SELF-SENSING CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITES FOR STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING OF BRIDGES

This thesis addresses the use of self-sensing cementitious composites for the structural health monitoring of bridge infrastructures. It provides a state-of-the-art analysis evaluating the electromechanical properties of carbon nanotubes and their composites by referencing results from previous research. These investigations arise from the need to develop more resilient and integrated monitoring solutions, aimed at reducing maintenance costs and overcoming the durability limitations of conventional sensors. To define the potential of these smart materials, a feasibility study is performed by analyzing a hypothetical integration of self-sensing sensors and wireless networks into the existing infrastructure of the Queensferry Crossing.