Smart and Multifunctional Concrete Toward Sustainable Infrastructures

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. General Introduction of Smart and Multifunctional Concrete

Abstract

Smart and multifunctional concrete refers to the structural material accompanied with one or more types of intelligent or functional behaviors. Its “smartness and function” properties are achieved mainly through composition design, special processing, introduction of other functional components, or modification of microstructure of conventional concrete, thus leading to the concrete possessing bionic features. Smart and multifunctional concrete is a very broad category of materials. More than 20 types of smart and multifunctional concrete have been developed in the recent 30 years, and more new types of smart and multifunctional concrete are still emerging one after another. As a dissipative structure system, smart and multifunctional concrete can maintain energy quality to protect entropy increment, thus matching sustainable development trend of materials and infrastructures.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 2. Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete is the highly flowable, non-segregating concrete that can spread into place, fill formwork, and encapsulate even the most congested reinforcement by means of its own weight, with little or no vibration. It delivers these attractive benefits while maintaining or enhancing all of customary mechanical and durability characteristics of concrete. Adjustments to traditional mix designs and the use of superplasticizers create this concrete that can meet flow performance requirements. The self-compacting concrete is ideal to be used for casting heavily reinforced sections or be placed where there can be no access to vibrators for compaction and in complex shapes of formwork which may otherwise be impossible to cast, giving a far superior surface to conventional concrete.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 3. Self-Expanding Concrete

Abstract

Self-expanding concrete contains a constituent, which actively causes volumetrical enlargement of concrete during its process of hydrating, setting, and hardening. Self-expanding can compensate inherent shrinkage of Portland cement concrete and prevent cracks. It can also build up chemical prestress in concrete members/structures. The self-expanding concrete is fabricated with such expansive cements/agents as calcium sulfoaluminate (ettringite) series, lime series, and magnesia series. It has been wildly applied in even all the infrastructures with the purposes of shrinkage compensating and chemical prestressing to achieve crack preventing, water proofing, joint caulking, and self-stressing.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 4. Self-Curing Concrete

Abstract

Self-curing concrete is achieved by means of replacing a part of aggregate by lightweight aggregate or adding chemical admixtures. The self-curing process of concrete takes place from inside to outside, thus reducing the autogenous shrinkage and self-desiccation, especially for the high-performance concrete with relatively low water/binder ratio. The durability and the workability of self-curing concrete are improved, compared with conventional air-cured concrete, while the mechanical properties may be either enhanced or compromised due to the dual function of self-curing agent. Self-curing concrete has been widely applied in actual practice, mostly bridge decks and pavements.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 5. Self-Shaping Concrete

Abstract

Self-shaping concrete is deposited layer by layer through an extrusion nozzle along the predetermined path without any formwork or vibration. The choice of raw material and mix proportion design of self-shaping concrete is significant to guarantee the workability. The mechanical properties of self-shaping concrete exhibit apparently orthotropic behavior and are easily affected by the printing operation. Self-shaping concrete has a promising future of providing economically feasible method for affordable housing construction in low-income countries, designing multifunctional structures with complex geometry, and building extraterrestrial settlement infrastructures in vacuum condition.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 6. Self-Sensing Concrete

Abstract

Self-sensing concrete has the capability to sense the conditions inside it and environmental change including stress (or force), strain (or deformation), crack, damage, temperature, and humidity through incorporating functional fillers or sensing component. It can be classified into intrinsic self-sensing concrete and non-intrinsic self-sensing concrete. The physical parameters of self-sensing concrete will change as it is subjected to external force, deformation, or environmental action, thus presenting sensing capability. The self-sensing concrete has great potential in the fields of structural health monitoring, traffic detection, and border/military security.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 7. Self-Healing Concrete

Abstract

Self-healing concrete can timely heal the cracks in itself through autogenous or autonomous approaches, which can increase the durability and regain strength of concrete. The autogenous self-healing is due to further hydration of cement/other binder and carbonation of calcium hydroxide. The autonomous self-healing is realized by using such special techniques as the capsule method, the vascular method, the electrodeposition method, the bacterial method, the shape memory alloy method, and the induction energy/microwave method. The self-healing of cracks in concrete is beneficial for low maintenance cost and long service life of infrastructures.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 8. Self-Adjusting Concrete

Abstract

Self-adjusting concrete has the capability to adjust its internal structures (e.g., pore structures) and performances (e.g., heat capacity, moisture content, and hydration process) under external actions. It mainly includes moisture self-adjusting concrete, thermal parameter self-adjusting concrete, and hydration heat self-adjusting concrete. Self-adjusting concrete not only has the ability to improve the comfort of habitation, but also features the ability to avoid the temperature cracks induced by the cement hydration heat and the concrete spalling caused by high temperature.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 9. Damping Concrete

Abstract

Damping concrete has the ability to change vibration energy into other forms of energy. The damping property of the concrete can be improved through introducing effective admixtures into conventional concrete, such as polymer, fibers, silica fume, graphite, emulsified asphalt, and graphene. Use of damping concrete is valuable for infrastructures because it can mitigate hazards (whether due to accidental loading, wind, ocean waves, or earthquakes), increases comfort of the people who use the infrastructures, and enhances reliability and performance of the infrastructures.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 10. Anti-Spalling Concrete

Abstract

Anti-spalling concrete is usually composed of concrete matrix and fibers and/or air entraining agent. The polypropylene fiber is the most effective filler to fabricate anti-spalling concrete. The microchannels formed by melted polypropylene fibers supply evacuation exits for gases and water vapor, decreasing the pore pressure and temperature stress in concrete. If the air entraining agent is used, a more permeable network can be formed in concrete at high temperature because of the entrained air voids. The anti-spalling concrete endows high fire resistance with infrastructures under complex environment, thus decreasing the building crumble accident rate and the corresponding economic loss and casualties.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 11. Wear-Resisting Concrete

Abstract

Wear resistance of concrete refers to its capability of resisting the actions of abrasion, erosion, or cavitation. Wear-resisting concrete can be achieved by incorporating (mineral) admixture, latex, microfiber or nanomaterials into conventional concrete. The incorporated materials can improve the microstructure of concrete, restrict the form of cracks and the development of microcracks, and increase the toughness of concrete. Owing to the high durability and long-term economic value, the wear-resisting concrete possesses great application potential in pavement, highway, airport runaway, hydraulic dams, and subsea tunnel to increase the security, usage rate, and durability of these infrastructures.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 12. Aircraft Arresting Concrete

Abstract

Runway overrun will cause costly aircraft damages and threaten the safety of airline passengers and crew. Aircraft arresting concrete is fabricated by incorporating foaming agents into concrete, thus containing a lot of approximate spherical, isolated, and arranged disorderly cavities. The aircraft arresting concrete relies mainly on the hole walls to bear load and can be made into an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) to absorb the kinetic energy of an overrunning aircraft. The EMAS can work successfully in arresting the overrunning aircraft and slowing them down by the drag load of the crushable aircraft arresting concrete.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 13. Electrically Conductive Concrete

Abstract

Electrically conductive concrete is the multiphase composite that includes the electrically conductive fillers on the basis of conventional concrete. Electrical conductivity of concrete is mainly attributed to the movement of electron in conductive particle chain formed by conductive fillers. Electrically conductive concrete not only has an advantage of structural material, but also has high electrical conductivity. It can therefore be used in many infrastructure applications, such as road deicing, electrostatic prevention, electromagnetic defense, cathodic protection, and structural health monitoring.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 14. Electrothermal Concrete

Abstract

Electrothermal concrete refers to the material achieving electrical resistance heating based on Joule effect. Since conventional concrete is hard to be heated, electrically conductive fillers such as carbon fibers, steel fibers, steel shaving, nickel powders, and graphite are incorporated to reduce the resistivity of concrete. Electrothermal concrete has excellent potential for domestic and outdoor environments, especially for deicing and snowmelting of parking garages, sidewalks, driveways, highway bridges, and airport runways. It also can be used for domestic heating in residence, factory, and greenhouse.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 15. Light-Transmitting Concrete

Abstract

Light-transmitting concrete has the capability of letting light pass through it. It is produced by incorporating optical elements (e.g., optical fibers) into conventional concrete. The mechanical properties and durability of light-transmitting concrete are slightly different from that of conventional concrete because the optical fibers only account for small volume of the concrete. Light-transmitting concrete allows using sunlight as a light source to reduce the power consumption of illumination. It also can be used in cold regions to transmit heat with sunlight or act as a decorative material. Light-transmitting concrete can therefore play an important role in both construction and environment fields.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 16. Light-Emitting Concrete

Abstract

Light-emitting concrete can trap solar energy during the daytime and convert it into visible light in the night. According to the manufacture methods, light-emitting concrete can be divided into three main categories: the luminous component mixed, the microstructure modified, and the surface coated. The concrete emits soft light all the night without any electricity and contributes to energy conservation and low-carbon eco-friendly environment. Light-emitting concrete enjoys promising application prospect in building environment decoration, roads/lanes lighting, and expressway signs/safety.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 17. Photocatalytic Concrete

Abstract

Photocatalytic concrete has the capability to realize air depollution, self-cleaning, and self-disinfecting. It is fabricated by adding photocatalyst into conventional concrete, and the most appropriate photocatalyst to fabricate photocatalytic concrete is TiO₂. The photocatalytic reaction can occur under the light when energy is higher than the photocatalyst band gap. The formed highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals can react with contaminants and produce carbon dioxide, water, or other harmless substances. The decomposed pollutants can be taken away by wind or rain to achieve the function of air depollution and self-cleaning. The photocatalytic concrete has great potential in the field of degradation of pollutants, deodorization, sterilization, and energy conservation.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 18. Electromagnetic Wave Shielding/Absorbing Concrete

Abstract

Electromagnetic (EM) wave (EMW) shielding/absorbing concrete refers to the concrete with EMW defense capacity in a wide frequency region. The EMW shielding can be achieved by incorporating electrically conductive fillers into conventional concrete, and its mechanism is reflection. The EMW adsorbing can be implemented by the addition of magnetic loss, dielectric loss, and resistive loss fillers, and it results from energy conversion and dissipation of EM energy. Development of EMW shielding/absorbing concrete has become urgent since such issues as EM pollution, EM interference, information security, and military security are becoming more and more pressing. The EMW shielding/absorbing concrete has wide potential application in such fields as EM radiation protection of urban civilian infrastructures, and stealth and defense of military installations.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 19. Radiation Shielding Concrete

Abstract

Radiation shielding concrete is the composite made up of cement, water, and heavy weight aggregates. It can shield such radiations as alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays, X-rays, and neutrons due to its high density and large content of crystal water. Compared with other shielding materials, radiation shielding concrete is cheaper, easier to mold into complex shapes, and suitable for neutron and proton shielding. It can work as a biological shield for nuclear power plants, particle accelerators, research reactors, laboratory hot cells, and other different radiation sources.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 20. Hydrophobic/Superhydrophobic Concrete

Abstract

Hydrophobic/superhydrophobic concrete is demonstrated by the capability of a surface to repel water and is characterized by contact angle. The contact angle of hydrophobic concrete is over 90°, while that of superhydrophobic concrete can exceed 150°. Hydrophobicity/superhydrophobicity of concrete can be achieved by using hydrophobic/superhydrophobic coatings on hardened concrete or adding hydrophobic/superhydrophobic admixtures into fresh concrete. The hydrophobic/superhydrophobic concrete can be applied for water repelling, freezing–thawing resistance and self-cleaning requirements, with the potential to enhance the durability and sustainability of infrastructures.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 21. Permeable Concrete

Abstract

Permeable concrete is the concrete containing interconnected voids inside to allow air or water moving through it. The fundamental material characteristic of permeable concrete is its open pore structure (primarily the connected porosity and the larger pore sizes), which is caused by gap-graded coarse aggregates and little to minimal amounts of fine aggregates. Water is easy to percolate through paving matrix into the subsoil beneath when permeable concrete is utilized as paving material. Permeable concrete is beneficial for conserving storm water and recharging groundwater, thus can be used to absorb the noise of vehicles and adjust the temperature and humidity of the Earth’s surface.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 22. Non-Dispersible Underwater Concrete

Abstract

Non-dispersible underwater concrete refers to the concrete mixed with the anti-washout admixture, which is a kind of water-soluble polymers with long-chain structures and strong absorption capacity. It can be used to solve the problems including placing and repairing of traditional concrete in underwater construction. Owing to the advantages of self-leveling, self-compacting, and little pollution to the environment water, the non-dispersible underwater concrete plays an important role in underwater and underground construction.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 23. Energy-Harvesting Concrete

Abstract

Energy-harvesting concrete has the capability to capture and store the wasting natural energy derived from external sources (e.g., mechanical energy, solar power, and thermal energy) for reuse. Energy-harvesting concrete can be achieved by incorporating piezoelectric, pyroelectric, thermoelectric, and photovoltaic materials into it. The energy-harvesting concrete can make infrastructures, especially traffic infrastructures, and become green, smart, resilient, and sustainable. It will turn traffic infrastructures into distributed energy generators, thus supporting the next generation of traffic systems, such as electrical vehicle chargers, sensors, and communications.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou

Chapter 24. Future Developments and Challenges of Smart and Multifunctional Concrete

Abstract

The research and development of smart and multifunctional concrete has produced a revolution in the field of concrete materials toward sustainable infrastructures. Although the smart and multifunctional concrete has been developed for more than 30 years, many efforts are still needed to promote its development. Some challenges in design, fabrication, test and characterization, properties, mechanisms and models, and application of smart and multifunctional concrete need to be addressed in the future. Using low-quality energy and increasing dissipation efficiency are two basic principles to further develop smart and multifunctional concrete.

Baoguo Han, Liqing Zhang, Jinping Ou