How do construction materials contribute to the durability and longevity of civil engineering structures, such as bridges, dams, and tunnels? Discuss the role of material properties, such as strength, stiffness, and durability, in ensuring the structural integrity and performance of infrastructure projects. How can engineers select and design with materials that withstand environmental factors, such as corrosion, freeze$-$thaw cycles, and chemical exposure? How do advances in material science, such as self$-$healing concrete and high$-$performance alloys, improve the durability and resilience of infrastructure materials to enhance their service life and reduce life$-$cycle costs?