Sensytec Inc — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF183-005

Description

Sensytec’s RADAR-CMS is created by mixing proprietary additive into the concrete mix. Once the additive has been mixed in, the concrete becomes chemo-thermo-piezoresistive. This means that if any kind of stresses (static and dynamic), temperature or contamination happen to the structure, an electrical property called resistivity will change. Electrical resistivity is the most significant monitoring parameter for the chemo-thermo-piezoresistive concrete made with Smart Cement. Sensytec’s Smart Cement is over 1000 times more sensitive than the current compressive strain-related monitoring technology that uses strain gauges, sensors and fiber optics. Sensytec’s RADAR-CMS can gather this data during both the curing process of the concrete as well as the operational lifetime of the concrete structure. This means it can detect if the concrete does not set properly during the curing period, as well as if it deteriorates years later. RADAR-CMS can be utilized in a concrete airfield and use the steel rebar of that airfield to communicate resistivity data to the monitoring interface. This will enable autonomous condition monitoring of the airfield in real time through the life time and will provide predictive maintenance. RADAR-CMS can monitor stresses, temperature, contamination, and corrosion in real-time throughout the lifetime of the structure.