Author(s): María Fernanda Rodríguez

Abstract: Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety, durability, and performance of infrastructure systems, and the integration of smart materials offers transformative advancements in this field. This study explores the application of piezoelectric sensors, fiber optic sensors, and shape memory alloys in SHM, aiming to evaluate their deformation characteristics under incremental load conditions and identify their suitability for various structural applications. The materials were subjected to controlled laboratory tests, with data collected using advanced data acquisition systems. Statistical tools, including t-tests, were employed to compare the performance metrics of the materials. The results revealed distinct deformation characteristics among the materials. Fiber optic sensors exhibited minimal deformation (mean ≈ 0.13 mm), making them suitable for high-precision monitoring. Piezoelectric sensors demonstrated intermediate deformation (mean ≈ 0.15 mm), offering a balance of sensitivity and durability, while shape memory alloys showed higher deformation (mean ≈ 0.18 mm), highlighting their unique adaptive actuation capabilities. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between the materials, emphasizing the need for application-specific selection. The study concludes that the integration of smart materials significantly enhances the capabilities of SHM systems. Practical recommendations include developing hybrid systems that combine the strengths of different materials, advancing cost-effective manufacturing techniques, and incorporating machine learning models for real-time data analysis. Future research should prioritize field validation, sustainability, and standardized integration protocols to bridge the gap between experimental findings and real-world applications. These advancements will accelerate the adoption of smart materials in SHM, contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

Pages: 14-18 | Views: 58 | Downloads: 22

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