What are the major properties exhibited by materials responding to stimuli?

Materials that respond to stimuli are often characterized by their mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical properties. Mechanical properties describe how materials deform and fail under applied forces, influencing their behavior in structural applications. Thermal properties indicate how materials conduct heat, expand, or change phase with temperature changes, which is crucial in many engineering contexts.

Electrical properties define how materials conduct or resist electric current, which is essential in the design of various electronic components and systems. Chemical properties refer to how materials interact with other substances, affecting material selection in environments where corrosion or chemical reactions may occur.

Combining these properties provides a comprehensive understanding of how materials will perform under various conditions, essential for civil engineers to ensure safety, performance, and durability in structures and infrastructure.