Self-sensing damage assessment and image-based surface crack quantification of carbon nanofibre reinforced concrete

Concrete is used extensively in the construction of civil infrastructures such as bridges. The development of cracks can however, undermine the integrity of such facility. In this research, the self-sensing damage of cementitious composites with three different types of fibres (carbon nanofibre, carbon fibre and steel fibre) were experimentally investigated. In addition to, the crack profiles were digitized and analyzed by means of 3D image analysis and fractal theory. The results show that, with the exception of steel fibre, the fibre reduced the strength of concrete. The modulus of elasticity of concrete were all minimised with the use of the different types of fibres. Most importantly, it was shown that the carbon nano fibre was not very effective in minimising the development of micro cracks but was effective in maintaining the compactness of concrete; the carbon nanofibre and steel were effective in mitigating the development of high volume of micro cracks but the latter was not quite as effective in maintaining compactness. The carbon nanofibre on the other hand, not only reduces development of fracture but contributes to the maintenance of compactness in the fractured concrete. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.