Dr. Mahdi Gaben
My research focuses on monitoring textile reinforced concrete (TRC) structures using alternating current (AC)-based electrical circuits in combination with Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology. Textile reinforced concrete structures are thin and lightweight compared to conventional steel-reinforced concrete, primarily due to the high tensile strength of the textile reinforcement and its immunity to corrosion. The elimination of the need for a thick concrete cover to protect against corrosion significantly reduces concrete consumption and thus lowers the associated environmental impacts. Furthermore, the flexibility of the textile allows for the fabrication of thin-walled concrete structures in various shapes, such as bridges, pipes, shell structures, and more. However, due to their thin-walled nature, TRC structures are more susceptible to cracking and therefore require continuous monitoring of their structural condition.
