Material and geometric properties of hoop-type PZT interface for damage-sensitive impedance responses in prestressed tendon anchorage

In this study, parametric analyses on a hoop-type PZT (lead-zirconate-titanate) interface are performed to estimate the effects of the PZT interface's materials and geometries on sensitivities of impedance responses under strand breakage. The paper provides a guideline for installing the PZT interface suitable in tendon anchorages for damage-sensitive impedance signatures. Firstly, the concept of the PZT interface-based impedance monitoring technique in prestressed tendon anchorage is briefly described. A FE (finite element) analysis is conducted on a multistrands anchorage equipped with a hoop-type PZT interface for analyzing materials and geometric effects. Various material properties, geometric sizes of the interface, and PZT sensor are simulated under two states of prestressing force for acquiring impedance responses. Changes in impedance signals are statistically quantified to analyze the effect of these factors on damage-sensitive impedance monitoring in the tendon anchorage. Finally, experimental analyses are performed to demonstrate the effects of materials and geometrical properties of the PZT interface on damage-sensitive impedance monitoring.