New self-sensing shot-earth cement-composites for smart and sustainable constructions: experimental validation on a full-scale vault

In the last years, the sensitivity towards the development of sustainable construction materials has increased. In particular, concrete technology could be considerably improved in terms of ecological footprint. A promising technology is the combination of both cement and earth as binders for the production of a novel green construction material that could merge good mechanical performance and sustainable properties. The present paper shows, comments, and discusses the experimental tests carried out on a full-scale vault element, produced by the use of high-speed projected earth-concrete, modified by the addition of carbon microfibers, and monitored through traditional transducers and a smart self-monitoring system developed by the authors. The results of the experimental campaign clearly demonstrated the good monitoring properties of the self-sensing material and the promising applications of the novel green cementitious material in the field of constructions.