PSI - Issue 67

Gabriele Milone et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 67 (2025) 90–106 G. Milone et al./ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2024) 000 – 000

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By employing CB-based smart coatings, a link between electrochemical attacks and the mechanical effects induced by corrosion was established. Sensors were utilized to quantify the increase in internal stress and strain due to oxide formation and propagation within the matrix. This capability was evidenced in both free and partially confined rebar scenarios, showcasing the coatings' versatility across different structural conditions. For unconfined rebar, the coatings provided accurate tracking of crack development and progression up to an average width of 116 ± 45 μm, demonstrating their potential as early warning systems for structural integrity. Furthermore, in configurations involving confined rebar, the coatings were characterized by good sensitivity to the development of corrosion, even when positioned at large distances from the directly affected rebar sections. In conclusion, this research underscored the importance of smart construction materials in enhancing the durability and safety of civil infrastructure. The study extended the application of CB-based coatings beyond traditional uses, highlighting their potential as a multifunctional material. Their successful implementation of corrosion sensing represents an initial promising step towards the production of smarter and more resilient infrastructure. Future work will focus on better framing the production and propagation of the oxides within the corroded matrix, using varying acceleration rates of corrosion, and correlating them with the electrical response of these sensors. Indeed, corrosion development has been proven to be significant in the interpretation of structural health monitoring systems. 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