Beyond Repair: A Critical Review of Smart, Sustainable, and AI-Driven Strengthening Techniques for Aging Civil Infrastructure
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The durability and safety of civil infrastructure are progressively subjected to challenges posed by a range of factors, including aging, excessive utilization, environmental stressors, and natural disasters. Traditionally, efforts to strengthen structures have relied heavily on reactive and material-intensive solutions. However, recent developments signal a significant shift toward more intelligent, sustainable, and digitally informed approaches. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the evolving landscape of structural reinforcement techniques, tracing the movement from conventional methods to more advanced, adaptive systems. The analysis places strong emphasis on evaluating structural performance through innovative means, highlighting the growing use of smart materials and the transformative role of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing design and intervention strategies. These technological advances are not only enhancing efficiency and precision but are also enabling more predictive and responsive maintenance practices. In parallel, the review considers the alignment of these emerging practices with broader sustainability and circular economy principles. It explores how strategies that prioritize material efficiency, reuse of existing components, and lifecycle-based planning contribute to reducing the environmental impact of structural interventions. By integrating these dimensions, the paper underscores the potential of modern reinforcement techniques to support global environmental objectives while maintaining structural integrity. What’s more, the review outlines prospective directions for innovation, such as AIassisted co-design processes, the use of 3D printing technologies for customized retrofitting, and the application of bio-inspired adaptive systems. These forward-thinking concepts are presented as key enablers of a new generation of reinforcement strategies— ones that are not only robust and responsive but also ecologically conscious. Through a synthesis of current research and emerging opportunities, this study aims to inform and inspire the advancement of structural strengthening methods that are equipped to meet the complex challenges of the future built environment.
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