Smart Cement: Development, Testing, Modeling and Real-Time Monitoring

Self-sensing, or smart, cement is a new type of cement that allows real-time monitoring of performance through the entire service life of a concrete structure. It is achieved by adding a small proportion of conductive or semi-conductive fibers to the bulk cement, making it piezoresistive. This state-of-the-art reference work presents experimental results with a realistic theoretical framework for cement manufactures, concrete technologists, contractors, and researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 402 pages
Publication date: 24 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The production of cement exceeds three billion metric tons worldwide, making it the most widely utilized construction material. Self-sensing, or smart, cement enables real-time monitoring of performance throughout the entire service life of a concrete structure, allowing for the detection of changing stresses, contamination, excessive temperature, gas leaks, and pre-seismic activity. This is accomplished by incorporating a small proportion of conductive or semi-conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers, into the bulk cement, making it piezoresistive, and enabling changes in the electrical resistivity of the concrete in response to shear stress and strain to be monitored.

This cutting-edge reference work provides experimental results with a realistic theoretical framework, benefiting cement manufacturers, concrete technologists, contractors, and researchers alike. The use of smart cement has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by enhancing the durability, efficiency, and safety of concrete structures. By continuously monitoring the performance of concrete, potential issues can be identified and addressed in real time, preventing costly repairs and ensuring the long-term safety of buildings and infrastructure.

One of the key advantages of smart cement is its ability to detect changes in stress and strain within the concrete structure. This information can be used to optimize the design of concrete structures and improve their performance under various loading conditions. For example, by monitoring the stress levels in a bridge, engineers can identify areas where reinforcement is needed to prevent structural failure. Similarly, by monitoring the strain levels in a building, architects can ensure that the structure is designed to withstand seismic events.

Another advantage of smart cement is its ability to detect contamination and other factors that can degrade the performance of concrete. For example, the presence of water or other contaminants can cause the concrete to weaken and crack, leading to premature failure. By monitoring the pH levels and other chemical properties of the concrete, engineers can identify and address these issues before they become significant problems.

Smart cement also has the potential to improve the energy efficiency of concrete structures. By monitoring the temperature and humidity levels within the concrete, engineers can optimize the mixing and curing processes to reduce the amount of energy required for the production of concrete. This can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy costs, making smart cement an attractive option for sustainable construction.

In conclusion, smart cement is a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to transform the construction industry. By enabling real-time monitoring of performance throughout the entire service life of a concrete structure, smart cement can detect changes in stress, strain, contamination, and other factors that can degrade the performance of concrete. This information can be used to optimize the design of concrete structures, improve their performance, and ensure their long-term safety. With its many advantages, smart cement is likely to become an increasingly popular choice for construction projects in the years to come.

Weight: 811g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032039695