The Effect of Confined Granular Soil on Embedded PZT Patches Using FFT and Digital Static Cone Penetrometer (DSCP)

Abstract

This paper presents the effect of confined granular fill on the efficiency of embedded PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) patches. The experiments are carried out to capture the dynamic response of confined granular fill and voltage output. The dynamic response of the system is analysed using the fast Fourier transformation (FFT) of vibration and digital static cone penetrometer (DSCP) test at various excitation frequencies. The peak pick method is used to determine the damping loss factor and natural frequency. The efficiency of voltage generation of embedded PZT patches is influenced by the depth of embedment, excitation frequency, location, and engineering properties of the confined granular fill. The results show that the influence of vibration frequency and placement of PZT on the output voltage should be considered. The thickness and engineering properties of granular soil affect the efficiency of voltage output. This study emphasizes the utility of PZT patches in the subgrade and structural health monitoring of various geotechnical structures.