Design of micro-electro-mechanical systems-driven environmental sensor for steel corrosion detection in concrete using sacrificial anode metal sheets

This study introduces an innovative sensor system using micro energy harvesters based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) integrated with Sacrificial Anode Metal Sheets (SAMS) for monitoring chloride-induced steel corrosion in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. MEMS devices enable real-time structural health monitoring by tracking changes in frequency and amplitude due to vibration-based electrostatic power generation. Among the tested SAMS materials (aluminum, copper, iron, and zinc), Fe demonstrated the highest sensitivity, with consistent frequency drops of 250 Hz under wet and dry conditions, creating it as the most suitable for MEMS integration. Parametric experiments also identified optimal target frequencies for energy harvesting: 300 and 350 Hz for a 20 mm cantilever length, and 150 and 200 Hz for a 30 mm cantilever. This proactive approach enables early detection of corrosion in RC structures, enhancing infrastructure safety and advancing corrosion detection methodologies.