Printed sensors for damage detection in large engineering structures

In this study, we demonstrate large-scale sensors, intended for damage detection in various engineering structures, within the framework of structural health monitoring. The construction of sensors is based on a hybrid structure of a conductive intermittent pattern (made of silver) with embedded sensing elements made of a carbon-based resistive ink. Because the electrical resistance of the silver pattern was much lower than that of the resistance of sensing elements, the sensing properties of such sensors depend mainly on the properties of the carbon ink. Thanks to such construction, it was possible to achieve the electrical resistance of 1-m-long sensors within the desired range. Conducted laboratory tests have shown relatively low sensitivity to temperature changes and the capability of the sensors for damage detection.