Application of Piezoelectric Sensors to Determine the Strength of Eco-Friendly Construction Material
10.14416/j.ind.tech.2026.08.001
Keywords:
Piezoelectric sensor, Soil-cement, Bender element testing, Compressive strengthAbstract
This study evaluates the strength of eco-friendly construction materials using a non-destructive bender element technique with piezoelectric sensors. The shear wave velocity (Vs) was measured and correlated with unconfined compressive strength (UCS). Specimens were prepared from Bangkok soft clay mixed with 8% Type 1 Portland cement and reinforced with natural chicken feather fibers at 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% by volume. After 28 days of curing period, results showed that piezoelectric sensors effectively assess material strength, with Vs exhibiting a positive correlation with UCS. The optimal fiber content was found to be 0.5%, yielding the maximum UCS and exceeding the Department of Highways standard (294 kPa). Conversely, fiber content exceeding 0.5% reduced both compressive strength and wave velocity due to non-uniform fiber distribution and increased voids within the material matrix.
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