ABSTRACT
The American Society of Engineers (ASCE) recently undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the condition of built infrastructure. Construction of new infrastructure and the activities associated with the maintenance and rehabilitation are energy-intensive activities. Smart materials provide opportunities for self-sensing built infrastructure, including, for example, the microclimate, corrosivity, structural properties and loadings. Three-dimensional printing of future components of infrastructure has the potential to provide more economical, less energy intensive, and more durable construction. There is potential to develop 3D printing of inspections and repairs on aged infrastructure. Building information modelling (BIM) is a method that creates and manages all of the design, construction and maintenance information over the project life cycle. The physical and functional data and information on a project becomes s a digital item on every component of the built infrastructure. Over the life cycle, ageing infrastructure should provide improved economies due to more efficient management, durable construction and more proactive approaches to maintenance and rehabilitation.
