Composite Structural Members in the Building Sector: From Design to Materials

Dear Colleagues,

Traditionally, structural members consist of conventional materials, such as masonry, timber, steel, and concrete, have dominated the building sector. However, in recent years, composite structural members have attracted significant interest as replacements due to their numerous advantages. The use of composite structural members is widely recognized as an efficient way of enhancing structural performance by ensuring that the two (or more) materials used in the composite structural member act as a unit. Such arrangements seek to combine their different properties to provide a more effective overall solution.

To date, the number of primary structural applications of composite structural members in building construction has remained relatively low and there appear to be several issues contributing to their slow uptake by the construction industry. Issues such as cost, absence of design standards, lack of industry standardization, poor understanding of construction issues by composites industry, and lack of designers experienced with composite structures are commonly placing these structural members at a disadvantage when considered against traditional structural members.

This Special Issue of Buildings will focus on innovative and emerging methods and solutions, developed by researchers and professional engineers around the globe, to promote and advance the use of composite structural members in the building sector.

Dr. Harry Far
Guest Editor

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