In recent years, the construction industry has seen a significant shift towards innovative methods for enhancing structural integrity and sustainability. Structural health monitoring (SHM) has emerged as a crucial field aimed at continuously assessing the condition of buildings and infrastructure to detect and prevent potential failures. Traditional methods of SHM often rely on sensors and data analysis techniques to monitor structural behavior and detect anomalies. However, there's a growing demand for novel approaches that not only monitor structural health but also contribute to energy sustainability. Energy harvesting techniques, which involve capturing and utilizing ambient energy sources, offer a promising solution to power SHM systems while minimizing environmental impact. This interdisciplinary research area integrates principles from civil engineering, materials science, and energy harvesting technologies to develop efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solutions for monitoring and maintaining infrastructure integrity in the construction industry.

This research topic aims to revolutionize structural health monitoring (SHM) and energy harvesting methodologies within the construction sector by integrating cutting-edge techniques and next-generation building materials. The study seeks to develop a comprehensive framework for real-time monitoring of structural integrity using advanced sensing technologies such as Piezoelectric materials, Fiber Bragg gratings, Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and Perovskite solar cells. Additionally, the incorporation of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other data-driven approaches will enhance the data-analysis process, predict damages, and improve accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, the research will explore novel approaches for developing more efficient energy-harvesting systems from structural vibrations, light, and sound, contributing to sustainability goals in the construction sector.

To gather further insights in the intersection of structural health monitoring and energy harvesting within the construction industry, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Advanced sensing technologies for SHM
- Integration of AI and machine learning in SHM
- Development of energy-harvesting systems from ambient sources
- Novel materials for SHM and energy harvesting
- Real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance techniques
- Non-destructive testing and failure analysis
- Service-life predictions and infrastructure durability
- Sustainable practices in construction through energy harvesting
- Theoretical, experimental, and numerical techniques in SHM and energy harvesting

By bridging research across disciplines, this special issue serves as a pivotal platform for advancing construction practices towards resilience and efficiency in the modern built environment.

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Frontiers in Built Environment

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