Building the future: Smart concrete as a key element in next-generation construction.

The construction industry seeks innovative solutions like smart concrete. Traditional concrete faces durability issues, environmental impact, and high rehabilitation costs. To address this, smart concrete combines eco-friendly materials with advanced nano-technology, featuring self-sensing and self-healing properties to detect damage early and autonomously repair cracks. Researchers explore methods to reduce concrete's carbon impact through clinker replacement and alternative binders. The industry moves toward sustainable and technologically advanced practices, where "smart concrete" marks a transformative shift in construction, promising eco-conscious, technology-driven building methods. This review explores smart technology in concrete construction, focusing on structural health monitoring and autonomous crack repair advancements. It consolidates diverse self-sensing and self-healing mechanisms, emphasizing their role in viable construction goals. The paper delves into the impact of nanomaterial on the mechanical and durability of self-sensing, self-healing, and self-adjusting concrete, showcasing smart concrete's potential for transformative construction practices. Biomimetic Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems using self-sensing concrete and nanomaterials detect strain changes independently, which is vital for effective monitoring. Real-time Structural Health Monitoring using embedded sensors aids in timely decision-making for asset management and ensures continued structural safety. Self-activated bacteria in concrete provide an eco-friendly solution for crack healing by producing calcium carbonate and reinforcing structural integrity. Bacteria-based agents show promise in enhancing concrete's crack repair potential, aligning with better construction practices. In conclusion, smart concrete presents a significant opportunity to transform the construction sector, emphasizing eco-friendliness, resource optimization, and robust infrastructure. • Smart concrete features self-sensing and self-healing properties to detect damage early. • Researchers are exploring methods to improve the properties of smart concrete through alternative binders. • Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems using self-sensing concrete aid in effective monitoring. • Self-activated bacteria in concrete provide a solution for crack healing, enhancing construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]