Novel Piezo Based Device for Multipurpose Non Destructive Evaluation Vibro-Integrity Sensing Device (VInSD)

The proposed invention offers a single, integrated, and cost-effective non-destructive testing (NDT) solution capable of performing the functions of four conventional NDT systems—Accelerometer, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), Schmidt Rebound Hammer, and Impact Echo. Designed specifically with UAV-based inspection in mind, the device enables efficient structural health assessment of bridges and other infrastructure, including areas that are difficult or unsafe to access manually. By combining multiple testing capabilities into one compact sensor platform, it reduces equipment costs, simplifies field operations, and enhances inspection efficiency for both steel and concrete structures.

This single device can perform following four measurements:

1. Dynamic response of the structures as done by conventional accelerometers
2. Homogeneity of concrete in terms of the velocity of waves travelling inside the concrete material as determined by the conventional ultrasonic velocity test set-up
3. Concrete strength in terms of the peak voltage generated by the piezo based sensors as determined by the conventional Rebound Hammer Test set-up
4. Depth of the defects (in form of cracks etc.) as determined by the Impact Echo test conventionally.

• The proposed sensor combines the capabilities of multiple conventional NDT instruments into a single lightweight and compact device, making it suitable for deployment on UAVs for remote inspections.
• It can provide dynamic vibration response measurements for steel structures while simultaneously evaluating the integrity and strength of concrete structures.
• The compact design facilitates inspection of inaccessible bridge components and other critical infrastructure, reducing the need for manual intervention.
• In addition, the device significantly lowers equipment and operational costs by eliminating the requirement for multiple specialized instruments.
• The use of a piezoelectric ceramic sensor also overcomes the frequency bandwidth limitations commonly associated with conventional accelerometers, resulting in improved measurement capability and broader applicability in structural health monitoring and non-destructive evaluation.