Engineering Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure Through Advanced Materials and Digital Transformation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61424/ddyj0392Keywords:
Resilient infrastructure, sustainable construction, advanced materials, self-healing concrete, digital twinAbstract
Climate change, the aging of infrastructure, high urbanization and ever-rising demands for resources are presenting new challenges to infrastructure systems. These pressures can be difficult to meet with traditional engineering methods without compromising long-term structural performance and environmental sustainability. This study explores the opportunities to enhance infrastructure resilience and life cycle efficiency and durability using advanced materials and digital transformation. High performance concrete, low carbon binders, self-healing materials, fibre reinforced polymers, recycled and bio based construction materials have been given special emphasis. Additionally, structural health monitoring, building information modelling (BIM), digital twins, artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive maintenance are explored. The use of advanced materials can enhance mechanical characteristics, reduce degradation, extend service life and minimize resources. In the meantime, the sensor-based monitoring and AI-based analytics allow for early damage detection, condition assessment and better maintenance planning. BIM and DTs support information integration, simulation of performance and decision making throughout the development and operation of infrastructure. These can be combined to assist adaptation to climate change, minimise unnecessary repairs, enhance operational resilience and boost resource efficiency. But all this is restricted by expensive initial investment, lack of interoperability, inconsistencies in the data quality, technical skill shortage and a lack of long term field validations. Other environmental benefits are also related to the material composition, manufacturing, transportation, maintenance, and end of life management. As a result, the use of Life Cycle Assessment, standardised evaluation procedures, reliable digital infrastructure and context-specific engineering strategies are essential to the successful implementation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mark Meller, Daniel Graham Watkins (Author)
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