Electrical Impedance Tomography: A Paradigm Shift in Non-Destructive Structural Health Monitoring

Introduction

In the realm of structural health monitoring, electrical impedance tomography (EIT) stands out as a non-destructive imaging technique that unveils the hidden secrets within materials. It utilizes the power of electric current to visualize the interior of structures, providing valuable insights into their integrity and condition. Unlike other imaging methods, EIT captivates with its cost-effectiveness and practicality, making it an attractive option for monitoring cement-based building materials. However, the quest for accurate image reconstruction from EIT data remains an intricate challenge, hindering its widespread application.

Addressing the Challenges of EIT Reconstruction

The pursuit of accurate EIT reconstruction has ignited a surge of research, leading to the exploration of mathematical and machine learning algorithms. Conventional methods like one-step Gauss-Newton, primal dual interior point method, and iterative Gauss-Newton (IGN) have demonstrated their capabilities, yet they falter in handling complex scenarios. On the other hand, machine learning algorithms, such as one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNN), have shown promise but struggle with unseen data, limiting their practical applicability.

Introducing the Novel Hybrid EIT Approach: AND

To conquer the limitations of existing EIT reconstruction methods, an innovative hybrid approach called AND emerges from the research team led by Associate Professor Takashi Ikuno from Tokyo University of Science (TUS). This groundbreaking method masterfully combines the strengths of IGN and 1D-CNN, harmonizing the advantages of mathematical and machine learning algorithms. The AND method stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, leveraging the unique capabilities of each approach to achieve remarkable accuracy in EIT reconstruction.

Performance Evaluation of AND

The research team embarked on a rigorous evaluation of the AND method’s performance, meticulously analyzing simulation and experimental data obtained from actual cement samples. They pitted its accuracy against that of IGN and 1D-CNN methods, subjecting them to a series of tests to determine their capabilities. The results echoed the promise of the AND method, outshining both IGN and 1D-CNN in reconstructing the position and size of foreign objects embedded within the material.

Enhancing EIT Accuracy through Current Injection Pattern Modification

In their quest for EIT accuracy, the researchers uncovered an additional strategy that held the key to unlocking even greater precision: modifying the current injection pattern. By meticulously altering the spatial distribution of the electric field and ingeniously combining it with other non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, the resolution for detecting the size and position of foreign particles soared to new heights. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for EIT, expanding its potential applications and enhancing its overall effectiveness.

Significance and Applications

The AND method, while not surpassing other NDEs in terms of resolution, distinguishes itself with its compact equipment size and cost-effectiveness. Its arrival heralds a new era of non-destructive foreign object detection, empowering building inspectors and personnel with a simpler, more accessible tool for regular health assessments of structures. The AND method’s simplicity and ease of use pave the way for widespread adoption, ensuring that building health monitoring becomes an integral part of infrastructure maintenance.

The AND method holds immense promise in preventing building collapses, a devastating and often preventable occurrence. Its ability to rapidly screen buildings for structural integrity after an earthquake or explosion makes it an invaluable tool for ensuring public safety. Moreover, its potential applications extend far beyond civil engineering, reaching into mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and other industries where non-destructive evaluation plays a crucial role in ensuring structural integrity and safety.

Conclusion

The development of the AND method marks a transformative leap forward for EIT technology, unlocking new horizons in non-destructive structural health monitoring. Its ability to prevent building collapses and enhance safety across diverse industries positions it as a champion of infrastructure resilience and public safety. As EIT technology continues to evolve, the AND method stands poised to revolutionize the way we monitor and maintain our built environment, ensuring the longevity and safety of our structures for generations to come.

Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0185371

About Tokyo University of Science (TUS)

Tokyo University of Science (TUS) is a beacon of academic excellence, renowned for its unwavering commitment to advancing science and technology. Established in 1881, TUS has carved a legacy of groundbreaking research and innovation, contributing significantly to Japan’s scientific progress. With a resolute mission to harmonize nature, human beings, and society through scientific discovery, TUS fosters an environment where multidisciplinary research flourishes. The university’s dedication to excellence has culminated in the recognition of Nobel Prize laureates among its alumni, solidifying its reputation as a prestigious institution in the realm of natural sciences.

About Associate Professor Takashi Ikuno from Tokyo University of Science

Associate Professor Takashi Ikuno, a luminary in the Department of Applied Electronics at Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, has established himself as a formidable force in the scientific community. His academic journey, marked by a Ph.D. degree from Osaka University, has taken him to the frontiers of research at prestigious institutions, including the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, UC Berkeley, and Toyota Central R&D Labs. His research endeavors revolve around the development of electronic devices that harness the extraordinary properties of nanocarbon and low-dimensional nanomaterials.

Funding Information

The realization of this groundbreaking study was made possible through the generous support of the AGC Foundation, whose unwavering commitment to scientific advancement has played a pivotal role in bringing the AND method to fruition.