Progressive damage detection using the reusable electromechanical impedance method for metal structures with a possibility of weight loss identification

Damage accumulation in structures may result in a structural failure which is a serious problem when ensuring public safety. Although various non-destructive techniques are available to seek for the existence of damage at an early stage, most of these techniques rely on the experience of the experts. To date, automated structural health monitoring systems have been extensively researched and one of the methods, known as the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method, has shown promising results. However, the EMI method is a local method requiring a large number of sensors for covering large areas such as in bridges and buildings. In addition, attaching these sensors onto a surface can be time consuming since adhesives are used for attaching the sensors where its curing time increases the setting up time even further. In this study, the performance of the reusable piezoelectric (PZT) device for metal structures is examined against two different types of progressive damage scenarios. Overall, the reusable PZT device shown in this study has successfully identified damage with a possibility of weight loss detection.