APPLICATION OF SMART MATERIALS IN CIVIL

ENGINEERING
 ABSTRACT
Smart materials have played significant contribution towards the development of
buildings. There are various smart materials which can change their properties and behavior
under the influence of external catalyst or stimulus. Such materials are changing the face of
traditional engineering materials. Smart materials can be utilized individually as well as it
can be combined with existing materials to enhance their desirable properties. The general
classification of smart materials is illustrated in this review seminar. The seminar intends to
identify the various type of available smart materials and also illustrated the application of
such materials in the various fields of civil engineering.
 INTRODUCTION

Smart materials are described as materials that can achieve a controlled, predictable,
variation in one or more of their properties as a direct response to an external stimulus and a
change in their environment. The external changes can be fluctuations in temperature, light,
pressure, magnetic or electrical fields, surrounding moisture, or chemicals. Not all smart
materials are the same. Some can change their properties due to more than one of the external
stimuli at the same time, and some materials offer greater adaptability due to certain external
changes than others. However, a common theme is that the changes are reversible, which make
these kinds of materials particularly useful.
Given their ability to adapt their properties, smart materials have a wide range of
applications not only in technology, manufacturing, science, and medicine, but more
specifically, in civil engineering. Whether they are incorporated as part of concrete, plastic,
glass or alloys, these materials can be used to create efficiencies in the construction process,
increase the lifetime of buildings or structures and enhance their performance over time.
 SMART CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

From the perspective of combating climate change, there is a focus on how buildings
and structures (and construction more broadly) impacts sustainability and our environment.
This isn’t just about how much carbon dioxide is emitted during the construction process, but
how energy efficient a building or structure really is during its lifetime. Materials play a large
role in how a building or structure is built, how it performs and how energy efficient it is; and
the smarter the material the bigger the positive impact on those metrics.
Natural and man-made materials used during the traditional construction process
(concrete, wood, glass ) can be enhanced, made smarter and more responsive to external
changes, so that they can contribute to a more sustainable structure. There are huge benefits in
refining efficiencies, improving performances, saving resources and long-term maintenance
when smart materials are used.
 CLASSIFICATION OF SMART MATERIALS
There are several technologies behind new smart construction materials. Innovation,
research, and development in materials engineering are bringing to market new products that
are changing the different components within buildings and other engineering infrastructure
projects. Here are five materials that affect the industry.
• Shape Memory Alloys:

As the name suggests these materials can change or deform their shape (when stress is
applied) and then return to their original shape (when heat is applied). The super elasticity
properties can be particularly useful to improve the structural behaviour of bridges and
buildings after an impactful event like an earthquake.

• Piezoelectric Materials:

These can generate electrical energy across their surfaces as a response to

mechanical stress. The process is reversible, meaning that they can generate stress or a
mechanical response when an electric charge is applied through it and this reversibility makes
them very applicable in sensors, energy harvesting and actuators within various building systems.

• Electrochromic Materials

They have the ability to alter colour and transparency when an electric voltage
is applied to it through a process called electrochromic. As well as being reversible, the
changes can be instantaneous, making them a core component of smart glass in windows
and building envelopes.

• Electrorheological fluids

They are the colloidal suspensions that undergo changes in viscosity when
subjected to an electric field. Such fluids are highly sensitive and respond instantaneously to
any change in the applied electric field. Find their application in shock absorbers.
 • Magnet obstructive Materials

These materials undergo mechanical deformation in proportional to the square of the electric
field, which refers to the material quality of changing size in response to either an electric or
magnetic field, and conversely, producing a voltage when stretched. These materials show
promise in applications ranging from pumps and valves, to aerospace wind tunnel.

• Sensors and Actuators

Sensors and actuators are intelligent elements, which Adjust themselves with environmental
changes on account of Any sort of interaction. Unlike transducer which transforms One form of
input (energy) into another form, sensors and Actuators have mimicked nature to a large extent.
With Emerging new technology, visual/optical, acoustic/ultrasonic, Electrical, chemical and
thermal/magnetic sensors have been Developed for use in various industrial applications. The
 Response from these primary sensors is converted to electrical Signals through central processing
unit for making Appropriate decision based on these inputs. The above Phenomenon can also be
performed manually by an operator Who has gained experience and understanding of knowledg Of
smart technology. However, in such a case, a pertinent Information is require to aid the operator in
making a more Judicious decision. Therefore, to avoid any uncertainty, a Smart machine capable
of making sound judgment has to be Developed such as sensors and actuators. A simplified block
Diagram of sensors and actuators is shown in Fig.

There has been a very competitive struggle between Electronics and Optics technologies for
development of Sensor and actuator systems. However, Optics technology has Turned out to be
more competitive in developing more Efficient sensors compared to electrical sensors. Optics
Sensors are more advanced and efficient and are fire hazard Free products. However, electrical
sensors have an upper Edge as being available at lower costs and available in Abundance
compared to optic sensors. Another prominent Feature of optical fibers is that these are more
recently Developed with high sensing capabilities and dominated in The communications industry,
whereas, electrical sensors are Dominated in the processing and actuating technologies. Thus,
This competition has a lot to offer in development of novel Sensor-processor – actuator systems.
When a structure at its Reference state is subjected to application of loads, it
Transforms into another stable state. The difference noticed in Configuration between these two
states is called the response Of the smart of intelligent structure. The quantities measuring
These differences are called response quantities corresponding To the excitation. The devices that
make the measurement are Known as Sensors. Fiber Optic sensors and piezoelectric
Materials [12] are two of the primary smart products being Tried by researchers for in the various
industrial applications. The fiber optic sensors can be categorized as:

a) Global Sensor
Global Sensor, which comprises of Optimal Time Domain Reflectometry and Fiber Optic Polari
metric Sensors, monitor The overall health status of the structural component against Global
warning system.
b) Discrete Sensor
Discrete Sensors, which comprises of Extrinsic Ferryperson
• Rheological Materials
Rheological materials are smart materials, which Comprises of not only solids but also fluids and
find their Application in shock absorbers, dampers for vehicle seats and Exercise equipment, and
optical finishing.

• Smart Gels
Smart gels have high ability of absorbing or releasing Fluids and possess inherent properties of
swelling and Shirking under the influence any chemical or physical stimuli. The potential
engineering application of smart gels include in Agriculture, food, drug delivery, prostheses,
cosmetics, and Chemical processing.

• Ken Materials
Though, Mechatronic smart have been used in many Interdisciplinary fields of
engineering, yet these created many Issues of complexity of the end products. To
overcome these Complexities, alternative smart devices known as ken Materials have
been developed. These materials find their Potential applications in concrete technology
to monitor Concrete structures, thereby minimizing the complexity of the Mechatronic
system

• Materials with Added Functions

Smart materials with added functions can be incorporated Into structural system
components as embedded sensors and Actuation elements, which are capable of
modifying structural Behavior in response to external stimuli. The most potential Smart
materials that have been examined in recent years are Thermoresponsive materials,
piezoelectric materials, Electrorheological fluids and more recently, magnetorheological
Fluids.
 Applications of Smart Materials

• Smart Materials are used in constructing smart structures and which are capable of
sensing minute structural cracks and flaws.
• Smart Materials can be used for electromagnetic shielding and for enhancing electrical
conductivity.
• Smart Materials plays a vital role in the construction of road pavements as a
trafficsensing recorder, and also melts ice on highway and airfields during snowfall in
the winter season bypassing the low voltage current through it.
• Smart Materials are used in the designs of Smart buildings. They are used for vibration
control, noise mitigation, safety and performance.
• Smart Materials are used in smart buildings for environmental control, structural health
monitoring.
• Smart Materials are used to transform efficiency, comfort and safety for people and
assets in smart buildings.
• Smart materials also reduce the effects of earthquakes.
• Smart Materials are used in marine and rail transport applications for strain monitoring
using embedded fibre optic sensors.
• Smart Materials have used for the construction of Smart bridges especially cable-stayed
bridges with a wider span to avoid the increases susceptibility to vibrations which are
caused by wind, rain or traffic. These structures require less maintenance and the
response of a structure can be monitored conveniently.
• Smart Materials are also used to monitor the civil engineering structures to evaluate
their durability.
• Smart Materials are used to monitor the integrity of bridges, dams, where the fibreoptic
sensors are embedded in the structures, are utilized to identify the trouble areas.

• Smart Materials can be used to rehabilitate the cracking and flaws of concrete when
super elasticity smart material is used as the reinforcement bar.
 EXAMPLES OF END -USER APPLICATION

• Smart Concrete: Self-sensing and self-healing

After water, concrete is the most widely used product in construction. Whilst its use has
brought about great benefits to structures and buildings world-wide, it’s production accounts
for almost 8% of CO2 emissions. Therefore, anything that can help slow down its usage and
increase its time in-situ can only be good for the environment.
Cracks and changes in stress within set concrete can and do occur, and over the
long term can allow water, chemicals, or other external substances to get inside or bring
about other impairments. Undetected or unrectified, this can damage the concrete and
the structure itself, making it weaker and increasing the need for maintenance or
replacement – increasing the cost and reducing the life-span as a consequence. Smart
concrete is an overarching term covering concrete products that have a specific ability;
among the most common are self-sensing and self-healing. They can be used to monitor
the health of a structure, make changes to the concrete’s composition and take action to
rectify the issue.

• Smart Windows: Switchable, Unbreakable and Warming

Glass is another material that has undergone some major improvements recently which
will highly impact its usage and reliability in the long run. For centuries, glass has been
used to make windows which allow light and heat into buildings, reduce sound entering
or exiting, and provide an overall aesthetically pleasing look. Whilst the shape and
architecture of the window itself may have changed over the centuries, the glass
component has largely been unchanged until recent technological advances.
One such technology is electrochromic which enables windows to change how much
light passes (automatically or manually) through glass by changing the voltage running
over it. This switch from transparent to opaque also means that energy usage can be
optimised during the day and controlled during the seasons. These smart windows are
made up of several layers including an electrochromic layer, ion conductor and ion
storage layers, and two thin electrical contacts (electrodes) with a separator in the
middle. When a small voltage is applied to the electrodes, the ions move from one
electrode, through the separator to the other electrode. This makes the glass opaque until
the voltage is reversed (so the ion goes back to the original electrode) and the glass turns
transparent again. This ability clearly has a lot of applications where the need to change
daylight (and heat) entering the building is important – schools, hospitals, and offices
for example. The control it brings with it could potentially reduce lighting, heating and
cooling costs of running these buildings.
Structural glass is another component of a home or office which has changed how
the building is occupied, what energy usage it has and how aesthetically pleasing it is.
While traditionally, glass panes were incorporated within (load-bearing) steel or timber
window frames, their use in modern construction could involve a large piece of glass
that is frameless and forms part of the load-bearing element of the structure; a wall,
floor, column or roof.
The structural glass itself is much thicker and stronger compared to normal framed
window glass, and is made using toughened or laminated glass. With no need for
framing, the flexibility that structural glass provides engineers designing residential and
commercial offices offers an opportunity to innovate with the structure itself, and its
use. Combining structural glass with thermal heating glass and energy saving low-e
glass coating also mean that, although sunlight can pour into the building from all
angles, it doesn’t become a greenhouse. Modern innovations in glass technology mean
that it has become more than an element of a framed window. It can provide changes to
the structural make-up of a building and the energy levels used within – making glass a
much more versatile smart material.
 SMART CONSTRUCTION IN CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATION

Generally, any conventional structural system is designed Under pre-selected design

loads and forces for any required Purpose, which can not successfully develop its ability
Against unexpected loads and forces unless a large safety Factor is provided for safety limit
states to take into account Various uncertainties in load and force amplitudes and Structural
response to seismic design. Therefore, for more Safety purposes, smart structures play a vital
role as far as the Safety requirements are concerned in the design of various Civil engineering
infrastructures. For example, smart devices Help in monitoring of the current and long term
behaviour of Any civil engineering structure, which would lead to Enhanced safety during
its life. Thus, this would influence the Life costs of such structures by reducing upfront
construction Costs due to reduced safety factors in initial design and by Extending the safe
life of the structure by using smart materials.
• Smart concrete

Smart concrete technology offers an alternative method for monitoring the health of
reinforced concrete structures. It was developed Dr. Deborah D.L. Chung from State
University of New York at Buffalo, U.S. The unique benefit of smart concrete is that it is
fortified by carbon fibre, which comprises as much as 0.2% to 0.5% of the volume. This can
detect stress or strain in concrete structures before they fail. Smart concrete technology has
undergone extensive laboratory testing, but is yet to hit the market. It works by adding a small
quantity of short carbon fibre to concrete with a conventional concrete mixer to modify the
electrical resistance of the concrete in response to strain or stress. As a result, the contact
between the fibre and cement matrix is impacted when the concrete is deformed or stressed,
thereby affecting the volume electrical resistivity of the concrete. The strain is then determined
by measuring the degree of electrical resistance. Smart concrete is capable of sensing very
small structural flaws and hence finds application in checking the internal condition of
structures, particularly after an earthquake.

One factor that may contribute to the global smart concrete market is the widespread use
of concrete as a composite material and its inability to withstand tension. This necessitates
monitoring for cracks to allow timely repair. Other methods to evaluate cracks are by attaching
or embedding sensors into structures. Sensors, however, cost more to install. Smart concrete
is relatively cheaper.
 The growth in the smart buildings market is likely to encourage the quick uptake of smart
concrete. This is because in addition to their basic functionality of detecting minor cracks,
smart concrete also helps to arrest the progress of cracks, reinforcing them to make them
stronger. Further, it takes a lot of force for smart concrete to bend, and it is able to accept more
energy before fracture.Smart concrete can also find application in building highways able to
detect the position, weight, and speed of vehicles.

• Smart buildings
A smart building is an intelligent space that will transform Efficiency, comfort, and
safety for people and assets. Smart Buildings are those that incorporate sensors and
intelligent Systems to control building operations and facilities. Smart Building
integration is illustrated in Smart Buildings With intelligent solutions enable the
highperformance Workplace e- business strategies. Therefore, a smart building
Requires sensors to detect and monitor the number, presence And flow of people for a
number of different requirements. Smart buildings contain a high level of electronic
Microprocessor based control systems that operate a wide Range of services such as
lighting, heat, ventilating and air Conditioning, power, vertical transportation, fire and
life Safety, and security. In recognition of the electronic aspects Of an intelligent
building, we can divide the operation into Four categories:

a) Energy efficiency
b) Life safety systems
c) Telecommunications systems
d) Workplace automation
 CONCEPT OF SMART BRIDGES

The two-way memory effects of SMA can be used to make SMA actuators that can rise
and fall to adjust their heights. The SMA can also be used to manufacture smart strands.
After mechanically deforming the strands and embedding them in concrete, the
prestressing and self- repair effects can be activated as needed during the life of the
structure. The smart strands are actually actuators that can be activated by external
heating or internal stress changes. The applications of the smart bearings and smart
strands can be used to develop a smart bridge as shown in figure . The smart bearings
will adjust their heights through the shape memory effect of the SMA.
This height adjustment will correct the unevenness problem as well as the internal
forces induced from differential settlements, time-dependent deformations (creep and
shrinkage of concrete, relaxation of prestressing steel), and temperature changes as
discussed earlier. When needed, the priestess forces can also be adjusted to deal with
cracking issues in both positive and negative moment zones.
With the combined application of the smart bearings and smart strands, the bridge can
adjust its internal force distribution and mobilize each element to adapt itself to different
environmental loads like those induced by differential settlement, time- dependent
effects, temperature effects, and over-weight trucks.
 CASE STUDY

The Internet of Things isn’t only making our devices smarter and more connected—it’s also
making buildings more intelligent.
Smart building s (also known as intelligent buildings) use IoT sensors and building
automation to control everything from lighting and energy usage to user-centric functions,
such as wayfinding and conference room scheduling.
Sensor technology controls everything from the lighting and energy usage of physical spaces
to user-centric functions, such as wayfinding and conference room scheduling. Many offices
have some level of building intelligence, but these five intelligent building examples are a
source of inspiration for any workplace leader

• Capital Tower, Singapore

This 52-story office building won the Green Mark Platinum Award for its construction and design,
along with its energy and water efficiency.

The Capital Tower is an intelligent building with energy efficiency systems built in, including an
energy recovery wheel system in its air-conditioning unit, which allows cool air to be recovered to
maintain the chillers’ efficiency. Motion detectors installed at the lift lobby and toilets conserve
energy, while double-glazed glass windows reduce heat penetration and minimize energy
consumption.

To reduce water usage, the building uses condensation from the air handling unit. Devices monitor
carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, ensuring optimal air quality throughout the building.

The 68,000 square-foot building also features a number of amenities, including a sky lobby with a
panoramic view of the Singapore skyline, a fitness center, pool, childcare and dining options.

• Hindmarsh Shire Council Corporate Centre, Australia

In designing the Hindmarsh Shire Council offices, Melbourne-based architect firm k20
Architecture wanted to improve energy efficiency while also enhancing the office environment for
employees. This intelligent building is located in an area that’s exposed to extreme temperature
conditions, and the architects wanted to use this to their advantage. They built a series of
underground thermal chambers and a ventilation system under the floor to draw in fresh air from
the exterior.

The earth naturally cools or warms the air, then redistributes it back through the building. LED
lighting systems reduce energy consumption and maintenance, while rooftop solar panels harvest
energy from the sun. Cross-flow ventilation and zoned motion-detecting lighting also improves
energy efficiency, while vertical green walls enhance indoor air quality.
 • Duke Energy Center, Charlotte, NC

This 51-floor skyscraper (with 48 occupied stories) is owned by Wells Fargo and home to
Duke Energy. It boasts the highest green certification, LEED Platinum. The building is able
to reuse approximately 10 million gallons of harvested water each year—including
groundwater, rainwater and HVAC condensation—which meets roughly 80 percent of the
cooling tower’s water needs and 100 percent of the building’s irrigation needs.
There’s a landscaped roof garden, which reduces storm water run-off and uses the plants to
capture excess heat. Daylight harvesting blinds move with the angle of the sun to reflect
light deeper into the interior, providing more natural light. The building’s exterior was
designed to look like a cut crystal and includes more than 45,000 LED lights that illuminate
the building at night, displaying a light show at the top of every hour.
Wells Fargo lights the Duke Energy Canter in various colours to support events focused on
Charlotte, including local nonprofit organizations, as well as various causes that connect
directly with the local community.

• The Crystal, London

Designed by Siemens, The Crystal in London is one of the world’s most sustainable buildings.
The building is 100 percent electric, and solar roof panels generate about 20 percent of its
power. It also monitors its energy usage extensively, and as a result, its carbon emissions
are about 70 percent lower than comparable office buildings in the UK.
Inside, a wall of green plants welcome guests. The building recycles much of its water and
uses solar energy to heat its hot water. A building energy management system controls all
 electrical and mechanical systems in the building, including its heating, cooling and
ventilation systems, lighting, and solar thermal hot water system.

• Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Dubai is a world leader in the intelligent building movement. The country

has a smart building score of 65 out of 100 from Honeywell—a score that
evaluates building sustainability, safety and productivity.

The Burj Khalifa already had the impressive distinction of being the world’s tallest
building, standing 2,716 feet tall with 160 stories. (To put it into perspective, that’s more
than twice as tall as the Empire State Building!) And it has always been on the edge of
innovation.
But with the help of Honeywell, it’s now one of the smartest and most sustainable
buildings. Honeywell worked with building managers to implementing several intelligent
building projects in its marquee venue, which improved air quality, lighting and
temperature for its residents. The intelligent building automation system relays real-time
information to Honeywell’s IoT platform, which uses smart algorithms to identify
anomalies and
maintenance issues. Facility managers can use this information to improve building
maintenance and asset reliability
 The future of smart materials in construction

As we have seen, there is now a range of new materials being used in construction
which were not viable even 10 years ago. Looking 10 years hence, engineers will have to
respond to the growing need to have materials which can be used to reduce energy waste,
be produced economically and have high global applications in buildings and other
structures. Greater innovations in nanotechnology, graphene and bioplastics, to name but a
few, will bring about new products which will enable civil engineering projects to be built
more efficiently, maintained cost-effectively and become more sustainable in the long run.
 Conclusions
Based on the brief review of this seminar, it is concluded that:
1. Smart materials are not only useful but also cost Effective as compared to conventional
materials for both New and existing constructions.
2. The potential future benefits of smart materials, Structures and systems would prove
amazing in theirs cope.
3. Smart technology and smart materials gives promise of Optimum responses to highly
complex problems.
4. Smart materials provide enhanced preventative Maintenance of systems and thus better
performance of Their functions.
5. The smart structure techniques in conjunction with use Of smart materials
revolutionize in monitoring the safety And serviceability of engineering structure,
structural Health monitoring of vital civil engineering structures Like bridges,
buildings, pavements etc. Thus, understanding the behavior of any smart material is
The ultimate objective of research in the field smart technology.
 o REFERENCE

• International Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Science

• http: // civil wall. Come
• http: // nee engineer.com
• http: // www.designing building co.uk