Nanotechnology-Based Devices for Quality Control and Durability Monitoring of Concrete Material (05-1343)
Mohamed Saafi, Alabama A&M University

This paper describes the research in progress to date in the application of nanotechnology to concrete material. Nanotechnology based devices such as MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) and NanoElectromechanical Systems (NEMS) can improve the understanding of the behavior of concrete material during mixing and curing as well as when the concrete structure is put in service. For example, with wireless MEMS and NEMS sensors the density and viscosity of unset concrete in mixing and pumping equipment can be measured. The use of these devices in concrete material would also increase the understanding of the cement hydration process and damage evolution, and detect crack initiation under loading. This paper provides review of research currently underway at the Center for Transportation Infrastructure Safety and Security (TIS2) to study the feasibility of embedding wireless MEMS/NEMS devices into concrete to measure concrete density and viscosity, temperature, moisture content, shrinkage stresses, pH, chloride concentration and carbon dioxide. The potential application of Nanotechnology in concrete material is discussed and experimental research data is presented.