Enabling Distributed, Multifunctional SHM Through Integrated Metamaterials and Piezoelectrics

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of critical infrastructure. Traditional methods face limitations in spatial coverage, susceptibility to environmental factors, and complex data interpretation. To address these challenges, this research proposes an intersection of mechanical metamaterials with embedded piezoelectric sensors. Metamaterials enable distributed sensing while maintaining the load-bearing capacity of a structure. Piezoelectric materials provide passive strain/vibration sensing and vibration-damping capabilities. Integrating piezoelectric elements with a tailored re-entrant mechanical metamaterial design enables smart support system beam condition monitoring. Experimental validation was conducted on an aluminium beam supported by a pin and roller supports, exploring the feasibility and potential of this smart SHM system. This approach offers distributed sensing, multi-functionality, and more resilient built environments that continuously monitor their structural health and adapt as needed. This paper demonstrates the potential of a smart engineering support system for SHM.