6 Breakthroughs Shaping the Resilient Infrastructure of Tomorrow

If you look at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, you will spot a crucial concept under Goal 9: resilient infrastructure as a cornerstone of innovative and sustainable construction. Today, that once-remote ambition is within reach, thanks to breakthroughs in new building materials and advanced technologies. In the following sections, we explore these innovations and provide real-world examples that show how resilient infrastructure is becoming a reality.

What is resilient infrastructure?

Resilient infrastructure is designed to adapt to and recover from adverse conditions, including natural disasters, technological disruptions, and economic challenges. Its core is preventive planning and the capacity for rapid recovery, ensuring that a single malfunction does not compromise the entire system.

Engineers and planners use redundant components, advanced materials, contingency protocols, and clear response strategies so that services can return to normal as quickly as possible. Some of the most important types of resilient infrastructure include:

1. Transportation infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and airports must be designed to endure extreme events and offer alternative routes or modes of transit that minimize downtime.
2. Energy infrastructure. Power plants and distribution networks incorporate renewable energy sources and storage systems to maintain a continuous supply, even during disruptions.
3. Telecommunications infrastructure. Networks and data centers protect information and maintain connectivity through backups and backup systems, mitigating the impact of local failures.
4. Water and sanitation infrastructure. Treatment facilities and distribution systems integrate flood control plans, purification mechanisms, and emergency protocols to safeguard water quality and availability.
5. Urban and built infrastructure. Public buildings and city services prepare for disasters through robust designs, durable materials, and urban planning that designates safe zones and evacuation routes.

Resilient infrastructure building technologies

Although the idea of resilient infrastructure is not entirely new—Romans already experimented with long-lasting concrete—recent research and technological progress have accelerated its development. Below are six examples of systems that support this type of construction:

1. Internet of Things (IoT): smart sensors for real-time monitoring

IoT makes it possible to install devices on bridges, buildings, roads, power plants, and more, to collect data about factors such as temperature, vibration, pressure, and wear. This allows constant insight into the structure’s condition and enables early detection of anomalies.

Here’s how it works: On a bridge, IoT sensors can transmit continuous data on stress and strain within the structure. If values go beyond the normal range, an inspection and maintenance protocol is activated before the issue escalates into a structural failure.

An example of this technology is the Corrochip project, which embeds sensors in concrete to monitor for corrosion in real time. This system has been deployed in ports and on highways, enabling predictive maintenance that extends the useful life of structures and ensures safety. In addition, incorporating the IoT allows constant remote monitoring of equipment.

2. Big data and predictive analytics: anticipating and addressing risk

With large amounts of data collected from diverse sources (sensors, satellite images, failure records, and weather data), predictive analytics can pinpoint patterns and probabilities of risk. This makes it possible to schedule preventive maintenance, optimize resources, and make data-driven choices that bolster resilience.

Here’s how it works: In electrical distribution systems, combining records of past outages with weather forecasts and load measurements helps predict possible overload points and avert service interruptions by sending out crews or adjusting technical parameters in advance.

In Rotterdam, the Netherlands, a Big Data and predictive analytics system was introduced to support preventive maintenance on infrastructure threatened by flooding and sea-level rise, including dikes and drainage systems. A network of IoT sensors gathered real-time data on water pressure, humidity, temperature, and vibration. This was then merged with historical weather events, satellite data, and predictive models, creating a comprehensive database. Algorithms based on machine learning were used to identify patterns that could signal potential infrastructure failures.

3. Artificia intelligence and machine learning: maintenance optimisation and crisis management

AI and machine learning systems can process information in real time and adapt continuously based on new data, thereby improving autonomous decision-making. These tools can refine predictive maintenance, prioritize the most urgent repairs, and handle emergencies with more efficient contingency plans.

Here's how it works: In an industrial facility, an AI platform can track machinery and spot trends that signal an upcoming malfunction, scheduling mechanical work before the breakdown occurs. Similarly, in a crisis, AI can determine safer and faster evacuation routes according to the specific situation.

One example is BIM2TWIN, a comprehensive Digital Building Twin (DBT) that streamlines construction process management for the building sector. It integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) with advanced AI and data-linking methods, helping cut deadlines, lower costs, and enhance quality and safety in projects.

4. Blockchain: traceability and security in critical infrastructure management

Blockchain technology creates unalterable and transparent records, contributing to thorough tracking of components, maintenance, updates, and oversight of critical infrastructure. Additionally, by eliminating reliance on a single server, it boosts resistance to cyberattacks and reduces the likelihood of data tampering.

Here's how it works: An organization that manages transportation networks can leverage blockchain to document each track section’s entire history (maintenance, refurbishments, material vendors), ensuring any modifications are logged and audited, with no chance of unauthorized edits.

A recent case in the construction sector is the MatOnTime project, which merges generative AI, blockchain, and digital twins to reduce project delays, optimize resource utilization, and cut environmental impact. A central feature is a predictive planning system that uses risk analysis to refine transport routes in line with potential delays, making a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.

5. Renewable energies and smart grids: energy autonomy and failure response

Smart grids combine renewable sources (solar, wind, hydro) with digital storage and control tools. This helps guarantee a continuous energy supply, even when one source malfunctions, and ensures balanced load distribution based on demand. Using renewable energy also lowers dependence on fossil fuels, increasing overall sustainability.

Here’s how it works: In rural areas far from established power grids, microgrids equipped with solar panels and storage batteries offer a steady, independent supply. If the main grid is interrupted, the microgrid keeps operating without disrupting the community’s crucial activities.

An example of this innovation is the microgrid installed at Schneider Electric’s facility in Navarra (Spain) by ACCIONA Energy. This system incorporates on-site renewable energy generation, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging stations, enabling higher energy efficiency, reduced expenses, and a smaller carbon footprint.

 

 

6. Construction 4.0 and advanced materials: 3D printing, self-repairing materials, green concrete or nanomaterials

Construction 4.0 involves using digital technology and automated methods, including 3D printing, for faster, more accurate construction with fewer material losses, or green concrete made from recycled materials or industrial waste. Moreover, employing self-healing materials and nanomaterials strengthens structures and lengthens their service life, limiting the need for major maintenance.

Here's how it works: Certain cement formulations contain microcapsules that open when cracks appear, releasing compounds that seal the cracks and restore the structure’s integrity. This self-healing concrete is particularly suited to bridges and tunnels, where inspections and repairs can be difficult or costly.

If you want to discover other technologies for building resilient infrastructure, check out this article on beetle-inspired building materials.

 

Fuentes:

• World Economic Forum