We propose to develop a piezoelectric sensors made of carbon nanotube and lead zirconium titanate (PZT) nanopower dispersed in a polymer matrix. These sensors will be flexible and able to be integrated between composite piles as well as adhered to the structure surfaces.

At the present time strain sensors used on structures require external wires to a computer in order to measure strain. Also these strain sensors are quite brittle. Another type of strain sensor is a fiber optic with Fiber Bragg gratings etched into the material. Again, this limits the sensor to initial proof testing of the structural article.