Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.4
3.1
Journals
Buildings
Special Issues
Large-Span, Tall and Special Steel and Composite Structures
share announcement

Large-Span, Tall and Special Steel and Composite Structures

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2026 | Viewed by 2791

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. Fengcheng Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225012, China
Interests: structural engineering; steel structures; modular steel structure; large-span spatial structures; structural optimization
Dr. Tianxing Wen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
Interests: structural engineering; steel structures; performance-based design; engineering seismology; earthquake engineering; artificial intelligence; uncertainty quantification

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Steel structures, especially large-span, tall and special steel and composite structures, have gained significant popularity in civil engineering due to their high assembly rate, ease of construction, and excellent ductility.

In recent years, advancements in intelligent design and construction techniques have shown great potential in enhancing the performance, efficiency, and resilience of steel structures.

This Special Issue is dedicated, but not limited to, current research on experimental, theoretical, computational, and related research work on large-span, tall and special steel and composite structures.

Dr. Liqiang Jiang
Dr. Fengcheng Liu
Dr. Tianxing Wen
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
  • large-span spatial structures
  • steel and steel composite structures
  • optimization design
  • computation technique
  • numerical methods for shape finding and optimization
  • high strength steel
  • construction material
  • structural design method
  • retrofit and repair
  • additively manufactured metal structures
  • damage assessment
  • performance-based design
  • intelligent steel structure design

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

26 pages, 5902 KB  
Article
Analysis of Structural Contact and Collision Behavior Based on Member Discrete Element Method for Large-Span Structures
by Qiang Xu, Chuanzhi Sun, Quan Li, Yupei Yang and Lei Tong
Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081582 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 240
Abstract
Large-span structures may experience progressive collapse involving complex member collisions, for which efficient and accurate simulation remains a challenging problem in engineering practice. Conventional finite element methods are computationally inefficient in such scenarios due to repeated reconstruction of contact constraints and global stiffness [...] Read more.
Large-span structures may experience progressive collapse involving complex member collisions, for which efficient and accurate simulation remains a challenging problem in engineering practice. Conventional finite element methods are computationally inefficient in such scenarios due to repeated reconstruction of contact constraints and global stiffness matrices, while existing member discrete element method (MDEM) approaches lack a unified contact algorithm capable of handling both “point–line” and “line–line” contact modes. To address these limitations, this study extends the MDEM framework for structural collision analyses by establishing unified “point–line” and “line–line” contact models. A “virtual contact point pair” concept was introduced to define critical contact constraints, and corresponding contact force formulations were derived. A Fortran-based computational program was developed. Numerical validation through typical examples showed that the maximum relative error was 4.2% for the elastic ring problem and 3.1% for the double cantilever beam, while the rebound angle deviation in the flexible ring impact case was less than 2°. The proposed method avoids global stiffness matrix reconstruction and achieves a 95–98% accuracy compared to reference solutions under recommended parameters, providing an efficient approach for simulating member collisions in large-span structural collapse and supporting engineering analyses and design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Large-Span, Tall and Special Steel and Composite Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 10295 KB  
Article
Experimental Research on the Bending Constitutive Model of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Panels at Elevated Temperatures
by Jie Li, Long Xu, Yutong Dong, Wenwen Chen, Xiaotian Zhang and Jiankang Lin
Buildings 2026, 16(7), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16071338 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 343
Abstract
During fires, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments induces out-of-plane deformation in steel studs. Due to the differential coefficients of thermal expansion between panels and steel, the panels exert a restraining effect on the studs. However, there remains a lack of [...] Read more.
During fires, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments induces out-of-plane deformation in steel studs. Due to the differential coefficients of thermal expansion between panels and steel, the panels exert a restraining effect on the studs. However, there remains a lack of systematic experimental and theoretical models addressing the failure modes, restraining mechanisms, and synergistic effects of various panels on steel studs. This study conducted high-temperature bending tests to compare the failure modes, load–displacement curves, and key mechanical parameters (peak load, elastic stiffness) of connections combining steel studs with three types of panels: autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC) panels, fire-resistant gypsum boards, and medium-density calcium silicate board. The research clarifies the constraining effect and temperature sensitivity of different panels. Based on experimental data, a bending constitutive model was developed to quantify the attenuation of the out-of-plane constraining effect at elevated temperatures. The results indicate that the load–displacement curves exhibit three distinct stages: Elastic Ascending Stage, Elastoplastic Ascending Stage, and Post-Peak Stage. A two-stage bending constitutive model was proposed and formulated. Comparison between numerical simulations and experimental specimens in terms of failure modes and characteristic parameters demonstrated that simplifying the panels as spring elements, with stiffness defined by the proposed bending constitutive model, yields errors within 15%, confirming the accuracy of the model. This study systematically investigates the influence of sheathing panels on the high-temperature out-of-plane mechanical behavior of cold-formed steel studs, innovatively proposes a two-stage bending constitutive model, provides theoretical and data support for cold-formed steel structural fire-resistant design, and offers new perspectives and methodologies for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Large-Span, Tall and Special Steel and Composite Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 5608 KB  
Article
Elastic Behavior and Load-Carrying Capacity of Longitudinal Shuttle-Shaped Concrete-Filled Steel Column with Cruciform Sections
by Boli Zhu, Qiang Fu, Haoxiang Liao and Xiaodong Wang
Buildings 2026, 16(7), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16071301 - 25 Mar 2026
Viewed by 280
Abstract
Longitudinal shuttle-shaped concrete-filled steel column with cruciform sections (LSS-CFST-CS) is highly valued by architects and structural engineers for its distinctive appearance and significant architectural impact in spatial steel structures. However, there are currently no available studies addressing the buckling behavior, load-carrying capacity, and [...] Read more.
Longitudinal shuttle-shaped concrete-filled steel column with cruciform sections (LSS-CFST-CS) is highly valued by architects and structural engineers for its distinctive appearance and significant architectural impact in spatial steel structures. However, there are currently no available studies addressing the buckling behavior, load-carrying capacity, and strength design methods of such structures. This study numerically investigates the elastic buckling behavior, load-carrying capacity, and design methods of LSS-CFST-CS under axial compression, as well as under combined axial compression and bending moment. First, closed-form solutions for the elastic buckling load under axial compression are derived for a pinned–pinned tapered concrete-filled steel column (TCFST) with cruciform sections and standard LSS-CFST-CS, respectively. The resulting solutions are validated against finite element (FE) numerical results from a wide range of LSS-CFST-CS examples, and the corresponding buckling modes are examined. Next, a unified expression for the elastic buckling load under axial compression is established for both types of TCFST and standard LSS-CFST-CS. Finally, a parametric study incorporating initial geometric imperfections is conducted to investigate the load-carrying capacity of LSS-CFST-CS and to quantify the influence of key parameters on stability capacity. On this basis, design recommendations for the stability capacity are proposed for axial compression and combined axial compression and bending moment of LSS-CFST-CS, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Large-Span, Tall and Special Steel and Composite Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 9279 KB  
Article
Research on Finite Element Analysis Method of Curved Beam Walking Incremental Launching Construction
by Wen Li, Lipeng An, Tianxing Wen, Hong Wang and Liqiang Jiang
Buildings 2026, 16(5), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16050965 - 1 Mar 2026
Viewed by 489
Abstract
The “direct method” is commonly employed to establish analytical models for assessing the stress state of curved beam bridges during incremental walking-launch construction. However, this approach often involves cumbersome mathematical derivations for curved elements and entails high computational costs. To overcome these limitations, [...] Read more.
The “direct method” is commonly employed to establish analytical models for assessing the stress state of curved beam bridges during incremental walking-launch construction. However, this approach often involves cumbersome mathematical derivations for curved elements and entails high computational costs. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a “straight-line substitution method” and examines its applicability for analyzing the mechanical behavior of a composite system consisting of steel box girders and steel guide beams during the curved beam walking-launch process. Using a curved river-crossing bridge as a case study, finite element analysis (FEA) is conducted to compare the mechanical responses of the composite system under various loading conditions obtained from the proposed method and the conventional direct method. Furthermore, a parameter analysis is performed to investigate the influence of variations in beam height and width on the consistency between the two methods. The results demonstrate that the straight-line substitution method yields computational outcomes highly consistent with those of the direct method across different beam heights and widths. Moreover, the proposed method exhibits superior modeling efficiency compared to the direct method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Large-Span, Tall and Special Steel and Composite Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 4334 KB  
Article
Quantifying Vertical Temperature Non-Uniformity for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Fire-Resistant Design
by Wenwen Chen and Jihong Ye
Buildings 2026, 16(3), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16030502 - 26 Jan 2026
Viewed by 311
Abstract
The time–temperature curve serves as a fundamental input for calculating structural fire resistance. Accurate acquisition of this curve is essential for designing structures to withstand fire incidents effectively. In this study, fire test temperature variation data were analyzed to develop a comprehensive understanding [...] Read more.
The time–temperature curve serves as a fundamental input for calculating structural fire resistance. Accurate acquisition of this curve is essential for designing structures to withstand fire incidents effectively. In this study, fire test temperature variation data were analyzed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the temperature-rise curve, categorized into three primary phases: Confined Fire Phase, Reignition Phase, and Flashover to Fully Developed Fire. To address non-uniform temperature distribution, a temperature reduction coefficient was introduced into the temperature-rise curve formula. This coefficient was derived by fitting experimental temperature data from multiple fire tests, enhancing the formula’s applicability to compartment fires. Furthermore, accounting for non-uniform temperature distribution along compartment height is critical for accurate thermo-mechanical simulations of structural components. To simplify calculations, layer-specific reduction coefficients were proposed: top area (x ≥ 0.7H): 1.0; middle area (x < 0.7H): 0.73; bottom area (x ≤ 0.4H): 0.34. These coefficients, determined through numerical simulations, exhibit broad applicability. In conclusion, precise characterization of temperature-rise curves is vital for structural fire resistance assessment. The proposed methodology and reduction coefficients improve the robustness and generalizability of thermo-mechanical simulations in evaluating structural fire performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Large-Span, Tall and Special Steel and Composite Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5101 KB  
Article
Bending Behaviour of CHS X-Joints with Curved Chords
by Chen Zhou, Jinshan Sun, Zhen Zhao, Liqiang Jiang, Xiangzhen Li, Lanzhe Rao and Lifeng Zou
Buildings 2026, 16(1), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010163 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
This paper explores the static and cyclic behaviours exhibited by X-joints fabricated from circular hollow sections (CHS) incorporating curved chords under bending loading. First, a finite element (FE) model of CHS X-joints was established, and the accuracy was validated by the test results. [...] Read more.
This paper explores the static and cyclic behaviours exhibited by X-joints fabricated from circular hollow sections (CHS) incorporating curved chords under bending loading. First, a finite element (FE) model of CHS X-joints was established, and the accuracy was validated by the test results. Then, the influence of the geometric parameters on the ultimate capacity of these joints was deeply conducted through variable parameter expansion analysis, including the chord curvature (R)-to-diameter (D) ratio α, brace diameter (d)-to-chord diameter (D) ratio β, and chord diameter (D)-to-double thickness (2T) ratio γ. In addition, the formulae for the in-plane bending bearing capacity of CHS X-joints with curved chords were examined based on the FE results and typical design guides. Finally, the hysteresis performance of the joints was investigated to modify such formulae. The results show that (1) the bending bearing capacity decreases with increasing α when 3 ≤ α ≤ 12 and changes slightly when α > 12. The bending bearing capacity increases with increasing β and decreases with increasing γ. (2) The bending bearing capacity design formula is modified by FEM results on the basis of the formula derived from Eurocode 3. The API-WSD and LRFD design codes do not consider the effect of γ, and the AIJ seems to be overly conservative. (3) In light of the hysteresis analysis, the smaller the magnitude of γ and the larger that of β, the more favourable the bending load-bearing capacity, ductility coefficient and plastic deformation capability of the joints are found to be. The bending bearing capacity under cyclic loading was close to the value under static loading when α ≥ 9, whereas a reduction coefficient of 0.9 was considered when α < 9. Comparison analyses indicated that the adjusted design formula was suitable for engineering design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Large-Span, Tall and Special Steel and Composite Structures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop