A low-cost electrical impedance analyser for interrogating self-sensing cement repairs

McAlorum, Jack and Vlachakis, Christos and Perry, Marcus; (2021) A low-cost electrical impedance analyser for interrogating self-sensing cement repairs. In: 2021 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC). IEEE, GBR, pp. 1-6. ISBN 9781728195391 (https://doi.org/10.1109/i2mtc50364.2021.9459871)

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Abstract

In this paper, we showcase initial results from a bespoke, low-cost interrogator for complex impedance measurements of our robotically deployed self-sensing cement (geopolymer) technology for concrete monitoring and maintenance. Our low-cost (£30, 40USD)interrogation system is benchmarked against the performance of a£12k(16k USD) commercially available lab-spec electrical impedance analyser. Results show the low-cost interrogator is able to match the commercial interrogation system well-enough for the field measurement of impedance, with an impedance root mean square error (RMSE) of ±5.4 % for an ideal cell. For pure geopolymer samples, similar results are found, with an RMSE of ±5.2 %. During patch measurements, although non-linearity was witnessed, the low-cost interrogator showcased the ability to measure the impedance and impedance-frequency variations. Therefore, the first iteration of low-cost interrogator design shows promise for monitoring geopolymer self-sensing repair complex impedances in the field.

ORCID iDs

McAlorum, Jack ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8348-9945, Vlachakis, Christos and Perry, Marcus ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9173-8198;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)