Effect of Temperature on Mechanical Performance and Tensoresistivity of a New Sensor-Enabled Geosynthetic Material

Abstract

In geotechnical engineering, geosynthetics are widely used as a reinforcement material for its numerous advantages. Moreover, its strain monitoring is increasingly crucial to ensure the safety of reinforced geotechnical structures. Therefore, a new sensor-enabled geosynthetic material named sensor-enabled geobelts (SEGB) was developed and manufactured. The SEGB has the reinforced function while achieving self-monitoring of strain. Its essence is a kind of conductive polymer, which is made from super conductive carbon black (CB) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). To study the effects of temperature on the mechanical performance and the tensoresistivity of SEGB, two types of tensile tests were performed between its service temperature ranges (−20°C to 40°C). The results demonstrate that the tensile strength of SEGB first decreases with temperature and then becomes stable. However, the elongation at break consistently increases with the increase of the temperature. And the measurement results of the electrical resistance indicate the tensoresistivity response of SEGB become more sensitive with the temperature increases. Considering temperature effects, a nonlinear calibration model of the tensoresistivity was proposed to ensure the application of SEGB at different ambient temperatures.