Civil infrastructures are constantly exposed to environmental effects that can contribute to deterioration. Early detection of damage is crucial to prevent catastrophic failures. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems are essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of structures by continuously monitoring and recording data to identify damage-induced changes. In this context, self-sensing composites, formed by incorporating conductive nanomaterials into a matrix, offer intrinsic sensing capabilities through piezoresistivity and various conduction mechanisms. The paper reviews how SHM with self-sensing materials can be applied to civil infrastructure while also highlighting important research articles in this field. The result demonstrates increased dissemination of self-sensing materials for civil engineering worldwide. Their use in core infrastructure components enhances functionality, safety, and transportation efficiency. Among nanomaterials used as additions to produce self-sensing materials in small portions, carbon nanotubes have the most citations and, consequently, the most studies, followed by carbon fiber and steel fiber. This highlight identifies knowledge gaps, benchmark technologies, and outlines self-sensing materials for future research.

Although vegetable fibers demonstrate great advantages as a reinforcement element, their degradation susceptibility is currently the main concern in geotechnical works and requires further investigation to advance their durability. In recognition of these needs, this study aims to evaluate the effects of silica and polymer surface treatments on sisal fiber biodegradability and on the mechanical behavior of sand matrix reinforced with these fibers exposed to actual environmental conditions for up to eight months. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (FRX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), direct tensile and consolidated-drained triaxial tests were performed. Overall, the secondary cell wall of the fiber was the main structure affected by the exposure, reflecting the degradation by natural soil microflora. The strain-hardening behavior acquired by the addition of fiber to the sand at zero time was gradually reduced with natural aging. Increments in cohesive intercept of the composite over the biodegradation of fibers point to biofilm formation. Due to the inorganic base, silica treatment resulted in the most effective barrier against fiber biodegradation, contributing to composite durability along the eight months. Notwithstanding the degradation process, both natural and surface-treated sisal fibers resulted in shear strength parameters superior to those of the nonreinforced soil, encouraging their sustainable applications in engineering works, such as temporary landfills.