INTEGRATED SMART-BRICK CONSTRUCTION WITH RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This study explores whether masonry can transcend its traditional role to become an intelligent, adaptive building envelope that harmonizes resilience and sustainability. We introduce Integrated Smart-Brick Construction, where piezoresistive, sensor-embedded bricks are topologically interlocked in binder-free assemblies to enable seismic adaptability and real-time structural health monitoring. Following established fabrication protocols, smart bricks were created by doping clay with conductive fillers and embedding electrodes. Dynamic performance was assessed via shake-table and field-scale testing of modular specimens, measuring seismic energy dissipation and validating sensor accuracy under realistic stress. We then developed finite-element electromechanical models, calibrated against experiment, to reconstruct strain fields and predict structural degradation. Finally, an ISO 14040-compliant life-cycle assessment using SimaPro compared environmental impacts versus conventional clay masonry, informed by recent studies of TI and bio-based systems. Our results highlight a 30 % increase in seismic energy dissipation via interlocking assemblies, damage localization within ±10 mm, a 40 % reduction in embodied carbon, and 25 % operational energy savings through improved thermal efficiency and self-healing capabilities. These findings demonstrate a masonry system that senses, adapts, and regenerates, significantly reducing carbon footprint and extending service life. This multidisciplinary framework offers a scalable blueprint for regenerative, resilient built environments and supports architects, engineers, and policymakers in advancing global climate goals.