Robotic installation of wireless strain gauges into precast concrete elements

Tshimbombo, Tresor and Perry, Marcus and Hoy, Chris and Tzoura, Efi and Vlachakis, Christos and McAlorum, Jack; (2021) Robotic installation of wireless strain gauges into precast concrete elements. In: 2021 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC). Proceedings of the IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference (I2MTC) . IEEE, Piscataway, NJ, pp. 1-6. ISBN 9781728195391 (https://doi.org/10.1109/i2mtc50364.2021.9459824)

[thumbnail of Tshimbombo-etal-I2MTC-2021-Robotic-installation-of-wireless-strain-gauges-into-precast-concrete-elements]
Preview
Text. Filename: Tshimbombo_etal_I2MTC_2021_Robotic_installation_of_wireless_strain_gauges_into_precast_concrete_elements.pdf
Accepted Author Manuscript
License: Strathprints license 1.0

Download (1MB)| Preview

Abstract

This paper outlines our group's recent progress in the robotic deployment of wireless sensors within concrete precast elements. This study is focused on the automated installation of embedded vibrating wire strain gauges (VWSGs), interrogated by a wireless node. This paper outlines the initial development of our robotic process and the magnetic sensor packaging which is used to encapsulates wireless nodes and VWSGs. The system has been deployed onto an oiled metallic formwork, to simulate conditions found in precast factories. The magnetically attached sensor packaging can withstand loads imposed during the pouring of concrete and its vibration. The results of this pilot study are promising and could allow robotics to be successfully integrated into precast processes so that smart precast segments can be produced at scale.