Development of a Wireless Sensor Used to Monitor Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Structures

The objective of this thesis is to discuss the development of a prototype wireless sensor to detect corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. These sensors are intended to be embedded inside the concrete near the reinforcement when the concrete is placed. Unlike existing monitoring systems for corrosion, there is no electrical connection between the prototype sensor and the reinforcement. Rather, the sensor contains a steel wire state switch which corrodes. Because the sensor is embedded in the concrete near the reinforcement, the sensor is exposed to the same environment as the reinforcement and corrodes at the same rate. Prototype sensors have been designed and are currently being tested in accelerated corrosion tests. The prototype sensor has proven to be rugged and is not damaged during placement of the concrete.