SensTRM : Sensor-Enabled Textile-Reinforced Mortars for Sustainable Concrete Repair and Structural Health Monitoring

Objetivo

The SensTRM project is a highly interdisciplinary initiative that integrates expertise in materials science (alkali-activated materials), structural engineering (textile-reinforced mortars), and artificial intelligence (machine learning) to advance sustainable concrete repair and structural health monitoring. The project addresses the urgent need for durable, climate-resilient repair solutions by improving understanding of the long-term performance of alkali-activated repair mortars and developing data-driven methodologies to optimize repair design.

SensTRM leverages the piezoresistive properties of carbon fibers, which change electrical resistance under mechanical strain, to create sensory textile-reinforced mortars capable of simultaneous reinforcement and structural health monitoring. By maximizing electrical resistivity in the mortar matrix and embedding these smart sensors, the project enables continuous monitoring of existing structures. Machine learning tools will support the analysis and interpretation of sensor data, allowing early detection of damage and predictive maintenance.

The expected outcomes include repair materials with enhanced durability, embedded sensing capabilities, and reduced lifecycle costs. Beyond technical innovations, SensTRM is anticipated to impact the civil engineering sector by providing cost-effective, low-carbon retrofit solutions aligned with the European Union’s Renovation Wave and Green Deal objectives, supporting resilient, long-lasting, and smart infrastructure.