Technological Innovations in Sustainable Civil Engineering: Advanced Materials, Resilient Design, and Digital Tools

Carlos A. Ligarda-Samanez (), Mary L. Huamán-Carrión (), Domingo J. Cabel-Moscoso, Doris Marlene Muñoz Sáenz, Jaime Antonio Martinez Hernandez, Antonina J. Garcia-Espinoza, Dante Fermín Calderón Huamaní, Carlos Carrasco-Badajoz, Darwin Pino Cordero, Reynaldo Sucari-León and Yolanda Aroquipa-Durán
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Carlos A. Ligarda-Samanez: Nutraceuticals and Biomaterials Research Group, Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas, Andahuaylas 03701, Peru
Mary L. Huamán-Carrión: Nutraceuticals and Biomaterials Research Group, Universidad Nacional José María Arguedas, Andahuaylas 03701, Peru
Domingo J. Cabel-Moscoso: Ambiental Engineering School, Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga, Ica 11001, Peru
Doris Marlene Muñoz Sáenz: Faculty of Education, Universidad Peruana los Andes, Huancayo 12006, Peru
Jaime Antonio Martinez Hernandez: Ambiental Engineering School, Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga, Ica 11001, Peru
Antonina J. Garcia-Espinoza: Ambiental Engineering School, Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga, Ica 11001, Peru
Dante Fermín Calderón Huamaní: Ambiental Engineering School, Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga, Ica 11001, Peru
Carlos Carrasco-Badajoz: Research Group on Ecology and Aquatic Biodiversity (GI-EBAQUA), Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Ayacucho 05000, Peru
Darwin Pino Cordero: Professional School of Accounting Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno 21001, Peru
Reynaldo Sucari-León: Engineering and Management Faculty, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Huanta, Ayacucho 05000, Peru
Yolanda Aroquipa-Durán: Professional Nursing School, Universidad Nacional Autónoma Altoandina de Tarma, Junin 12731, Peru

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-24

Abstract: Civil engineering today faces the challenge of responding to climate change, rapid urbanization, and the need to reduce environmental impacts. These factors drive the search for more sustainable approaches and the adoption of digital technologies. This article addresses three principal dimensions: advanced low-impact materials, resilient structural designs, and digital tools applied throughout the infrastructure life cycle. To this end, a systematic search was conducted considering studies published between 2020 and 2025, including both experimental and review works. The results show that materials such as geopolymers, biopolymers, natural fibers, and nanocomposites can significantly reduce the carbon footprint; however, they still face regulatory, cost, and adoption barriers. Likewise, modular, adaptable, and performance-based design proposals enhance infrastructure resilience against extreme climate events. Finally, digital tools such as Building Information Modeling, digital twins, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and 3D printing provide improvements in planning, construction, and maintenance, though with limitations related to interoperability, investment, and training. In conclusion, the integration of materials, design, and digitalization presents a promising pathway toward safer, more resilient, and sustainable infrastructure, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and the concept of smart cities.

Keywords: geopolymers; sustainable infrastructure; building information modeling; digital twins; artificial intelligence; 3D printing; smart cities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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