Self-healing of Micro-cracks in Engineered Cementitious Composites

Abstract

Systems thinking is a widely recognized and subscribed-to concept. Many benefits are ascribed to systems thinking and its result -the holistic solution. Yet, there is a wide range of opinion as to what systems thinking really is, and how its benefits can be realized in engineering practice. In fact, the concept of what constitutes a " system " is wide and variable. The purpose of the paper is to draw together diverse perspectives of systems thinking useful in engineering, and to present a set of core concepts that are useful in the successful design and operation of engineered systems. These concepts will be illustrated with examples drawn from the author " s experience in teaching and research on engineered systems.