Experimental study on mechanical and self-sensing properties of intelligence-function cement-based composite beams under marine erosion environment

The mechanical and self-sensing properties of intelligent functional cement-based composite beams under marine erosion environment were studied experimentally. The test parameters involved are the resistivity measurement methods, types of conductive filling, reinforcement ratio, and environmental types (i.e., natural environment, marine erosion environment). The results showed that among the four resistance measurement methods in this study, the third resistance measurement method was the most reasonable resistance measurement method, that is, the test data obtained by this method can more sensitively, comprehensively and reasonably reflect the self-sensing performance of the test beams. The type of conductive filling material, reinforcement ratio, marine erosion environment (i.e., electrochemical erosion) significantly influenced the cracking load, ultimate load, cracking displacement, and ultimate displacement of test beams. The type of conductive filling material, reinforcement ratio, electrochemical erosion environment all had significant effects on self-sensing performance of test beams. For example, the greater the reinforcement ratio, the worse self-sensing performance of test beams; the longer the electrochemical erosion time, the worse the self-sensing performance. Reinforcement ratio and electrochemical erosion environment had a significant influence on curve variation of load/resistivity rate-time relationship of test beams, while the type of conductive filling material had a little influence on the curve variation of load/resistivity rate-time relationship. This study can provide experimental basis and in-depth understanding for the application of self-sensing properties of intelligent function cement-based composite beams under marine erosion environment.