Intelligent concrete refers to the structural materials which can sense the changes of environment and make suitable responses by altering one or more working parameters in real time. The ‘intelligent’ properties of concrete are achieved mainly by improving the composition of raw materials or combining some functional materials with concrete matrix, thus leading to the concrete possessing bionic features. Compared to conventional concrete, the reliability and sustainability of structures can be optimized by applying properly designed intelligent concrete materials. Additionally, the life-cycle costs, resource consumption and environment pollution can be reduced. In the past few decades, considerable efforts have been put towards the research of intelligent concrete and many innovative achievements have been gained in the development and application of intelligent concrete. Twelve types of intelligent concrete emphasizing on its self-x capabilities are systematically reviewed in this paper, with attentions to their principles, composition, fabrication, properties, research progress and structural applications. In addition, some comments and prospects for the development of self-x concrete are also discussed.

“Smart city” is a term currently used to denote cities moved by the opportunity to enhance the quality of life and the security of their citizens. Attention is here focused on the concept that the development of smart cities can also be achieved by improving the efficiency of civil infrastructures through a real-time monitoring. This is the specific target of the European Union FP7 project (SPARTACUS), moved from the parallel chance to develop industry pull applications for the European EGNOS and GALILEO satellite systems. In this paper, laboratory tests are carried out to provide specific devices the ability to run while satisfying the requirements of the incoming GALILEO system. Moreover, some of the targets are achieved within the current GPS system. An extensive experimental campaign is offered to validate the units in such a scenario.