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Scholars Journal of Engineering and Technology | Volume-14 | Issue-06
From Blueprint to Smart City: Pioneering Self-Healing Nano-Engineered Eco-Friendly Concrete and AI-Integrated Structural Health Monitoring for Next-Generation Energy-Efficient Sustainable Architecture
Shan Ul Haq, Muhammad Safi Ullah, Muneeb Jamshed, Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Muneeb Ahmad, Roma Tul Qubra, Muhammad Qasim Ch, Md Zia Ul Haque, Shahid Ahmad
Published: June 22, 2026 |
47
30
Pages: 325-354
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Abstract
The construction industry is increasingly seeking multifunctional materials capable of enhancing structural durability while minimizing environmental impact. This study presents the development and comprehensive evaluation of a novel self-healing nano-engineered geopolymer concrete incorporating nano-silica (SiO₂), graphene oxide (GO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), biochar, fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and microencapsulated calcium-based healing agents for sustainable smart-city infrastructure applications. Comprehensive physicochemical and microstructural characterization was conducted using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis. The characterization results revealed enhanced geopolymeric gel formation, refined pore structure, improved nanoparticle dispersion, and stronger interfacial bonding within the composite matrix. Mechanical performance was evaluated through compressive, split tensile, flexural, fracture toughness, and impact resistance testing, while durability assessment included water permeability, sorptivity, rapid chloride penetration, sulfate resistance, freeze–thaw stability, corrosion resistance, and self-healing behavior. The developed composite demonstrated superior mechanical integrity and enhanced durability characteristics compared with conventional cementitious systems. Self-healing investigations confirmed effective crack-sealing capability, contributing to long-term structural performance and service-life extension. To enable intelligent infrastructure functionality, embedded piezoelectric and fiber-optic sensors were integrated with an Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring platform for continuous assessment of strain, vibration, acoust


