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Advances Testing and Computation Methods for Disaster Mitigation of Engineering...
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Advances Testing and Computation Methods for Disaster Mitigation of Engineering Structures—2nd Edition

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 3670

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Liqiang Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: polymer-based building materials; structural engineering; steel structures; testing technique; earthquake engineering; artificial intelligence methoduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yi Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Interests: structural engineering; prefabricated building construction; steel–concrete composite structures; earthquake engineering; testing technique
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Wenwen Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
Interests: structural fire resistance; steel structures; structural insulation integrated building envelope; fire resistance design of tunnel structures
Dr. Jie Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, China
Interests: seismic performance research of concrete structures; high-performance foam concrete; precast shear wall; green and low-carbon rural buildings

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The safety of engineering structures under natural hazards (e.g., earthquake, wind, fire and tsunami) is a subject of great interest to researchers and is important for protecting human life and reducing economic losses. In the last few decades, with advancing knowledge and technology development on understanding and interpreting the mechanisms of natural hazards, new components, connections, devices, structural systems are proposed for mitigating damage to engineering structures, and new testing and computation methods are being developed for designing and analyzing such structures. Several relevant studies have already been published in the first volume of this Special Issue, which can be found at the following link: [https://www.mdpi.com/journal/buildings/special_issues/CO9FF76RZI].

This Special Issue is chiefly dedicated to current research on experimental, theoretical, and computational advanced methods for the mitigation of damage to engineering structures. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: analyzing and simulating natural hazards; the damage assessment of engineering structures under natural hazards; modeling and applications of new construction materials for structural engineering; design methodologies of newly developed structural components and systems; advanced testing and modelling technologies; maintenance, repair and retrofit of existing structures; vulnerability, risk and reliability assessment of engineering structures under earthquakes, winds, fires and tsunami; and advanced methods for the evaluation and design of resistant and resilient structural systems. 

Dr. Liqiang Jiang
Dr. Yi Hu
Dr. Wenwen Chen
Dr. Jie Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • structural engineering
  • natural hazard
  • testing technique
  • computation technique
  • AI-aimed simulation
  • construction material
  • structural design method
  • retrofit and repair
  • vulnerability and risk
  • damage assessment
  • performance-based design

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 4183 KB  
Article
Integrated Topology and Sizing Optimization of Frame Structure with Interstory Drift Ratio, Stability and Non-Intersecting Constraints
by Jiayi Hu, Ying Yang, Yigao Tan and Zeping Jiang
Buildings 2026, 16(6), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16061101 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 258
Abstract
Topology optimization has proven effective for achieving reliable designs under specific constraints. However, most existing studies focus on continuum structures, with limited attention given to frame structures despite their widespread use in practice. Motivated by this problem, this paper develops a lightweight optimization [...] Read more.
Topology optimization has proven effective for achieving reliable designs under specific constraints. However, most existing studies focus on continuum structures, with limited attention given to frame structures despite their widespread use in practice. Motivated by this problem, this paper develops a lightweight optimization method for frame structures that incorporates interstory drift ratio and stability constraints in a cost-effective manner. The novelty of this paper is not only that the deformation control and stability requirements are included into optimization, but also a new non-intersecting constraint is introduced to prevent member crossings in the final design. Moreover, to achieve projection of continuous size variables onto discrete standard members, the ordered solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) interpolation is combined with the normalized Heaviside function to project continuous size variables onto discrete standard members. Then, the sensitivities of the constraint functions with respect to topology and size design variables are derived, respectively, and the proposed integrated optimization problem is solved by a nested optimization algorithm. Finally, the proposed methodology is applied to the light-weight design of a 3D tower frame structure to further demonstrate the approach’s feasibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances Testing and Computation Methods for Disaster Mitigation of Engineering Structures—2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 6075 KB  
Article
Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Properties of Flexible Concrete Blanket Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles
by Xiang-Hua Song, Xiang-Yun Yuan, Jian-Cai Wang, Xiu-Guang Song, Ping Hu and Bao-Shuo Zhang
Buildings 2026, 16(5), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16051042 - 6 Mar 2026
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Flexible concrete blankets (FCBs) are emerging as a promising material for slope protection and surface stabilization, offering advantages of light weight, ease of installation, and environmental adaptability. This study investigates the mechanical properties, freeze–thaw resistance, and microstructural evolution of FCBs fabricated with varying [...] Read more.
Flexible concrete blankets (FCBs) are emerging as a promising material for slope protection and surface stabilization, offering advantages of light weight, ease of installation, and environmental adaptability. This study investigates the mechanical properties, freeze–thaw resistance, and microstructural evolution of FCBs fabricated with varying cement–sand ratios and high alumina cement dosages. A series of mechanical tests, including compressive, flexural, and tensile strength evaluations, were conducted alongside freeze–thaw cycling tests (up to 125 cycles) to assess mass loss and strength retention. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were employed to elucidate the hydration mechanisms and damage evolution at the microstructural level. The results demonstrate that FCBs exhibit ductile failure behavior, with peak tensile strengths ranging from 3.1 to 4.5 MPa and tensile strain capacities ranging from 5 to 16%. The optimal mix achieved a compressive strength of 51.2 MPa after 28 days of curing. Freeze–thaw cycling induced a two-stage degradation pattern, with damage initiation occurring at approximately 50 cycles and significant deterioration beyond 75 cycles. After 125 cycles, mass loss ranged from 4.39% to 4.99%, and compressive strength retention varied between 78% and 83%, depending on the mix composition. Mixtures with balanced cement–sand ratios (1:1) and moderate Portland cement content demonstrated superior frost resistance, whereas high alumina cement-rich mixtures exhibited pronounced structural loosening due to phase transformations of unstable hydration products. These findings provide a theoretical and experimental basis for optimizing the composition of FCBs to achieve enhanced mechanical performance and durability in cold-region engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances Testing and Computation Methods for Disaster Mitigation of Engineering Structures—2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 5307 KB  
Article
Seismic Behavior and Flexural Strength Prediction of HFSW Precast Thermal Self-Insulating Shear Walls
by Jie Li, Long Xu, Yuechao Yang and Zhongfan Chen
Buildings 2026, 16(5), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16050955 - 28 Feb 2026
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Based on the dual requirements of building energy efficiency and construction industrialization, along with the development of high-strength, high thermal resistance (low thermal conductivity) foamed concrete (HLFC), this study proposes a new prefabricated high-strength foamed concrete thermal self-insulating shear wall system (called HFSW [...] Read more.
Based on the dual requirements of building energy efficiency and construction industrialization, along with the development of high-strength, high thermal resistance (low thermal conductivity) foamed concrete (HLFC), this study proposes a new prefabricated high-strength foamed concrete thermal self-insulating shear wall system (called HFSW shear wall) suitable for multi-story buildings, which could address the core shortcomings of existing organic insulation materials in buildings, such as poor fire resistance and short life cycles. Concerning the research gap in the flexural performance of this wall type, this study conducted seismic tests on two full-scale wall models and systematically analyzed the fundamental performance parameters under quasi-static loading, including bending failure phenomena, load-bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility. The results show that HFSW walls with large shear span ratios generally exhibit typical bending failure characteristics. However, due to the relatively low material strength, extensive development of shear and flexural–shear cracks occurs, leading to minimal differences in typical seismic performance indicators compared to shear-dominated failure scenarios in traditional shear walls (indicating significant flexural–shear coupling effects). Finally, a finite element model was used to simulate the wall capacity under various parameters, including axial compression ratio, wall thickness, and longitudinal reinforcement in edge columns. Based on the validated and calibrated finite element results, and in accordance with the wall failure mode as well as the load transfer mechanism, a calculation model for the flexural strength of HFSW shear walls was established to guide design and engineering application, achieving a theoretical calculation accuracy of 0.97. The research findings provide meaningful guidance for the design and application of this wall system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances Testing and Computation Methods for Disaster Mitigation of Engineering Structures—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 4233 KB  
Article
Theoretical Calculation Modeling of Thermal Conductivity of Geopolymer Foam Concrete in Building Structures Based on Image Recognition
by Yanqing Xu, Wenwen Chen, Jie Li, Qun Xie, Mingqiang Lin, Haibo Fang, Zhihao Du and Liqiang Jiang
Buildings 2025, 15(19), 3494; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193494 - 28 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1127
Abstract
A novel thermal conductivity prediction model was developed to address the complex influence of pore structure in porous materials. This model incorporates pore size (d) and a pore distribution parameter (t) to calculate the material’s thermal conductivity. To validate the model’s accuracy, geopolymer [...] Read more.
A novel thermal conductivity prediction model was developed to address the complex influence of pore structure in porous materials. This model incorporates pore size (d) and a pore distribution parameter (t) to calculate the material’s thermal conductivity. To validate the model’s accuracy, geopolymer foamed concrete (GFC) samples with varying pore structures were fabricated. These utilized ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as the precursor, a mixed solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate as the alkaline activator, and sodium stearate (NaSt), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) as foam stabilizers. Conventional pore size characterization techniques exhibit limitations; consequently, this research implements a high-fidelity machine vision-driven image analysis methodology. Pore size measurement is achieved through a combined technical approach involving equivalent diameter modeling and morphological optimization. The feasibility of the proposed theory is validated by our experimental data and data from previous literature, with the error between experimental and theoretical values maintained within 5%. The value of t increases with increasing porosity and increasing disorder in pore distribution. Based on the experimental data obtained in this study and the research data from previous scholars’ studies, the t value for porous materials can be categorized according to porosity: when porosity is approximately 30%, t ≈ 0.9; when porosity is 55~65%, t ranges from 1.2 to 1.3; and when porosity is approximately 80%, t ranges from 1.9 to 2.2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances Testing and Computation Methods for Disaster Mitigation of Engineering Structures—2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 5659 KB  
Article
Research on the Punching Shear Performance of Steel Grid–UHPC Composite Bridge Decks
by Sumei Liu, Peng Wang, Pengfei Ren and Hanshan Ding
Buildings 2025, 15(18), 3398; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15183398 - 19 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1088
Abstract
This study conducted punching shear tests on steel grid–ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) composite bridge decks and performed finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate their punching shear performance. Initially, a comparative analysis is conducted between the test results and FEA results. The findings indicate that, [...] Read more.
This study conducted punching shear tests on steel grid–ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) composite bridge decks and performed finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate their punching shear performance. Initially, a comparative analysis is conducted between the test results and FEA results. The findings indicate that, due to the presence of T-shape steel in this new type of bridge decks, variations in the spacing between adjacent T-shape steel members can lead to two distinct punching shear failure modes: conventional failure mode and unconventional failure mode. Under identical conditions and test specimen parameters, the punching shear capacity associated with the unconventional failure mode is approximately 35% higher than that of the conventional failure mode. Subsequently, a parametric analysis is performed using the FEA method, and the results indicate that, for the composite bridge deck experiencing conventional failure mode, the punching shear capacity decreases approximately linearly with increasing UHPC plate width, whereas it increases approximately linearly with increasing UHPC plate thickness. The type of T-shape steel exhibits negligible influence on the punching shear capacity of the steel grid–UHPC composite bridge deck. Finally, based on the formula for calculating the punching shear capacity of conventional plates in Chinese standards, this paper introduces a correction coefficient that accounts for the width-to-thickness ratio of UHPC plate and proposes an improved calculation method applicable for determining the punching shear capacity of steel grid–UHPC composite bridge decks under conventional punching shear failure mode condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances Testing and Computation Methods for Disaster Mitigation of Engineering Structures—2nd Edition)
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