Nanotechnology for Civil Infrastructure

Nanotechnology in Civil Infrastructure is a state-of-the art reference source describing the latest developments in nano-engineering and nano-modification of construction materials to improve the bulk properties, development of sustainable, intelligent, and smart concrete materials through the integration of nanotechnology based self-sensing and self-powered materials and cyber infrastructure technologies, review of nanotechnology applications in pavement engineering, development of novel, cost-effective, high-performance and long-lasting concrete products and processes through nanotechnology-based innovative processing of cement and cement paste, and advanced nanoscience modeling, visualization, and measurement systems for characterizing and testing civil infrastructure materials at the nano-scale. Researchers, practitioners, undergraduate and graduate students engaged in nanotechnology related research will find this book very useful.

A recent initiative within the civil engineering field is the use of nanotechnology and materials within the construction industry. While there has been great success in the adoption of various nanomaterials, there is still room for development and improvement. Advanced Research on Nanotechnology for Civil Engineering Applications highlights emergent research and theoretical concepts in the implementation of nanotechnology within the construction, geotechnical, and transportation engineering fields. Examining the application of nanomaterials, current trends within the topic area, and the potential health impacts of material usage on the environment, this book is a pivotal reference for professionals, engineers, students, and researchers.

As the environmental impact of existing construction and building materials comes under increasing scrutiny, the search for more eco-efficient solutions has intensified. Nanotechnology offers great potential in this area and is already being widely used to great success. Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction. Following an introduction to the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materials, part one considers such infrastructural applications as nanoengineered cement-based materials, nanoparticles for high-performance and self-sensing concrete, and the use of nanotechnology to improve the bulk and surface properties of steel for structural applications. Nanoclay-modified asphalt mixtures and safety issues relating to nanomaterials for construction applications are also reviewed before part two goes on to discuss applications for building energy efficiency. Topics explored include thin films and nanostructured coatings, switchable glazing technology and third generation photovoltaic (PV) cells, high-performance thermal insulation materials, and silica nanogel for energy-efficient windows. Finally, photocatalytic applications are the focus of part three, which investigates nanoparticles for pollution control, self-cleaning and photosterilisation, and the role of nanotechnology in manufacturing paints and purifying water for eco-efficient buildings. Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is a technical guide for all those involved in the design, production and application of eco-efficient construction materials, including civil engineers, materials scientists, researchers and architects within any field of nanotechnology, eco-efficient materials or the construction industry. Provides an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction Examines the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materials Considers a range of important infrastructural applications, before discussing applications for building energy efficiency

Nanotechnology has already demonstrated surprising potential for improving the performance of construction materials and many of these recent developments were facilitated by NICOM symposia. The NICOM5 proceedings will cover the emerging opportunities and future use of nanotechnology in construction and will illustrate the broad potential for application of nanotechnology to challenging problems involving materials and infrastructure.

Sensors are used for civil infrastructure performance assessment and health monitoring, and have evolved significantly through developments in materials and methodologies. Sensor Technologies for Civil Infrastructure Volume I provides an overview of sensor hardware and its use in data collection. The first chapters provide an introduction to sensing for structural performance assessment and health monitoring, and an overview of commonly used sensors and their data acquisition systems. Further chapters address different types of sensor including piezoelectric transducers, fiber optic sensors, acoustic emission sensors, and electromagnetic sensors, and the use of these sensors for assessing and monitoring civil infrastructures. Developments in technologies applied to civil infrastructure performance assessment are also discussed, including radar technology, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology. Sensor Technologies for Civil Infrastructure provides a standard reference for structural and civil engineers, electronics engineers, and academics with an interest in the field. Describes sensing hardware and data collection, covering a variety of sensors Examines fiber optic systems, acoustic emission, piezoelectric sensors, electromagnetic sensors, ultrasonic methods, and radar and millimeter wave technology Covers strain gauges, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), multifunctional materials and nanotechnology for sensing, and vision-based sensing and lasers

Nanotechnology is changing the world in a very big way, but at the atomic and sub-atomic level. Although the roots of nanotechnology can be traced back to more than a century ago, the last three decades have witnessed an explosion of nano-based technologies and products. This reference work examines the history, current status, and future directions of nanotechnology through an exhaustive search of the technical and scientific literature. The more than 4000 bibliographic citations it includes are carefully organized into core subject areas, and a geographic and subject index allows readers to quickly locate documents of interest. Although a sense of the global reach and interest in nanotechnology can be gleaned from the reference sections of countless journal articles, conference papers, and books, this is the only reference work providing an in-depth global perspective that is ready-made for nanotechnology professionals and those interested in learning more about all things nanotechnology. Despite the abundance of online resources, there is still an urgent need for well-researched, well-presented, concise, and thematically organized reference works. Instead of relying on wiki pages, citation aggregators, and related websites, the author searched the databases and databanks of scholarly literature search providers such as EBSCO, ProQuest, PUBMED, STN International, and Thomson Reuters. In addition, he used select serials-related databases to account for pertinent documents from countries in which English is not the primary national language (i.e., China Online Journals, e-periodica, J-STAGE, and SciELO Brazil among others).

New smart materials are developing thanks to nanotechnology. Many books are on the market, but the demand for specialized analyses of particular topics still remains. This multiauthor book focuses on the application of nanotechnology to cement-based materials for engineering applications. The addition of novel smart nanofillers allows the development of multifunctional composite materials and not just with respect to higher mechanical strength, as investigated in the past. Special attention is given to types of nanoinclusions, novel techniques to mix components, and analysis of properties that can be achieved by paste, mortar, or concrete if they are added with nanofillers. Among these properties, the capability of self-sensing is very promising. Moreover, the use of phase-changing materials improves energy efficiency of nanocomposites, with important applications in the field of engineering, and new nanomodified composites have applications in energy harvesting and electromagnetic shielding.

The continued growth of any nation depends largely on the development of their built infrastructures and communities. By creating stable infrastructures, countries can more easily thrive in competitive international markets. Sustainable Infrastructure: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice examines sustainable development through the lens of transportation, waste management, land use planning, and governance. Highlighting a range of topics such as sustainable development, transportation planning, and regional and urban infrastructure planning, this publication is an ideal reference source for engineers, planners, government officials, developers, policymakers, legislators, researchers, academicians, and graduate-level students seeking current research on the latest trends in sustainable infrastructure.

Innovative Developments of Advanced Multifunctional Nanocomposites in Civil and Structural Engineering focuses on nanotechnology, the innovation and control of materials at 100 nm or smaller length scales, and how they have revolutionized almost all of the various disciplines of science and engineering study. In particular, advances in synthesizing, imaging, and manipulating materials at the nano-scale have provided engineers with a broader array of materials and tools for creating high-performance devices. Nanomaterials possess drastically different properties than those of their bulk counterparts mainly because of their high surface-to-mass ratios and high surface energies/reactivity. For instance, carbon nanotubes have been shown to possess impressive mechanical strength, stiffness, and electrical conductivity superior to that of bulk carbon. Whilst nanotechnology has become deeply rooted in electrical, chemical, and materials engineering disciplines, its proliferation into civil engineering did not begin until fairly recently. This book covers that proliferation and the main challenges associated with the integration of nanomaterials and nano-scale design principles into civil and structural engineering. Examines nanotechnology and its application to not only structural engineering, but also transportation, new infrastructure materials, and the applications of nanotechnology to existing structural systems Focuses on how nanomaterials can provide enhanced sensing capabilities and mechanical reinforcement of the original structural material Analyzes experimental and computational work carried out by world-renowned researchers

This expansive volume presents the essential topics related to construction materials composition and their practical application in structures and civil installations. The book's diverse slate of expert authors assemble invaluable case examples and performance data on the most important groups of materials used in construction, highlighting aspects such as nomenclature, the properties, the manufacturing processes, the selection criteria, the products/applications, the life cycle and recyclability, and the normalization. Civil Engineering Materials: Science, Processing, and Design is ideal for practicing architects; civil, construction, and structural engineers, and serves as a comprehensive reference for students of these disciplines. This book also: · Provides a substantial and detailed overview of traditional materials used in structures and civil infrastructure · Discusses properties of natural and synthetic materials in construction and materials' manufacturing processes · Addresses topics important to professionals working with structural materials, such as corrosion, nanomaterials, materials life cycle, not often covered outside of journal literature · Diverse author team presents expect perspective from civil engineering, construction, and architecture · Features a detailed glossary of terms and over 400 illustrations

New Materials in Civil Engineering provides engineers and scientists with the tools and methods needed to meet the challenge of designing and constructing more resilient and sustainable infrastructures. This book is a valuable guide to the properties, selection criteria, products, applications, lifecycle and recyclability of advanced materials. It presents an A-to-Z approach to all types of materials, highlighting their key performance properties, principal characteristics and applications. Traditional materials covered include concrete, soil, steel, timber, fly ash, geosynthetic, fiber-reinforced concrete, smart materials, carbon fiber and reinforced polymers. In addition, the book covers nanotechnology and biotechnology in the development of new materials. Covers a variety of materials, including fly ash, geosynthetic, fiber-reinforced concrete, smart materials, carbon fiber reinforced polymer and waste materials Provides a “one-stop resource of information for the latest materials and practical applications Includes a variety of different use case studies

The importance of nanotechnology related research and development has become recognised worldwide. Substantial public and private investment is now being ploughed into research and development in a number of industrial sectors, where nanotechnology has become established and has led to new commercial products. The construction industry, having major economic significance with nano-scale research and development which is only emerging, offers a wide scope for exploitation of nanotechnology. With international contributions from experts in the field, Nanotechnology in Construction amalgamates previously fragmented research and emerging trends. It reflects the inherent multi-disciplinary nature of nano-scale research in construction and contributions cover a wide spectrum, from highly scientific investigations to futuristic applications. The book is organised into four broad sections, the first reviews and analyses the prospects of exploitation of nanotechnology in construction, the second discusses novel tools and their capabilities, the final two sections show existing significant products where nanotechnology has been already been exploited or where product development is under-way. Nanotechnology in Construction will appeal to researchers already working in this field as well as those wishing to enter it. It will also inform governmental and other funding agencies of the most promising future directions and their related timescales. Practical applications are considered and explanations of the underlying basics are given, raising awareness and understanding of what nanotechnology can offer to construction professionals in general.

The 3rd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction (NICOM 3) follows the highly successful NICOM 1 (Paisley, UK 2003) and NICOM 2 (Bilbao, Spain 2005) Symposia. The NICOM3 symposium was held in Prague, Czech Republic from May 31 to June 2, 2009 under the auspices of the Czech Technical University in Prague. It was a cross-disciplinary event, bringing together R&D experts and users from different fields all with interest in nanotechnology and construction. The conference was aimed at: Understanding of internal structures of existing construction materials at nano-scale Modification at nano-scale of existing construction materials. Production and properties of nanoparticulate materials, nanotubes and novel polymers. Modeling and simulation of nanostructures. Instrumentation, techniques and metrology at nano-scale. Health and safety issues and environmental impacts related to nanotechnology during research, manufacture and product use. Review of current legislation. Societal and commercial impacts of nanotechnology in construction, their predictions and analysis.

Covering the latest technologies, Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction provides an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction. The book contains a special focus on applications concerning concrete and cement, as nanotechnology is driving significant development in concrete technologies. The new edition has 14 new chapters, including 3 new parts: Mortars and concrete related applications; Applications for pavements and other structural materials; and Toxicity, safety handling and environmental impacts. Civil engineers requiring an understanding of eco-efficient construction materials, as well as researchers and architects within any field of nanotechnology, eco-efficient materials or the construction industry will find this updated reference to be highly valuable. Addresses issues such as toxicity and LCA aspects New chapters covering safety handling on occupational exposure of nanoparticles and the assessment of personal exposure to airborne nanomaterials Discusses the effects of adding nano-particles on the durability and on the properties of geopolymers

Soft Computing in Green and Renewable Energy Systems provides a practical introduction to the application of soft computing techniques and hybrid intelligent systems for designing, modeling, characterizing, optimizing, forecasting, and performance prediction of green and renewable energy systems. Research is proceeding at jet speed on renewable energy (energy derived from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, tides, rain, geothermal heat, biomass, hydrogen, etc.) as policy makers, researchers, economists, and world agencies have joined forces in finding alternative sustainable energy solutions to current critical environmental, economic, and social issues. The innovative models, environmentally benign processes, data analytics, etc. employed in renewable energy systems are computationally-intensive, non-linear and complex as well as involve a high degree of uncertainty. Soft computing technologies, such as fuzzy sets and systems, neural science and systems, evolutionary algorithms and genetic programming, and machine learning, are ideal in handling the noise, imprecision, and uncertainty in the data, and yet achieve robust, low-cost solutions. As a result, intelligent and soft computing paradigms are finding increasing applications in the study of renewable energy systems. Researchers, practitioners, undergraduate and graduate students engaged in the study of renewable energy systems will find this book very useful.

The 3rd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction (NICOM 3) follows the highly successful NICOM 1 (Paisley, UK 2003) and NICOM 2 (Bilbao, Spain 2005) Symposia. The NICOM3 symposium was held in Prague, Czech Republic from May 31 to June 2, 2009 under the auspices of the Czech Technical University in Prague. It was a cross-disciplinary event, bringing together R&D experts and users from different fields all with interest in nanotechnology and construction. The conference was aimed at: Understanding of internal structures of existing construction materials at nano-scale Modification at nano-scale of existing construction materials. Production and properties of nanoparticulate materials, nanotubes and novel polymers. Modeling and simulation of nanostructures. Instrumentation, techniques and metrology at nano-scale. Health and safety issues and environmental impacts related to nanotechnology during research, manufacture and product use. Review of current legislation. Societal and commercial impacts of nanotechnology in construction, their predictions and analysis.

Sensors are used for civil infrastructure performance assessment and health monitoring, and have evolved significantly through developments in materials and methodologies. Sensor Technologies for Civil Infrastructure Volume II provides an overview of sensor data analysis and case studies in assessing and monitoring civil infrastructures. Part one focuses on sensor data interrogation and decision making, with chapters on data management technologies, data analysis, techniques for damage detection and structural damage detection. Part two is made up of case studies in assessing and monitoring specific structures such as bridges, towers, buildings, dams, tunnels, pipelines, and roads. Sensor Technologies for Civil Infrastructure provides a standard reference for structural and civil engineers, electronics engineers, and academics with an interest in the field. Provides an in-depth examination of sensor data management and analytical techniques for fault detection and localization, looking at prognosis and life-cycle assessment Includes case studies in assessing structures such as bridges, buildings, super-tall towers, dams, tunnels, wind turbines, railroad tracks, nuclear power plants, offshore structures, levees, and pipelines

Nanosensors for Smart Cities covers the fundamental design concepts and emerging applications of nanosensors for the creation of smart city infrastructures. Examples of major applications include logistics management, where nanosensors could be used in active transport tracking devices for smart tracking and tracing, and in agri-food productions, where nanosensors are used in nanochips for identity, and food inspection, and smart storage. This book is essential reading for researchers working in the field of advanced sensors technology, smart city technology and nanotechnology, and stakeholders involved in city management. Nanomaterials based sensors (nanosensors) can offer many advantages over their microcounterparts, including lower power consumption, high sensitivity, lower concentration of analytes, and smaller interaction distance between object and sensor. With the support of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, neural networks, and ambient-intelligence, sensor systems are becoming smarter. Provides information on the fabrication and fundamental design concepts of nanosensors for intelligent systems Explores how nanosensors are being used to better monitor and maintain infrastructure services, including street lighting, traffic management and pollution control Assesses the challenges for creating nanomaterials-enhanced sensors for mass-market consumer products

The world’s fresh water supplies are dwindling rapidly—even wastewater is now considered an asset. By 2025, most of the world's population will be facing serious water stresses and shortages. Aquananotechnology: Global Prospects breaks new ground with its informative and innovative introduction of the application of nanotechnology to the remediation of contaminated water for drinking and industrial use. It provides a comprehensive overview, from a global perspective, of the latest research and developments in the use of nanotechnology for water purification and desalination methods. The book also covers approaches to remediation such as high surface area nanoscale media for adsorption of toxic species, UV treatment of pathogens, and regeneration of saturated media with applications in municipal water supplies, produced water from fracking, ballast water, and more. It also discusses membranes, desalination, sensing, engineered polymers, magnetic nanomaterials, electrospun nanofibers, photocatalysis, endocrine disruptors, and Al13 clusters. It explores physics-based phenomena such as subcritical water and cavitation-induced sonoluminescence, and fog harvesting. With contributions from experts in developed and developing countries, including those with severe contamination, such as China, India, and Pakistan, the book’s content spans a wide range of the subject areas that fall under the aquananotechnology banner, either squarely or tangentially. The book strongly emphasizes sorption media, with broad application to a myriad of contaminants—both geogenic and anthropogenic—keeping in mind that it is not enough for water to be potable, it must also be palatable.

Smart Nanoconcretes and Cement-Based Materials: Properties, Modelling and Applications explores the fundamental concepts and applications of smart nanoconcretes with self-healing, self-cleaning, photocatalytic, antibacterial, piezoelectrical, heating and conducting properties and how they are used in modern high-rise buildings, hydraulic engineering, highways, tunnels and bridges. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and civil engineers who are looking to enhance the properties of smart nanomaterials to create stronger, more durable concrete. Explores the mechanisms through which active agents are released from nanocontainers inside concrete Shows how embedded smart nanosensors, including carbon cement-based smart sensors and micro/nano strain-sensors, are used to increase concrete performance Discusses the major challenges of integrating smart nanomaterials into concrete composites