Smart and Intelligent Construction Materials and Their Applications in Civil Engineering: An Overview

Abstract

The increasing demand for innovation, sustainability, and enhanced performance in modern infrastructure has accelerated the advancement of smart and intelligent construction materials capable of sensing, responding, and adapting to various environmental and mechanical stimuli. The limited availability of conventional construction resources has further driven engineers and researchers to investigate advanced material alternatives that offer improved durability, safety, and energy efficiency. These materials incorporate integrated sensors, actuators, and fiber-optic systems, enabling structures to autonomously monitor their condition and respond dynamically to external influences. Possessing distinctive characteristics such as self-healing ability, shape memory, self-sensing capability, and super elasticity, smart and intelligent materials are increasingly utilized in civil engineering applications as well as in interdisciplinary fields such as aerospace, healthcare, energy, and environmental systems. Their implementation in bridges, high-rise buildings, tunnels, and transportation infrastructure enhances structural integrity, extends service life, and minimizes maintenance requirements, all while promoting sustainable construction practices. This paper provides an overview of the technological principles, material classifications, and engineering applications of smart and intelligent construction materials, highlighting their transformative potential in developing adaptive, self-sustaining, and resilient infrastructure aligned with the emerging concept of smart cities.