ABSTRACT
Th e development of durable and cost-eff ective high-performance construction materials and systems is important for the economic well-being of a country mainly because the cost of civil infrastructure constitutes a major portion of the national wealth. To address the problems of deteriorating civil infrastructure, research is very essential on smart materials. Th e research and development projects aiming to apply advanced technologies, such as new materials and new structural systems, can improve the performance of the buildings, reduce the expense of maintenance, and eventually ensure the future sustainability of the buildings. Th is chapter highlights the use of smart materials for the optimal performance and safe design of buildings and other infrastructures particularly those under the threat of earthquake and other natural hazards. Smart materials with embedded desired functions such as sensing and processing or with improved structural performances such as strength, ductility, usability, and low cost are the features that need to be explored and applied in structures.
