Eddy current-based measurement system for evaluating fiber distribution to predict cracks in steel fiber-reinforced concrete: experimental study

This paper presents a non-destructive approach for evaluating steel fiber distribution in Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC). The method utilizes a measurement system based on eddy currents combined with an automated scanning system, enabling precise sensor movements along the SFRC sample. The proposed method is first applied to a set of samples with known fiber distribution along the samples to test its effectiveness. The impedance response clearly indicates the highest and lowest fiber volume fractions along the samples, allowing for a straightforward correlation between the impedance data and fiber distribution through the established methodology. Then it is applied to another set of samples with random fiber distribution. In this case, the impedance response is compared to the Brazilian destructive test results. The obtained results affirm a robust correlation between impedance measurements and the observed cracks on the SFRC samples. This approach proves instrumental in identifying vulnerable areas susceptible to crack development in the SFRC sample. The comprehensive insights gained through this method contribute significantly to showing the detailed zonal distribution of SFRC which allows an understanding of the behaviour of the SFRC under mechanical stress.