A PZT-based smart aggregate for seismic shear stress monitoring

A lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based smart aggregate (SA) is proposed for seismic shear stress monitoring in concrete structures. This SA uses a d(15)-mode PZT as the sensing element. A calibration test is designed in which a cyclic shear stress with a dominant frequency of the earthquake response spectrum is applied on the two opposite sides of the proposed SA using a specially designed loading mold. The test is repeated on six copies of the proposed SA. The maximum applied shear stress is larger than the shear strength of ordinary concrete to allow measurements during failure. The output voltage of the SA is experimentally verified as varying linearly with the applied stress in the loading range. The sensitivity of the proposed SA to the applied stress under the given boundary conditions is examined. The calibrated sensitivity value is then compared with the calculated value, which is obtained by computing the stress distribution in the SA using finite element analysis (FEA). The calculated values and the calibrated values are approximately the same, indicating that the established finite element (FE) model is reliable. Monotonic loading is also applied on the proposed SA to induce cracks between the SA and the loading mold, and the SA's response to cracking processes is examined. It is found that the proposed SA underestimates the cracking process. This study demonstrates that the proposed SA can be used in monitoring the overall shear stress development process in concrete during a seismic event.