The paper presents an experimental study on the performance of two types of
stress sensor for their possible use in structural health monitoring (SHM) of masonry
constructions. Ceramic piezoelectric sensors and capacitive sensors were installed in mortar
bed-joints of two series of masonry specimens made of calcarenite stones and clay bricks. The
specimens were tested under uniaxial compression, assessing the effectiveness of the sensors in
recording the stress state variation in terms of vertical stresses within different types of
masonry. Experimental results show that, although both the ceramic and capacitive sensors
were initially designed to be embedded in concrete elements, their application in mortar joints
ensures a good agreement with records by standard measurement devices. Results also
demonstrate the possibility to extend the application of these devices to existing masonry
structures, where SHM becomes a challenging issue.
Abstract
The paper presents an experimental study on the performance of two types of
stress sensor for their possible use in structural health monitoring (SHM) of masonry
constructions. Ceramic piezoelectric sensors and capacitive sensors were installed in mortar [...]