ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 8

Piezo Film Technology and Applications in Geotechnical Testing

Santamarina, JC
Assistant professor, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY

Wakim, TN
CE graduate student, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY

Tallin, AG
Research engineer, DnV Industrial Services, Houston, TX

Rab, F
EE undergraduate student, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY

Wong, J
EE undergraduate student, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY

Abstract

Piezo films are thin, piezoelectric membranes that can be used both as source or as receiver. They may be adapted to a variety of in situ and laboratory geotechnical testing needs. This paper summarizes fundamental concepts in piezo film technology and the physical properties of this material. The principles behind common utilizations are reviewed, and three geotechnical applications are described: a low-cost field sensor and modified triaxial and oedometer cells to measure low-strain moduli in resonant and pulse mode.

Keywords:
piezoelectric effects, piezofilm, resonance, wave velocity, geophysical, laboratory testing, field testing

Paper ID: GTJ10204J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10204J
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