Title: Advancements in Smart Materials and Structures for Structural Health Monitoring in Civil Engineering

Organisors: Yiska Goldfeld (Technion – Israel Institute of Technology), Filippo Ubertini (Universita degli di Perugia)

The new era of civil structural and infrastructural systems is set to revolutionize the construction industry by combining cutting-edge high-performance materials and smart structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. This novel approach involves a paradigm shift from separate systems to a single, multifunctional physical element, seamlessly integrating the structural system, functional components, and health monitoring capabilities. In this context, self-sensory capability is an integral feature, directly linked to physical mechanisms, enabling a comprehensive understanding of various damage categories such as dislocations, phase transformations, plasticity, hardening, softening, humidity, leakage, carbonization, corrosion, and more.
The adoption of this innovative approach demands the development of a new class of materials and structures that are not only more efficient but also possess intelligent features. Advanced processes and technologies are key to achieving this goal, facilitating the creation of structures capable of detecting and responding to changes in their environment in real-time. By unifying material properties, structural integrity, and SHM, this next generation of civil engineering solutions promises enhanced safety, durability, and sustainability.
The objective of the special session is to bring together leading researchers actively involved in advancing smart and multifunctional materials and devices for SHM in civil engineering constructions. Contributions are welcome across various domains, including experimental and theoretical research, computational analysis, practical applications, and novel innovations in civil engineering.
Researchers are specifically encouraged to explore innovative approaches for developing smart self-monitoring civil structural elements, closely integrated with state-of-the-art constructive materials and technologies. Some of the key areas of interest include:

• Smart Sensors and Actuators: Proposals that revolve around the design and development of advanced sensors and actuators capable of precise and real-time data acquisition, enabling comprehensive structural health monitoring.
• Self-Sensing Structural Materials: Research focused on the creation of intelligent construction materials equipped with inherent self-sensing capabilities, suitable for both new constructions and retrofitting existing infrastructure.
• 3D Printing of Multifunctional Components: Exploration of 3D printing techniques to produce multifunctional structural elements that integrate multiple features, including strength, monitoring capability, and other functionalities.
• Innovative Coating Processes: Advancements in coating technologies to enhance material performance, protection, and self-monitoring features, ensuring the longevity of structures in various environments.