This paper reviews traditional and novel methods for monitoring concrete structural properties and damage evolution, including emission techniques, electrical resistivity monitoring, electromagnetic radiation method, piezoelectric transducers, ultrasonic techniques, and infrared thermography. The fundamental principles, advantages, limitations, similarities, and differences of each monitoring technique are discussed, along with future research directions. Each method has its suitable monitoring scenarios, and in practical applications, several methods are often combined to achieve better monitoring results. The outcomes of this research provide valuable technical insights for future studies and advancements in the field of concrete structural health monitoring. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring captures acoustic wave signals generated during concrete cracking using piezoelectric sensors and converts them into electrical signals for analysis. AE signals are closely associated with material vibration and are used to assess concrete damage. Key parameters such as energy and b-value are crucial for evaluating concrete damage. AE signals have been applied in estimating the structural strength of various concrete types, including asphalt concrete, rubber concrete, self-compacting concrete, ultra-high-performance concrete, and slag concrete. AE signals are also used to assess structural damage, with parameters such as energy, b-value, and T-value playing important roles in concrete damage research. The relationship between AE signals and damage is explored, and models are proposed to provide interpretable insights into damage evolution. AE signals are also combined with image recognition methods to study the evolution of concrete cracking and damage. Electrical resistivity (ER) monitoring assesses the safety of concrete structures by measuring changes in electrical resistance caused by internal structural changes or applied loads. ER changes can be used to infer the strength and extent of damage in concrete structures. ER monitoring is used to estimate structural properties such as strength, durability, and impermeability. ER is also used to assess structural damage, with the relationship between ER variations and crack development being explored. ER monitoring is combined with other monitoring techniques to enhance the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the assessment process. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) monitoring detects changes in stress and charge distribution within concrete during cracking, leading to the generation of an EMR field. EMR signals are used to assess concrete structural damage, with the intensity of EMR signals closely linked to mechanical strength. EMR signals are also used to monitor concrete under high temperatures and loading conditions. EMR monitoring is combined with other monitoring techniques to enhance the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the assessment process. Piezoelectric transducers (PZT) monitoring uses PZT materials to convert mechanical and electrical energy. PZT monitoring is used to assess structural properties such as strength and durability, and to detect damage in concrete structures. PZT monitoring is combined with other monitoring techniques to enhance the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the assessment process.This paper reviews traditional and novel methods for monitoring concrete structural properties and damage evolution, including emission techniques, electrical resistivity monitoring, electromagnetic radiation method, piezoelectric transducers, ultrasonic techniques, and infrared thermography. The fundamental principles, advantages, limitations, similarities, and differences of each monitoring technique are discussed, along with future research directions. Each method has its suitable monitoring scenarios, and in practical applications, several methods are often combined to achieve better monitoring results. The outcomes of this research provide valuable technical insights for future studies and advancements in the field of concrete structural health monitoring. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring captures acoustic wave signals generated during concrete cracking using piezoelectric sensors and converts them into electrical signals for analysis. AE signals are closely associated with material vibration and are used to assess concrete damage. Key parameters such as energy and b-value are crucial for evaluating concrete damage. AE signals have been applied in estimating the structural strength of various concrete types, including asphalt concrete, rubber concrete, self-compacting concrete, ultra-high-performance concrete, and slag concrete. AE signals are also used to assess structural damage, with parameters such as energy, b-value, and T-value playing important roles in concrete damage research. The relationship between AE signals and damage is explored, and models are proposed to provide interpretable insights into damage evolution. AE signals are also combined with image recognition methods to study the evolution of concrete cracking and damage. Electrical resistivity (ER) monitoring assesses the safety of concrete structures by measuring changes in electrical resistance caused by internal structural changes or applied loads. ER changes can be used to infer the strength and extent of damage in concrete structures. ER monitoring is used to estimate structural properties such as strength, durability, and impermeability. ER is also used to assess structural damage, with the relationship between ER variations and crack development being explored. ER monitoring is combined with other monitoring techniques to enhance the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the assessment process. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) monitoring detects changes in stress and charge distribution within concrete during cracking, leading to the generation of an EMR field. EMR signals are used to assess concrete structural damage, with the intensity of EMR signals closely linked to mechanical strength. EMR signals are also used to monitor concrete under high temperatures and loading conditions. EMR monitoring is combined with other monitoring techniques to enhance the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the assessment process. Piezoelectric transducers (PZT) monitoring uses PZT materials to convert mechanical and electrical energy. PZT monitoring is used to assess structural properties such as strength and durability, and to detect damage in concrete structures. PZT monitoring is combined with other monitoring techniques to enhance the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the assessment process.