Development of Strain Measurement System for Detecting Rubber Elasticity for Structural Health Monitoring Applications

This paper investigates the correlation between rubber elasticity and strain measurement, aiming to advance the understanding and utilization of natural rubber in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Natural rubber, derived from latex found in rubber-producing plants, possesses exceptional elasticity and resilience, allowing strain measurement applications. This study employs strain gauge sensors and a Wheatstone bridge configuration to accurately assess the strain experienced by various rubber samples which are Rubber 1, Rubber 2, and Rubber 3 under different loading conditions. The differences between all three rubber samples are in the content of carbon black of size in the rubber. Rubber 1 contains carbon black of size N330 (60%), Rubber 2 contains carbon black of size N550 (60%), and Rubber 3 does not contain any carbon black. Through experimental analysis, it is demonstrated that as the applied load increases, the measured strain detected by the strain gauge rises, leading to an increase in the bridge output voltage. The proposed method, Rubber 2 is increased 11.94% in elasticity compared to Rubber 1 and Rubber 3 increased 15.82% in elasticity compared to Rubber 1. Among the tested rubber samples, Rubber 3 with higher elasticity exhibits a more signifi cant increase in output voltage, indicating a stronger response to applied stress. The proposed strain measurement system effectively captures rubber elasticity, providing valuable insights into the mechanical properties of rubber components. Furthermore, this research aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by leveraging Malaysia’s abundant natural rubber resources for innovative applications in structural health monitoring. Overall, this study contributes to the advancement of SHM techniques and the sustainable utilization of natural resources, with potential implications for various industries, including civil engineering and material science.