Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering

    Nanotechnology is one of the youngest discipline of science. Literally speaking "nano" means "a billionth of a meter", so the technique or technology employed to manipulate matter at this level is called "Nanotechnology". What a civil engineer is responsible for the building and designing of structure that is durable, comfortable and economical with construction and maintenance. The materials used in construction are concrete, steel, cables, glasses, paints etc. Materials used in construction works has properties like elasticity, density etc., which further influences life, strength and even the economy of construction. Maintenance of the structure is also serious concern for a civil engineer. Earthquakes, acid rain, chemical activity of materials in construction etc. affects the strength and durability parameters of the structure. But the structure has to withstand these all with acceptable damage(non-structural). To cope with such challenges we need to apply nanotechnology to enhance the material properties like:-

1. Concrete properties can be improved using CNT.
2. Temperature dependent properties of steel can be enhanced.
3. High strength cables are made.
4. Self-cleaning glasses are made.
5. Hydrophobic and heat insulating paints are produced.
6. Nanosensors are used for SHM. and many others.
USA has spent more than 20 billion on Nanotechnology.

Presentation on "Nanotechnology in Civil Engineering" is below:-