Abstract: The self-prestressed ferro-based shape memory alloy (SMA) exhibits excellent mechanical properties and self-adjusting capabilities, which can effectively enhance the vibration control performance of structures, mitigate fatigue damage caused by cyclic loading, increase the load-bearing capacity, and prolong the service life of civil engineering structures. Moreover, when combined with intelligent civil engineering technology, self-prestressed iron-based SMA materials can provide self-sensing and adaptive functions in complex environments, and thus expand their application scope in civil engineering. This paper introduces the fundamental mechanical properties and self-prestressing characteristics of iron-based SMA and summarizes its applications and research advancements in the field of civil engineering. As a novel prestressed material, iron-based SMA stranded wires and cables have promising prospects for future applications in intelligent diagnosis, treatment, and self-repair of engineering structures.