Hybrid approach for two dimensional damage localization using piezoelectric smart aggregates

In the paper, a novel approach for damage localization in reinforced concrete plates, based on the computational analysis of piezoelectric smart aggregates, has been presented. The hybrid approach for damage localization is based on two criteria: wave propagation energy and time of flight. The comprehensive numerical analysis using standard and explicit finite element method has been conducted. In addition, the proposed algorithm of the hybrid method has been coded in MATLAB. The approach has been verified numerically using different square reinforced concrete plate models, considering different number, position and size of damage, as well as different number and position of the piezoelectric smart aggregates. Obtained results confirm the successful application of the novel approach to the damage localization.