This magnetic inductive sensing device confirms that reinforcement in concrete structures is aligned correctly to prevent catastrophic failure. The electromagnetic system detects the density and orientation of metallic fibers in Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) as well as rebar and other ferromagnetic substance in concrete. Civil engineering projects, new buildings, and pre-fabricated structures increasingly use UHPC due to its strength, but it suffers from inconsistent distribution of the metal fibers in it. The collapse of the Surfside condominium in South Florida in 2021 highlights the need for a better system for inspecting concrete structures. With the global construction industry expected to reach USD $16.6 trillion by 2025, it is increasingly important to evaluate the safety of structures.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a device that uses magnetic inductance to detect whether the metal fibers are clumped together or evenly distributed, aiding in quality control inspections of ultra-high performance concrete and other concrete. This work enables construction and inspection companies to monitor the quality of their UHPC slabs or prefabs on site.
Quality control and inspection of UHPC and other concrete structures such as bridges, parking garages, buildings, and more
This technology uses an inductive sensor to characterize the density and orientation of ferromagnetic materials in ultra-high-performance concrete. It works by magnetic induction, where a changing magnetic field causes an electric current in the material being studied, and the changing electric current causes another magnetic field in turn. The sensor is connected to a data acquisition device which records the location of each area of strong magnetic inductance.
