Locating cracks in smart TRC elements based on the TDR concept

The current study aims to handle the challenge of identifying the location of cracks in carbon-based textile reinforced concrete (TRC) elements by using their smart self-sensory capabilities. To answer this challenge, the study offers to adopt the concept of the Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) analysis. Yet, direct implementation of the TDR analysis to smart sensory carbon yarns is not a straightforward act and requires facing some inherent challenges. Therefore, the study offers an advanced monitoring methodology that handles the various challenges. A special electrical setup is proposed that uses a pair of carbon yarns, in which one yarn is used as the electrical conductor that transmits the electrical current, and the other as insulation. Two calibration processes that consider the unique micro-structural mechanism and its correlation to the electrical characterization are developed. The efficiencies of the calibration processes are investigated by a designated identification technique. Results from this study demonstrate the potential and capabilities of the proposed smart self-sensory carbon-based TRC concept to monitor its health by detecting the cracks’ locations.