A comprehensive review on advanced piezoelectric sensing approaches for real-time durability assessment of concrete structures

Concrete durability is vital for ensuring the longevity and safety of infrastructure. This review thoroughly examines advances in durability monitoring of concrete structures, focusing on piezoelectricity-based sensing technologies. Traditional methods such as destructive testing and ultrasonic pulse velocity assessments are compared with modern non-destructive approaches, including piezo transducers based on electro-mechanical impedance, wave propagation, acoustic emission, and surface wave testing. Scientometric analysis shows an exponential increase in research after 2020, with an emphasis on adnaced sensing systems and the integration of machine learning and signal processing techniques to improve durability assessment. The review highlights the effectiveness of smart-material-based lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sensors in concrete structures under various environmental stresses, such as chemical attacks, temperature changes, and mechanical fatigue. The study demonstrates that ceramic PZT patches can detect early-stage deterioration, although challenges like sensor degradation, temperature sensitivity, and signal noise remain. Future trends include combining hybrid methods, utilizing wireless sensor networks, and developing smart materials with multiple piezoelectric functionalities. The incorporation of artificial intelligence for pattern recognition further enhances damage prediction and monitoring capabilities. Overall, PZT-based technologies are revolutionizing durability assessment by enabling real-time, accurate, and sustainable monitoring of concrete structures, paving the way for smarter infrastructure management.