Optimized Parallel Interrogation and Protection of Piezo-transducers in Electromechanical Impedance Technique

Abstract

This article presents some of the practical issues concerning the implementation of the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique for structural health monitoring (SHM) using piezoelectric ceramic (PZT) transducers. New sensor interrogation algorithms utilizing the sensor multiplexing technique are proposed to reduce the time required in interrogating the PZT patches one-by-one for localizing damage. Environmental effects on the admittance signatures of the PZT patch are considered, and a simple and economical technique is proposed to protect the PZT patches. Finally, practical application of PZT transducers in the monitoring of concrete curing is demonstrated.