In this paper, the utilization of PZT’s dual piezoelectric effects (i.e., dynamic strain and electro-mechanical (E/M) impedance responses) for damage detection in beam-type structures are presented. In order to achieve the objective, the following approaches are implemented. First, global vibration-based and local impedance-based methods to detect the location of damage are presented. Then, the vibration-based and impedance-based damage detection methods using the dual piezoelectric responses are evaluated from experiments on a lab-scaled beam.

In this paper, the applicability of structural health monitoring (SHM) system is evaluated on a full-scale concrete cable-stayed bridge, Hwamyung Bridge in Korea. Firstly, Imote2-platformed wireless sensor node for structural health monitoring is designed to monitor the cable forces by the vibration-impedance-based SHM. Secondly, the experimental setup is presented by filed verification test on Hwamyung Bridge. Finally, the long-term monitoring performance of the wireless sensor system is examined under various weather conditions. Also, the accuracy of cable force monitoring by the wireless sensor system is evaluated for the target bridge.

This study presents a method to monitor cable force using an Imote2/SHM-DAQ sensor node and a PZT sensor. The following approaches are carried out to achieve the objective. Firstly, the principle of piezoelectric material (e.g., PZT) as a strain sensor is reviewed. According to its piezoelectric features, the use of PZT sensor for strain measurement of a stay cable is presented. Secondly, the design of the data acquisition sensor node Imote2/SHM-DAQ is described. The sensor node is used to monitor strain-induced voltage from the PZT sensor. The advantages of the system are cheap, and enable for wireless communication and automated operation. Finally, the feasibility of the sensing system is evaluated on a lab-scale stay cable.