Functional carbon‐based materials for structural health monitoring and protection of concrete structures

Abstract

In the late 1980s, research began on the functionalization of concrete in the context of self‐monitoring. For this purpose, conductive functional fillers placed in a cement matrix were used. The aim of this article is to present an overview of historical solutions, and the latest trends related to the use of conductive materials, ranging from the detection of structural failures to continuous monitoring of deformations. The article presents a critical review of self‐monitoring methods being developed, including concrete with carbon fibers and nanofibers or conductive carbon nanomaterials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene‐family materials and nanocarbon black), cementitious, polymeric, and AAM (Alkali Activated Materials) repair materials with crack detection features, FRP‐based smart‐strengthening solutions, and monitoring reinforcement rebars. Measurement methods and their development toward in situ applications are also discussed. The paper highlights the major challenges within the field as well as future development paths for the use of multifunctional concrete composites in civil engineering. In particular, the article indicates directions for further research on biomimetic solutions, including those in the areas of monitoring of other non‐mechanical parameters, using functional materials for electrochemical protection of structures, wireless communication, integration with the BIM environment, energy harvesting, actuation, and others.