Open Access

Real-time Monitoring of Carbon Nanotube and Cement Sensor-based Smart Materials Application on Road Traffic Maintenance

Gopikumar S, drgopikumars@veltech.edu.in
School of Mechanical and Construction, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, TN, India Kannan V, drgopikumars@veltech.edu.in
Department of Civil Engineering, National Engineering College, Kovilpatti, TN, India Muniappan N, drgopikumars@veltech.edu.in
School of Civil Engineering, MIT Academy of Engineering, Pune, MH, India Suresh Chinnathampy M, drgopikumars@veltech.edu.in
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Vel Tech High Tech Dr. Rangarajan Dr. Sakunthala Engineering College, Chennai, TN, India Sathyadevi S, drgopikumars@veltech.edu.in
School of Mechanical and Construction, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, TN, India Altamash Mustafa drgopikumars@veltech.edu.in
School of Mechanical and Construction, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, TN, India

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Abstract

Nanomaterials have emerged as a transformative innovation in 21st-century construction technology, offering enhanced performance and sustainability in cement-based materials. Among them, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and nanoscale reinforcement capability. This study investigates the mechanical and functional performance of CNT-reinforced cement composites prepared using a compaction-shear dispersion technique to ensure uniform fiber distribution.The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of varying percentages of carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties and durability characteristics of cement composites. CNTs were incorporated at weight fractions of 0.51%, 0.84%, 1.68%, 3.36%, 5.05%, and 6.02% relative to cement content. The prepared composites were tested for compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and abrasion resistance to determine the optimum CNT dosage.The strength test for the six different compositions was evaluated, and it was observed that 5.05% CNT (P5) is the optimized cement composite, where the compressive strength shows a 70.44% increase in percentage compared to the control. The split tensile strength shows a 72.39% increase.The findings indicate that optimized CNT incorporation significantly improves mechanical performance while enabling self-sensing characteristics, contributing to sustainable and intelligent construction materials. This research provides a pathway for developing next-generation cement composites with enhanced durability, energy efficiency, and real-time monitoring capability.

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