Piezoresistive behavior in cement-based sensors: Nonlinear modeling and preliminary application

Self-sensing cement sensors detect stress/strain by measuring the fractional change in electrical resistivity. However, neglecting the nonlinear portion of the FCR-stress/strain curves may limit monitoring range. Existing functional models lack versatility and physical meanings of parameters. A new model based on Ramberg-Osgood relation, incorporating the gauge factor, fractional change in resistance, and strain was proposed to cover linear and nonlinear regions. To validate the model, compression and tension cement sensors made of ultra-high toughness cementitious composite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes were tested. Results from various types of cement-based sensors validated the model's versatility. A four-point bending test on a C70 steel-reinforced concrete beam with an embedded cement sensor confirmed the feasibility of the proposed functional model.