Infrastructure is designed to last for 50 to 100 years or more, yet our world is continually changing due to natural hazards, pandemics, climate change, and evolving ways of working, living, and moving. To prolong the lifespan and enhance the adaptability of transportation infrastructure, we are rethinking every aspect—from demand prediction to design, construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation.

Infrastructure should be designed not only to meet immediate needs but also to adapt to future demands throughout its lifespan. Traditionally, design philosophy has focused on predicting foreseeable demand, which creates a significant risk of infrastructure becoming inadequate or obsolete before its intended lifespan is over. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed infrastructure demands as teleworking transforms residential and travel patterns. Additionally, the growing adoption of new mobility platforms, along with trends in automation and electrification, will further influence future infrastructure requirements.

Adaptation is essential for sustainable living. Our infrastructure needs to address current changes and threats. There is an urgent need to improve our ability to predict, design, and manage the longevity of infrastructure. This calls for "smart infrastructure" engineering that emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and equity for communities. How can we rehabilitate or create the built environment to ensure that future generations benefit from smart infrastructure?

Emerging technologies empower decision-makers to enhance infrastructure. Innovations in materials, sensing, communication, and computing can be leveraged for smart infrastructure applications. Recent advancements in science and technology enable us to collect and analyze data on how communities utilize infrastructure and the environment. By utilizing emerging technologies such as digital twins, net-zero or negative carbon materials, sensors, robotics, and new processes, smart infrastructure can effectively predict, design, and manage its lifespan.

To provide effective engineering services, it is essential for engineers to listen to and address the interests and concerns of the communities they serve. This approach fosters the development of solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and resilient. Smart infrastructure should embrace this vision and actively pursue methods to achieve it.

The presentation will introduce several emerging technologies that could help us achieve this vision.


Date and Time
Thursday, November 7, 2024
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Location
Huntington Room

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