Intelligent structures that can sense damage, actively cancel out vibrations and even 'heal' themselves are usually associated with advanced military or aerospace projects. But, thanks to a number of highly promising research projects around the world, such systems are on the verge of finding their way into big civil structures such as buildings and bridges. Later this month, under its Smart Materials and Related Structures initiative, the DTI will announce the recipients of £7m of funding. Project manager Dr Robert Quarshie, told The Engineer that a large portion of this money will be aimed at technology that holds great promise for big civil structures. It could, he hopes, help kick-start a profitable new area for the UK's economy.
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