Connecting concrete technology and machine learning: proposal for application of ANNs and CNT/concrete composites in structural health monitoring

Carbon nanotube/concrete composite possesses piezoresistivity i.e. self-sensing capability of concrete structures even in large scale. By incorporating smart materials in the structural health monitoring systems the issue of incompatibility between monitored structure and the sensor is surpassed since the concrete element fulfills both functions. Machine learning is an attractive tool to reduce model complexity, so artificial neural networks have been successfully used for a variety of applications including structural analysis and materials science. The idea of using smart materials can become more attractive by building a neural network able to predict properties of the specific nanomodified concrete, making it more cost-friendly and open for unexperienced engineers. This paper reviews previous research work which is exploring the properties of CNTs and their influence on concrete, and the use of artificial neural networks in concrete technology and structural health monitoring. Mix design of CNT/concrete composite materials combined with the application of precisely trained artificial neural networks represents a new direction in the evolution of structural health monitoring of concrete structures.