Intelligent materials for intelligent structures

A significant amount of development work has been performed on materials with embedded sensory capabilities for civil structures. An excellent candidate is reinforced concrete, a ubiquitous composite construction material. Results from laboratory and field studies concerning the use of fiber-optic sensors embedded in concrete are discussed. The embedded fiber optics can be used in information networks in buildings to carry data on wind loading and structural damage, as well as telecommunications, security, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) data.<
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