to continuously monitor strain, damage progression, impact events, and environmental influences. A comprehensive experimental and analytical methodology was designed to evaluate the structural behavior and sensing accuracy of hybrid elements under varied loading conditions. Smart composite specimens were fabricated and subjected to static, cyclic, and impact loads while sensor signals were recorded to identify damage signatures. Finite element simulations were conducted to validate sensor data and study strain transfer mechanisms within the composite. Results demonstrate that embedded sensing does not compromise structural performance and, in fact, enhances predictive maintenance by enabling early detection of cracks, delamination, and stress concentration zones. The smart FRP– concrete system showed exceptional accuracy in strain tracking and damage localization, with sensors functioning reliably even after significant deformation. The integration of sensing technologies within hybrid composites presents a major advancement for next-generation infrastructure, enabling automated condition assessment, reduced inspection costs, and improved structural resilience.