The advances in nanotechnology continue to grow, with new findings every day. To cite one example, researchers are manipulating carbon nanotubes so that the way the tubes behave under stress can help solve problems that arise in the future of a building, a bridge, even an airplane. Nanomaterials have a lot of use in the construction industry. 

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde, in Scotland have developed a paint containing carbon nanotubes that can spot microscopic faults in structures relying on the ability of the paint to carry an electrical current to record the development of minuscule faults which is difficult for visual inspection.
Scientists at Rice University in Houston, Texas, have come up with a strain paint looking like clear varnish for spotting cracks using fluorescence manifested at the infrared end of the spectrum when deformed by tension or compression of nanotubes, which otherwise can not be spotted during a visual inspection.
The fluorescence paint can be read using a handheld infrared spectrometer, in many cases as along an airplane wing, or up a wind turbine mast using a laser to produce a strain map. The strain paint can also be used as a protective film to prevent corrosion of the underlying material.