Smart concretes and structures: A review

Abstract

Smart concretes and structures are intelligent systems that have properties different from normal concrete, such as self-sensing and self-healing properties, or have the ability to react upon an external stimulus, such as stress and temperature. The “smartness” of concrete and structures is achieved through material composition design, special processing, introduction of other functional components, or modification of the microstructure. They are designed to meet specific requirements through tailored properties for improving serviceability, safety, reliability, longevity, and durability of the infrastructures and reducing the life-cycle costs of the infrastructures. This article reviews the recent researches of various smart concretes and structures, with attentions to their principles, fabrication, and properties. Future challenges in the development and applications of smart concretes and structures are also discussed.