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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R19151/01
Title: Utilisation of Lpg Sensors For Monitoring Deterioration Processes In Reinforced Concrete
Principal Investigator: O'Flaherty, Professor F
Other Investigators:
Ghassemlooy, Professor Z Cook, Professor MJ Mangat, Professor P
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Flexcrete Ltd University of East Anglia
Department: Sch of Environment & Development
Organisation: Sheffield Hallam University
Scheme: Fast Stream
Starts: 01 May 2001 Ends: 31 October 2004 Value (£): 60,841
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Civil Engineering Materials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Communications Construction
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Corrosion in reinforced concrete is normally detected by the presence of spalling and rust coloured patches on the surface of a member. If corrosion is not visible but deterioration is suspected, a core sample may be extracted to detect the condition of the steel and to determine the presence of chloride and carbonation. For larger areas of corrosion, electric potential measurements of the reinforcement would be used for corrosion monitoring. Regardless of which method is used, corrosion is only detected after the event i.e. when damage due to corrosion is already occuring.This project aims to introduce artificial intelligence in the form of optical based sensors to monitor the condition of the structure throughout its lifetime. The sensors can be installed in new construction or during repair of structures in service. A prototype sensor based on long period fibre gratings (LPGs) will be developed that will detect chemical changes within the concrete and on the steel reinforcement surface, thus indicating initiation of corrosion. Novel coatings will be adhered to the surface of the LPG, which react with chemical changes and corrosion inducing substances at the steel/concrete interface, thereby detecting the onset and progress of corrosion.
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Organisation Website: http://www.shu.ac.uk