The Transportation Infrastructure Precast Innovation Center (TRANS-IPIC) is thrilled to support cutting-edge advancements in construction technology by funding groundbreaking research into smart concrete with Dr. Yen-Fang Su at Louisiana State University. This exciting project, 3D Printed Smart Permanent Concrete Formwork for Precast Structural Component, is set to push the boundaries of innovation, bringing intelligence and efficiency to precast structural design.
This research project addresses critical challenges in aging transportation infrastructure by integrating self-sensing cementitious composites (SSCCs) into 3D-printed precast concrete elements. The innovative approach combines robotic-based additive manufacturing with embedded sensing capabilities to enable real-time structural health monitoring without relying on external sensors. This not only improves durability and reduces lifecycle maintenance costs but also facilitates the creation of geometrically optimized components. The work presents a transformative pathway toward more resilient, long-lasting, and intelligent transportation infrastructure. It can potentially enable future automated construction of precast elements with built-in monitoring functionality.