Journal of Steel & Structure

Journal of Steel & Structure

Fabrication and calibration of a wireless piezoelectric sensor for measurement of dynamic stresses in steel structures

Document Type : Original Article

Abstract
In this study, a wireless piezoelectric sensor is fabricated for measurement of dynamic vibrations of steel structure. In contrast to widespread usage of piezoelectric sensors in the aerospace engineering, the application of these sensors in usual civil engineering structures is very rare. This study aims to evaluate the performance of wireless piezoelectric sensors for applications in the structural health monitoring of steel structures. To reach this aim, a wireless electrical network is firstly designed and fabricated for capturing the output voltage of the piezoelectric element. Then, the piezoelectric element and associated wireless network were installed on a prepared steel profile by using epoxy. Different mechanical loads are applied to the steel sample and the voltage induced in the piezoelectric element is saved on a computer. The mathematical relation between the amplitude of applied load and output voltage is determined. The results of experimental tests show that the fabricated piezoelectric sensor can predict the pattern of applied dynamic loads with enough accuracy.
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  • Receive Date 29 July 2024
  • First Publish Date 29 July 2024
  • Publish Date 21 January 2022