Structural health monitoring of strands in PC structures by embedded sensors and ultrasonic guided waves

The detection of structural defects and the measurement of applied loads in strands is important to ensure the proper performance of civil structures, including post-tensioned concrete structures and cable-stayed or suspension bridges. Ultrasonic guided waves have been used in the past to probe strands. This paper reports on the status of ongoing collaborative studies between the Universities of California, Pittsburgh and Bologna aimed at developing a monitoring system for prestressing strands in post-tensioned structures based on ultrasonic guided waves and built-in sensors.