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J. Compos. Sci.
Special Issues
Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications
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Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Composites Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 1764

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yanshuai Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
Interests: geopolymer; phosphate binders; waste upcycling; non-destructive testing and evaluation
Dr. Dong Guo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
Interests: geopolymer; phosphate binders; waste upcycling; non-destructive testing and evaluation
Dr. Jun He

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an, China
Interests: FRP composite structures; FRP-concrete/steel interface; ultra-high-performance concrete
Dr. Bai Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha, China
Interests: FRP-reinforced geopolymer-based marine concrete structures; data-driven approaches for composite materials and structures; functionalized geopolymer-based low-carbon concrete
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The relentless pursuit of more durable, resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective infrastructure is driving the adoption of advanced composite materials within the civil engineering sector. Fiber-reinforced polymers and other emerging hybrid composites are demonstrating transformative potential. Their unique properties, including high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, tailorable mechanical properties, and ease of installation, position them as compelling solutions for applications ranging from seismic retrofitting and structural strengthening to new construction elements and sustainable infrastructure development.

However, the successful integration of composites into mainstream civil engineering practice necessitates addressing critical challenges. These include long-term performance under complex environmental exposures (such as moisture, UV, freeze–thaw, and chemical attack), understanding structural behavior at the system level, developing reliable design codes and standards, optimizing manufacturing and installation techniques for large-scale applications, ensuring fire resistance, and evaluating full lifecycle costs and environmental impacts.

This Special Issue aims to capture the latest research breakthroughs, innovative applications, and critical assessments in the rapidly evolving field of composites for civil engineering. We seek to provide a comprehensive platform for disseminating high-quality research that bridges material science, structural engineering, and practical implementation.

Dr. Yanshuai Wang
Dr. Dong Guo
Dr. Jun He
Dr. Bai Zhang
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1800 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

  • fiber-reinforced polymer composites
  • fiber-reinforced cementitious materials
  • concrete and cementitious composites
  • data-driven optimization design and service life prediction
  • structural strengthening and retrofitting
  • new structural elements and systems
  • all-composite structural members
  • hybrid structural systems
  • durability and long-term performance
  • bond performance
  • design methodologies and code developments
  • composites for geotechnical applications
  • non-destructive evaluation techniques
  • multi-scale modeling and simulation

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

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18 pages, 4222 KB  
Article
Analytical and Numerical Investigation of Vibration Characteristics in Shear-Deformable FGM Beams
by Murat Çelik, Erol Demirkan and Ahmet Feyzi Yıldırım
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(10), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9100567 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 212
Abstract
In this study, the free vibration characteristics of a functionally graded (FG) shear-deformable Timoshenko beam were investigated both analytically and numerically. The work is notable for its significant contribution to the literature, particularly in addressing analytically challenging problems related to complex FGM structures [...] Read more.
In this study, the free vibration characteristics of a functionally graded (FG) shear-deformable Timoshenko beam were investigated both analytically and numerically. The work is notable for its significant contribution to the literature, particularly in addressing analytically challenging problems related to complex FGM structures using advanced computer-aided finite element methods. For the analytical approach, the governing equations and associated boundary conditions were derived using Hamilton’s principle of minimum potential energy. These equations were then solved using the Navier solution method to determine the natural frequencies of the beam. In the numerical analysis, a 3D FG beam model was developed in the ABAQUS finite element software (2023, Dassault Systèmes, Providence, RI, USA)using the second-order hexahedral (HEX20/C3D20) and 1D three-node quadratic beam (B32) elements. The material gradation was defined layer-by-layer along the thickness direction in accordance with the rule of mixtures. Modal analysis was subsequently performed to extract the natural frequency values. The results show a high level of agreement between the analytical and numerical solutions. and were consistent with previously published studies in the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications)
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15 pages, 7140 KB  
Article
Tuning the Carbonation Resistance of Metakaolin–Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers: The Dual Role of Reactive MgO in Microstructure and Degradation Mechanisms
by Shuai Li and Dongyu Ji
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(10), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9100549 - 7 Oct 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
Geopolymers, as a novel class of low-carbon and eco-friendly cementitious material, exhibit outstanding durability and promote the resource utilization of industrial solid wastes. However, as a promising alternative to ordinary Portland cement, its susceptibility to carbonation-induced degradation may limit its widespread application. To [...] Read more.
Geopolymers, as a novel class of low-carbon and eco-friendly cementitious material, exhibit outstanding durability and promote the resource utilization of industrial solid wastes. However, as a promising alternative to ordinary Portland cement, its susceptibility to carbonation-induced degradation may limit its widespread application. To address this challenge, this study systematically examined the effects of magnesium oxide (MgO) content and the metakaolin-to-fly ash ratio on the carbonation performance, mechanical properties, pH value, and microstructures of metakaolin–fly ash-based (MF-based) geopolymer pastes. The findings revealed that an increase in the fly ash ratio correlated with a decline in the compressive strength of MF-based geopolymer pastes. Conversely, the incorporation of MgO significantly enhanced the compressive strength, with higher fly ash ratios leading to more substantial improvements in strength. Furthermore, the addition of MgO and fly ash effectively mitigated the penetration of carbonation and the associated decrease in the pH value of the MF-based geopolymer pastes. Specifically, compared to the control group without MgO (M8F2-0%), MF-based geopolymer pastes with 4% and 8% MgO additions exhibited reductions in carbonation depth of 69.4% and 80.4%, respectively, after 28 days of carbonation, while pH values were observed to be 1.22 and 1.15 units higher, respectively. Additionally, microscopic structural analysis revealed that the inclusion of MgO resulted in a reduction in pore size, porosity, and mean pore diameter within the geopolymer pastes. This improvement was mainly attributed to the promotion of hydration processes by MgO, leading to the formation of fine Mg(OH)2 crystals within the high-alkalinity pore solution, which enhances microstructural densification. In conclusion, the incorporation of MgO significantly improves the carbonation resistance and mechanical performance of MF-based geopolymers. It is recommended that future studies explore the long-term performance under combined environmental actions and evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of MgO-modified geopolymers for large-scale applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications)
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17 pages, 10716 KB  
Article
Dynamic Compressive Behavior of CFRP-Confined High Water Material
by Feiyang Feng, Shuling Meng, Haishan Huang, Yafei Zhou and Hongchao Zhao
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(9), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9090482 - 4 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 500 | Correction
Abstract
As mining operations extend deeper underground, support structures are increasingly subjected to severe impact loads. The dynamic mechanical performance of column-type support systems has, therefore, become a pressing concern. In the present research, a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus, combined with Scanning [...] Read more.
As mining operations extend deeper underground, support structures are increasingly subjected to severe impact loads. The dynamic mechanical performance of column-type support systems has, therefore, become a pressing concern. In the present research, a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus, combined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), is used to systematically examine how the water-to-cement ratio, number of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) layers, and strain rate influence the dynamic compressive behavior and microstructural evolution of CFRP-confined high-water material. The results indicate that unconfined specimens are strongly strain rate-dependent, with peak strength following a rise–fall trend. A lower water–cement ratio results in a denser internal structure and improved strength. Additionally, CFRP confinement markedly enhances peak strength and impact resistance, refines failure modes, and promotes the formation of denser hydration products by limiting lateral deformation. This confinement effect effectively mitigates microstructural damage under high strain rates. These findings clarify the reinforcement mechanism of CFRP from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, offering theoretical insights and engineering references for the design of impact-resistant support systems in deep mining applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications)
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2 pages, 257 KB  
Correction
Correction: Feng et al. Dynamic Compressive Behavior of CFRP-Confined High Water Material. J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9, 482
by Feiyang Feng, Shuling Meng, Haishan Huang, Yafei Zhou and Hongchao Zhao
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(9), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9090506 - 19 Sep 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Figure [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications)
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