Smart High-Performance Materials for the Multi-Hazard Protection of Civil Infrastructure

High-performance materials can be utilized to provide infrastructure protection against multiple threats and to simultaneously satisfy the needs of fields that are typically considered independently. For example, the reinforcement of an existing or newly built masonry structure with sensor-embedded textiles and nanoparticle-based mortars provides increased strength and ductility against earthquake, improved fragmentation/ballistic properties against blast, and in-service data to conduct structural health monitoring, life-cycle management performance prediction, and incident emergency assessment for first responders. Viewed independently, any such benefit/action may not be considered cost effective. However, viewed in a multi-hazard perspective, such actions are potentially synergistic and cost saving. This paper describes ongoing industrial research at D'Appolonia toward the realization of smart high-performance materials with embedded informatics capabilities. Key technological barriers to be solved are rugged sensors and sensing systems that can survive extreme conditions as well as the probabilistic methods necessary to characterize the utility of such products in monetary terms. Progress in these activities through ongoing research projects is detailed.