Smart Self-Sensing Cement-Based Composites with Carbon Microfibers: Experimental Tests on Small-Scale Beam Elements

Advanced composite cementitious materials with multifunctional properties can be created by incorporating fillers and inclusions via appropriate production, characterization, and assembly processes. These composites have unique characteristics tailored for specific applications. Particularly, cementitious composites with conductive particles possess enhanced electrical and mechanical capabilities. They can assess structural integrity, being able to monitor stress, strain, and load variations, detecting incipient hazardous conditions throughout building lifespans. This improves maintenance, renovations, and structural modifications, ensuring safer and longer-lasting facilities. This paper presents experimental results of cement-based materials with carbon microfibers for structural beam elements. The samples self-diagnose internal non-uniformities, defects, fractures, and evaluate deformation variations.