Recent advances in embedded technologies and self-sensing concrete for structural health monitoring

Fully embedded and spatially diffuse sensors are central to the advancement of civil and construction engineering. Indeed, they serve as an enabling technology necessary for addressing the current challenges associated with through-life management and structural health monitoring of existing structures and infrastructures. The need to identify structural issues early on has driven the integration of such embedded sensing capabilities into construction materials, turning passive structures into proactive, self-aware “entities,” commonly referred to as Smart Structures. The economic rationale behind this endeavor is underscored by the vital significance of continuous monitoring, which enables prompt anomaly assessment and thus mitigates the risks of potential structural failures. This is particularly relevant for road and rail infrastructures, as they represent a substantial and enduring investment for any nation. Given that a large majority of these large infrastructures are composed of concrete and reinforced concrete, both academics and construction companies are continuously researching micro- and nano-engineered self-sensing solutions specifically tailored for this building material. This comprehensive review paper reports the latest advances in the field of self-sensing concrete as of 2024, with an emphasis on intrinsic self-sensing concrete, that is, electrically conductive functional fillers. A critical analysis and a discussion of the findings are provided. Based on the perceived existing gaps and demands from the industry, the field's future perspectives are also briefly outlined.