Research Trends and Gaps Relevant to the Safety and Balance of Structures Affected by Earthquakes and Floods: A Combined Literature Review and Systematic Bibliometrix Analysis ^†

Abstract

This study examines research trends and identifies key gaps relevant to the field of structural safety and resilience; additionally, a systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA methodology was conducted, analyzing 4188 documents ranging from 1975 to 2025. The research revealed key trends, including a focus on various aspects of the structural stability and resilience of buildings affected by earthquakes through analysis of various innovative methods and materials. The present study encompasses work describing the use of steel–wood composite columns to improve building stability, assessment of the impact of wood accumulation on bridges during floods, and the effect of debris flow on the stability of check dams. In addition, this study also evaluates the seismic performance of school buildings in Mexico, a method of diagnosing cracks in concrete dams, and the application of recycled materials from old tires for seismic disaster mitigation. Acoustic emission monitoring methods in medieval towers and the design of seismic isolation systems with variable damping are also discussed. Bibliometric analysis highlighted increased collaboration and a thematic shift towards green and data-driven approaches. However, significant gaps were identified. The findings explain that the use of innovative materials and methods can improve the stability and resistance of building structures with respect to dynamic loads, such as those associated with earthquakes and floods. The findings provide guidance for the design and maintenance of safer and more sustainable infrastructure in the future.

1. Introduction

The background of this research is the importance of stability and durability of building structures in disaster-prone areas [1,2], given the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change [3,4]. The use of composite materials and modern technology in building construction is expected to provide a more effective and sustainable solution to this challenge [5,6]. Figure 1 can show the rate at which this dataset is growing [7].

The data shows a 6.38% annual growth in publications from 1975 to 2025, indicating a strong and consistent upward trend driven by technological advances and global collaboration (17.94%). With an average of 5.32 authors per paper and 19.89 citations per document, the research is influential and of high quality. The diversity of keywords and low average document age (6.43 years) reflect the field’s relevance and evolution.

This study employs a systematic literature review and orthogonal experimental design, supported by lab/field tests, numerical analysis, and simulations [8,9]. It also investigates recycled and modified materials used to enhance structural sustainability and performance [10,11].

1.1. Research Objectives

This study aims to identify research trends and gaps related to structural safety and stability under conditions associated with earthquakes and floods, using bibliometric analysis and a PRISMA-based systematic literature review. The analysis covers publication patterns, collaboration networks, and topic distribution in works ranging from 1975 to 2025.

The findings are expected to guide future research, support evidence-based policy-making for resilient infrastructure, and promote international collaboration on disaster-related structural challenges.

1.2. Bibliometrix Theory

Bibliometrix analysis is a quantitative method for analyzing scientific publication metadata to identify research patterns, trends, and relationships among authors, keywords, institutions, and regions [12,13]. Developed by Massimo Aria and his team at the University of Naples Federico II, it uses the Bibliometrix R-package 2024.04.1+748 (Chocolate Cosmos) for in-depth bibliometric analysis [14,15]. Introduced in a 2017 article by Aria and Cuccurullo [16,17], this method supports co-occurrence, co-citation, and thematic mapping, making it valuable for tracking scientific development, identifying research gaps, and evaluating academic influence [18,19].

2. Systematic Literature Review

The systematic literature eview (SLR) is a structured method used to identify, evaluate, and synthesize research on a specific topic, following transparent and replicable protocols [20,21]. Originating from the healthcare sector through the Cochrane Collaboration in the 1990s [22], SLR aims to minimize bias and guide future research by highlighting knowledge gaps [23]. Over time, it has been adopted across various disciplines, supported by standardized frameworks like PRISMA, which outlines clear steps for searching, screening, and analyzing works in the literature [24,25].

PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) is a guideline introduced in 2009 by David Moher to enhance the transparency and consistency of SLR and meta-analysis reporting [26,27]. Evolving from the earlier QUOROM guideline (1999), PRISMA includes detailed steps and flowcharts for tracking the selection of works from the literature [28]. It is widely applicable across disciplines and study types, not just clinical trials [29]. The latest update, PRISMA 2020, offers more comprehensive guidance, reflecting advancements in research methods and technology [30,31,32].

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Methodology

This research uses a combination of systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis to explore research trends and gaps relevant to the safety and balance of structures [33,34].

Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology, the research process utilized clearly structured stages of data collection, screening, and analysis to ensure transparency and comprehensiveness [35,36,37]. The terms associated with the project exploring research trends and gaps relevant to the safety and soundness of structures affected by earthquakes and major floods are depicted in Figure 2.

The research process illustrates each step from initial search to final data collection. The number of documents covering the theme to be identified, based on the final selection, was 47. In the context of the PRISMA flowchart, the screening process aimed to identify relevant documents regarding gaps in security and balance of structures. The details of each screening step and the resulting number of documents are described below.

3.2. Data Collection and Screening

The Scopus database was used to collect data from works published from 1975 to 2025, focusing on journal articles in English, within the engineering field, and related to the terms “structural stability,” “safety,” and “earthquake”. The search excluded preprints, conference papers, and inaccessible documents. After an initial 511 results, broader screening yielded a total of 898 articles. After applying criteria such as relevance, publication type, and accessibility—especially focusing on the last 10 years—a final set of 47 documents was selected for comprehensive analysis. Bibliometric analysis was conducted in three stages: 898 articles, a narrowing to 130, and a final list of 47 articles

3.3. Bibliometrix Analysis

The bibliometric analysis aimed to identify trends and themes in structural safety and stability research. Using tools like VOSviewer Bibliometrix R-package 2024.04.1+748 (Chocolate Cosmos), keyword co-occurrence revealed several major themes. Publication trends from 1975 to 2025 showed spikes after major disasters, such as earthquakes in Japan (1995) and Haiti (2010). Collaboration networks highlighted contributions from disaster-prone countries like Japan, Indonesia, and Mexico. Key journals included Engineering Structures, Journal of Structural Engineering, and Earthquake Engineering. The analysis showed increased international collaboration and a shift toward data-driven methods and eco-friendly materials.

3.4. Systematic Literature Review (SLR)

The SLR reviewed articles in depth, grouping them according to themes like structural stability under dynamic loads, safety monitoring, and innovative materials. It analyzed methodologies including simulations, experiments, and tech-based approaches. The key findings highlight the potential of recycled concrete and AI monitoring models but reveal limited field testing and practical application, indicating research gaps in implementing these innovations for large structures.

3.5. Data Integration and Synthesis

Data integration combines the bibliometric and SLR results for a comprehensive view, comparing thematic trends and research focuses. It identified gaps like the limited study of innovative materials in extreme conditions, underuse of real-time data-driven monitoring (e.g., IoT, acoustic sensors), and insufficient research on recycled materials used for earthquake resistance. The findings can guide improvements in structural safety through new materials, advanced monitoring, and global collaboration.

4. Results and Discussion

The results of the bibliometric analysis show that the key information found in the Scopus database comes from a total of 511 document data sets; 130 document records were found in the first screening, but only 47 documents could be processed with SLR, as can be seen in

Table 1. Bibliometrix: Overall information analysis.

Data Description:	Timespan 1	Timespan 2	Timespan 3
Central Aspects of the Data
Timespan	1975:2025	1993:2020	2015:2020
Sources (Journals, Books, etc.)	808	281	241
Documents	1466	888	609
Annual Growth Rate %	6.38	14.62	26.27
Document Average Age	6.43	9.9	6.78
Average Number of Citations per Doc	19.89	36.37	22.07
References	0	43,709	35,290
DOCUMENT CONTENTS
Keywords Plus (ID)	11,615	1915	1614
Author’s Keywords (DE)	4552	2239	1685
AUTHORS
Authors	7003	2064	1567
Authors of Single-Author Docs	82	108	53
AUTHORS’ COLLABORATION
Single-Author Docs	86	117	53
Co-Authors per Doc	5.32	2.97	3.12
International Co-Authorships %	17.94	36.82	42.04
DOCUMENT TYPES
All Papers	1064	853	590
Papers—Journal Articles	9	1	1
Papers—Conference Papers	3	9	9
Papers—Reviews	1	25	9

.

The number of research publications on structural safety and stability decreased from 1466 (1975–2025) to 609 (2015–2020), but the annual growth rate significantly increased, reaching 26.27% in the most recent period. The number of keywords also declined, indicating a more focused research scope. Collaboration among researchers, especially international cooperation, rose notably, from 36.82% (1993–2020) to 42.04% (2015–2020). Although the total number of publications decreased, the quality, depth, and global collaboration in this research area continue to grow, reflecting strong ongoing interest in structural safety in the context of major disasters.

The image above shows a keyword network with two main groups. The first group (blue) focuses on material technology, especially lithium-ion batteries and structural stability, highlighting terms like “stability,” “cathodes,” and “finite element method.” The second group (red) relates to safety and biological impacts, featuring terms like “safety,” “humans,” and “temperature,” reflecting experimental studies on material effects on health and the environment. The groups are linked by terms like “safety” and “temperature,” showing the connection between material engineering and biological safety. Stability is crucial for durability and performance, particularly in lithium-ion batteries, in which unstable materials can lead to degradation and hazards.

4.1. Author Network Analysis

Author trend network analysis is a method used to understand the relationships, collaborations, and patterns of connectedness between authors within a research field or scientific community. By utilizing tools such as bibliometric analysis and network analysis, it provides insights into how authors work together, how their contributions are distributed, and key trends in academic collaboration. A depiction of the Author Network Trends can be seen in Figure 3.

This figure tracks authors’ publication patterns and their impact using “Total Citations per Year” as a quality measure. It shows both the number of articles and their influence. Authors like Wang Hao have high productivity and impact, while others like Sultan Asath Bahadur and Wu Qiong have smaller contributions. Publication activity increased from 2020 to 2024, possibly due to new research developments or collaborations. Articles with a high number of citations highlight important work in the field.

The main purpose of the graph is to evaluate the scientific impact of the authors, using the H-index. In this context, the H-index measures the number of publications that have at least “H” citations. For example, if an author has an H-index of 5, it means that they have five publications that have at least five citations each. Based on the search analysis, the author’s citations are shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 illustrates the distribution of authors’ scientific work over time, emphasizing both the number of publications and the citations received per year. The node size corresponds to the number of articles published, while the intensity indicates the volume of annual citations.

The results reveal that Wu Qiong and Huang Yunhui demonstrate the longest and most consistent research productivity, extending continuously until 2024. Wang Hao made notable contributions between 2021 and 2022, with a relatively high number of publications, indicating an emerging influence in the field. In contrast, authors such as Sultan Asath Bahadur, Zocchedi Azar, and Li Zhen represent more recent contributors, with their publications concentrated within the last three years (2021–2024).

Overall, the temporal trend indicates a marked increase in research activity during the most recent period, reflecting growing academic interest in this field. While some recent publications have accumulated relatively few citations, they possess strong potential for future impact as the research area continues to develop. This suggests a dual contribution: established researchers provide continuity and depth, while newer contributors introduce diversification and expansion.

In terms of local impact, authors such as Liang Shuquan, Mai Liqiang, and Wang Hao stand out, as their publications consistently gain recognition within their respective research communities. Most authors exhibit H-index values of 4 or 5, reflecting a relatively uniform and sustained level of influence. This consistency suggests that the network is composed of scholars who prioritize quality and impact over mere quantity of publications, underscoring the importance of collaboration within the field. Next, the collaboration among authors across countries is presented in Figure 4.

Figure 4 presents the international collaboration map, illustrating the global research network in this field. In this visualization, darker blue shades represent countries with higher research output, while lighter blue shades indicate lower levels of publication activity. The connecting lines signify the intensity of collaborative ties across nations.

The figure shows that China emerges as the dominant contributor, both in publication volume (indicated by the darkest blue shade) and as the central hub of international cooperation. China demonstrates strong collaborative links with the United States, several European countries, Australia, and other Asian nations, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping global research directions.

The United States also appears as a major node of collaboration, frequently partnering with China and European countries, thereby reinforcing the transcontinental exchange of knowledge. Meanwhile, countries such as India, Malaysia, and Australia appear in lighter blue but still demonstrate active participation, expanding the global research network.

Overall, the color distribution and collaboration links in Figure 4 highlight how the field is increasingly shaped by cross-border partnerships, with China acting as the primary driver of research productivity and international engagement. The growing intensity of these connections reflects the importance of knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and diverse perspectives in advancing the field.

Authors such as Liang Shuquan, Mai Liqiang, and Wang Hao are at the top of the list in terms of local impact, indicating that they have built strong reputations with publications that consistently gain recognition within their communities. Most authors have high H-index values (4 or 5), indicating that they are actively producing work that is relevant and recognized by other researchers. The variation in H- index within the network is quite small, with all values between 4 and 5. This suggests that the network consists of authors who have a relatively uniform and high level of impact. The focus on H-index in this graph shows that this academic community or network emphasizes quality of publications and impact rather than just quantity, and values collaboration.

The collaborative network analysis revealed important collaboration patterns in research on the safety and balance of earthquake-affected structures, demonstrating the diversity and focus of the research efforts from around the world. In this analysis, each of the three datasets (Dataset 898, Dataset 130, and Dataset 47) reinforces the emphasis on collaboration.

In the initial dataset of 898 documents, the network map revealed a vast network of collaboration. China has become a major hub, with a dense network of connections with countries around the world. Key partnerships include ties with the United States, Norway, and Italy. These relationships underscore China’s role as a global research center for work, for example, on seawater-impacted road infrastructure, one encouraging diverse and deep cooperation. With the data reduced to 130 documents, the collaboration network has become more focused, with an emphasis on impactful and sustainable partnerships. The United States takes center stage, with notable collaborations with China and European countries such as Austria. In the final dataset of 47 documents, the network is refined into the strongest and most specialized partnerships. China leads, with a focus on close cooperation with smaller but significant influences, especially with respect to Norway and the United States. The reductions incorporated in this network analysis demonstrate the prioritization of existing research reports aimed at addressing advanced issues on the safety and balance of earthquake-affected structures. The following graph, Figure 5, shows the countries that have produced articles on the safety and balance of structures affected by major earthquakes and floods. Annual article production by country is presented in Figure 5.

China’s rapid increase in article production after 2015 made it a global leader in scientific research by 2025, surpassing other countries like the USA. This growth is driven by strong investments in R&D, access to advanced technology, global collaboration, and supportive government policies. Leading universities in China, the USA, and India contribute significantly to high-quality research. While China dominates, the USA remains strong, India and Korea continue to grow, and Australia has produced fewer articles, possibly due to having different research focuses.

Table 2. Journal impact data collection (898) documents.

Source	H_INDEX	G_INDEX	M_INDEX	TC	NP	PY_START
Journal of Materials Chemistry A	20	29	1.667	2151	29	2014
Chemical Engineering Journal	17	29	2.429	898	29	2019
Journal of Power Sources	13	21	1	2878	21	2013
ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces	12	23	1.2	935	23	2016
Advanced Energy Materials	12	15	1.333	2074	15	2017
Journal of Alloys and Compounds	10	18	1.25	343	19	2018
Energy Storage Materials	9	15	1.8	386	15	2021
ACS Applied Energy Materials	8	12	1	188	12	2018
Journal of Energy Chemistry	8	11	1.6	178	11	2021
Advanced Functional Materials	7	11	1	295	11	2019

shows that Journal of Materials Chemistry A leads in influence, with the highest H-index (20) and total citations (2151), highlighting its importance in innovative materials research related to earthquake- and flood-resistant structures. Since 2014, it has steadily grown, focusing on energy resources that can inform sustainable, disaster-resistant designs.

Chemical Engineering Journal also ranks highly, with an H-index of 17 and strong yearly impact, contributing valuable research on materials and engineering for structural safety.

Specialized journals and journals more recently founded are gaining in importance according to the focused research datasets. Additionally,

Table 3. Countries’ contributions and associated article citations in research on structural safety and balance in the context of major earthquakes and floods.

Country	Freq	Country	Freq
China	1825	Romania	7
South Korea	278	Slovakia	7
USA	263	Algeria	6
India	196	Austria	6
Australia	60	Argentina	5
Canada	54	Belgium	5
Italy	52	Greece	5
Iran	49	Kazakhstan	5
Japan	45	Mexico	5
Germany	44	Cuba	4
Brazil	43	Finland	4
Spain	41	Norway	4
UK	40	Denmark	3
Saudi Arabia	34	Ecuador	3
Singapore	32	Ethiopia	3
Portugal	28	Ireland	3
Pakistan	25	Lithuania	3
Indonesia	21	Montenegro	3
Bangladesh	20	Botswana	2
Hungary	19	Chile	2
Thailand	19	Croatia	2
France	17	Ghana	2
Turkey	17	Kuwait	2
Egypt	14	New Zealand	2
The Netherlands	14	North Macedonia	2
Nigeria	14	Peru	2
Sweden	14	Philippines	2
Switzerland	13	Qatar	2
Iraq	11	Ukraine	2
Malaysia	11	United Arab Emirates	2
Colombia	10	Armenia	1
Morocco	10	Azerbaijan	1
Poland	10	Israel	1
South Africa	10	Jordan	1
Czech Republic	7	Nepal	1
Oman	1

lists countries’ contributions and publication venues, showing the impact and quality of research in this field.

This data highlights global contributions to research on structural safety in the context of natural disasters. China leads with 1825 publications, driven by its vulnerability to earthquakes and floods, and strong research support. South Korea (278) and the USA (265) follow, reflecting their technological strengths and diverse challenges with respect to disasters.

Other notable contributors include India (196), focusing on disaster-resistant infrastructure, and Japan (45), with expertise from events like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. Countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, and Iran also contribute, although with fewer publications, due to their disaster risks.

Overall, research in this field is a global effort, with high-risk countries prioritizing safety and technologically advanced nations driving innovation. The volume of publications shows the importance of this topic for human safety and infrastructure resilience worldwide.

4.2. Systematic Literature Review (SLR)

This review focuses on the safety and stability of building structures during natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, a growing concern due to climate change. It identifies research trends, technologies, and strategies aiming to enhance structural resilience. The key findings highlight the use of advanced materials such as fiber-reinforced concrete and shape memory alloys, which can better withstand earthquake damage.

Research on structural safety in the context of earthquakes and floods highlights the use of innovative materials like fiber concrete and shape memory alloys, aiming to enhance resilience. Advanced numerical models help predict the responses of buildings to earthquakes, while watertight foundations improve flood resistance. Overall, progress in materials, design, and monitoring boosts structural safety, but global collaboration and multidisciplinary efforts are essential for developing better and cost-effective solutions.

Research methods in studying structural safety in the context of earthquakes and floods have advanced significantly. Dynamic analysis using software like ABAQUS and ANSYS helps to simulate buildings’ responses to seismic events, identifying weak points for improvement. Innovative materials like fiber concrete and shape memory alloys enhance resistance to stress. Real-time monitoring with IoT sensors enables early damage detection. Probabilistic methods combined with simulations, such as methods incorporating Monte Carlo analysis, improve risk assessment. Together, these technologies and approaches support better design and disaster-mitigation strategies.

4.3. Identified Gaps

Gaps in structural safety in the context of earthquakes and floods stem from poor building designs that do not meet resistance standards, which are especially found in older constructions. Inadequate risk mapping leads to development in disaster-prone areas without proper protection. Weak enforcement of construction standards and lack of awareness worsen the problem. Environmental mismanagement, such as instances of poor drainage and deforestation, increases flood risks, which are amplified by climate change. The current methods focus on modeling and measurements but lack integration of civil engineering with environmental science. More research on long-term monitoring and sustainable solutions is needed to improve disaster-resistant structures.

5. Conclusions

The safety and balance of structures in the context of earthquakes and floods are crucial aspects of civil engineering that require careful planning and appropriate technology. Earthquakes impose dynamic loads that can cause deformation or even collapse, while floods risk weakening foundations, increasing lateral pressure, and causing soil erosion that contributes to building instability. Overcoming these challenges requires flexible and adaptive structural designs with the use of earthquake-resistant materials, such as fiber-reinforced concrete or special steel, as well as energy-damping systems to reduce the impact of vibrations.

In addition, foundation systems should be designed to withstand loads due to shaking and water pressure, for example, by using deep foundations or soil stabilization techniques to prevent erosion and displacement. Disaster monitoring technologies such as seismic sensors and GIS-based hydrological models also play an important role in predicting risks and enabling faster and more accurate mitigation actions.

With a holistic approach that includes technological innovation, strict regulations, and collaboration, building structures can be made to better withstand the impacts of earthquakes and floods, reducing the risks of damage and loss of life in the future.