A Research Program for Autoadaptive Media in Complex Engineering Systems

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This project is for organizing two workshops to study the potential of autoadaptive media in civil engineering and to define targets and types of needed university-based, cross disciplinary research for broad applications in civil infrastructures. Autoadaptive media are materials, mechanisms, devices, and structures that can modify, monitor, or control their own characteristics to respond appropriately to external stimuli. The slow adoption of autoadaptive media by civil engineering is attributed mainly to three perceptions; lack of relevant information, concern about maintenance of the materials and devices in the field, and cost of materials. A directed research initiative will help alleviate and possibly even eliminate the first two perceptions and will exploit the vast potential of these media fully. A research initiative targeting the civil engineering uses of autoadaptive materials is desirable because (1) in relation to consideration of `added value` to the knowledge base it will have a substantial impact, (2) to leave it to serendipitous development is to delay any possibly application, and (3) even if the current prognostications are negative, it is a strategic mistake not to explore an opportunity that may revolutionize many segments of civil engineering. The project activity will explore the potential of autoadaptive media for civil engineering applications and to develop a program of appropriate actions. It is predicated on the belief that the knowledge base already developed by material scientists and control engineers must be tapped and redirected by engineers intimately familiar with the demands of civil-engineering application.