Multifunctional Cement-Based Sensors for Intelligent Infrastructure

Book excerpt: Multifunctional Cement-Based Sensors for Intelligent Infrastructure: Design, Fabrication and Application covers the development and use of cement-based sensors for monitoring structural health, durability, and environmental conditions in concrete infrastructure. Monitoring the performance and condition of bridges, buildings, and roads improves safety and longevity while preventing failures and reducing maintenance costs. Cement-based sensors offer low cost, ease of installation, and compatibility with existing building materials, and can also provide real-time monitoring data to detect and diagnose potential issues before they become major problems. This book sets out the principles of the sensing mechanisms, fabrication techniques, and performance evaluation along with several case studies. It also provides a glimpse into a future where concrete structures will not only stand as pillars of strength but also become an indispensable part of smart cities as the core of automation. The book suits researchers, engineers, and practitioners involved in design, construction, and maintenance of concrete buildings and infrastructure. Wengui Li is a Scientia Associate Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the group leader of Intelligent Concrete and Infrastructure Materials in the Centre for Infrastructure Engineering and Safety (CIES) at The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney), Australia. He is the recipient of Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellow and ARC DECRA Fellow. Wenkui Dong earned his PhD from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. Currently, he works as Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Construction Materials at Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. Surendra P. Shah is a Presidential Distinguished Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, Walter P. Murphy Professor (emeritus) at Northwestern University, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, USA.