Experimental investigation of smart composite structural insulated panels (CSIPs) with integrated piezoelectric sensors for damage localization in extreme conditions

As coastal regions become increasingly susceptible to extreme wind loads and debris impact, the demand for robust, self-monitoring building envelopes has become critical. It creates an urgent imperative for advanced, resilient construction solutions. The current study presents smart composite structural insulated panels (CSIPs) embedded with piezoelectric sensors for damage localization in high-risk areas. The CSIPs comprise Aluminum face sheets positioned on both the top and bottom surfaces, sandwiching an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core to provide superior insulation and structural integrity. Rigorous experimental tests, including four-point flexural tests per ASTM C393 and shock load simulations, assessed mechanical properties and failure modes. A shock and impact testing simulator generated planar shock waves, with pressure profiles measured using dynamic transducers. Piezoelectric sensors embedded in the EPS core, via granular rod sensors (steel hemispheres and nylon shaft), captured Lamb waves transforming into solitary waves. Time differences of arrival (TDOA) from three non-collinear sensors enabled triangulation-based localization, validated experimentally. Real-time shock identification and impact localization are demonstrated experimentally, with predicted damage locations achieving a maximum error below 5%, indicating the suitability of these panels as a foundational technology for self-resilient coastal infrastructure. The proposed approach delivers real-time information on structural integrity, supporting improved safety and predictive maintenance for buildings and infrastructure employing CSIP systems.