Hardened Concrete State Determination System Based on a Stainless Steel Voltammetric Sensor and PCA Analysis

Abstract

Monitoring reinforced concrete structures (RCS) is essential to ensure their service life. Monitoring the parameters associated with deterioration processes can be key for proactive maintenance. A gap exists between engineering practices and sensor technology innovation in the construction field, which prevents more development and widespread applications of using voltammetric sensors and a multivariate analysis. This review demonstrates the effectiveness of voltammetric stainless steel (SS) sensors, plus a principal component analysis (PCA), to detect the aspects involved in corrosion processes; e.g. concrete carbonation or presence of chlorides. Sensors were embedded in different concrete mixtures and exposed to different conditions. Electrochemical techniques were applied. Then the results were analysed by a PCA, which defined the durability control model. This model is able accurately detect the concrete state, which is verified by the model's validation. This novel system helps to sustainably preserve the service life of RCS.