RUI: Self-sensing Concrete Pavement

Project Summary:

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) provide civil engineers a new way to monitor the health of concrete pavement. CNT electrical networks can detect cracking in concrete; when CNTs are combined with the concrete itself, the composite is capable of self-monitoring. The goal of this project is to further explore the possibility of using this composite on a more widespread basis. Among other activities, researchers will determine the best method for fabrication of the composite and will also test the composite's ability to self-monitor under severe weather conditions.