Mechanoluminescence: a novel method for identification of crack initiation in concrete structures

The paper reports phenomenon of mechanoluminescence (ML) in concrete crystal which is synthesized by conventional method. The mechanoluminescence induced by impulsive excitation of concrete crystal plays a significance role in the understanding of cracks formation and it is applicable as crack sensor, fracture sensor or damage sensor. It is also applicable for ML induced by deformation of crystal in certain ways. It is useful for civil engineering application with different impulsive velocity.