Multifunctional Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Enabled Structural Elements for Next Generation Civil Infrastructure Monitoring Systems

There is a critical shortage in research needed to explore a new class of multifunctional structural components that respond to their environment, empower themselves and self-monitor their condition. Here, the novel concept of triboelectric nanogenerator-enabled structural elements (TENG-SEs) is proposed to build the foundation for the next generation civil infrastructure systems with intrinsic sensing and energy harvesting functionalities. In order to validate the proposed concept, a proof-of-concept multifunctional composite rebars is developed with built-in TENG mechanisms. The developed prototypes function as structural reinforcements, nanogenerators, and distributed sensing mediums under external mechanical vibrations. Experiential and theoretical studies are performed to verify the electrical and mechanical performance of the developed self-powering and self-sensing composite structural components. The capability of the embedded structural elements to detect damage patterns in concrete beams at multiscale is demonstrated. Finally, it is discussed how this new class of TENG-SEs can revolutionize the large-scale distributed monitoring practices in civil infrastructure and construction fields.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new concept of structural elements (TENG-SE) that can self-empower and self-monitor in civil infrastructure systems. By developing a proof-of-concept multifunctional composite rebars with TENG mechanisms and conducting empirical and theoretical studies to verify its electrical and mechanical performance, the capability of embedded structural elements to detect damage at multiscale is demonstrated.