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Advances in Modern Structural Engineering: From Materials to Building Structures

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 August 2025) | Viewed by 3586

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Prof. Dr. Zhihua Chen

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Department of Civil Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 30072, China
Interests: steel structures; space structure; composite structures; fabricated and modular construction; aluminium alloy structure; timber and bamboo structures
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Prof. Dr. Yiyi Zhou

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College of Future Technologies, Hohai University, Changzhou 213251, China
Interests: steel structures; space structure; composite structures; topology optimization; intelligent construction
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Prof. Dr. Hongbo Liu

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School of Civil Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
Interests: steel structures; space structures; aluminum alloy structures; glued timber structures
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Prof. Dr. Hai Zhang

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Department of Civil Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 30384, China
Interests: high-performance materials; reinforced concrete structures; fabricated construction; civil structure protection and reinforcement
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the rapidly evolving landscape of engineering, the field of structural engineering stands at the forefront of innovation, continuously pushing the boundaries of civil engineering. This Special Issue, entitled "Advances in Modern Structural Engineering: From Materials to Building Structures", aims to capture and disseminate the latest research advancements that are reshaping the building structures. It serves as a platform for experts and scholars to explore the intricate interplay between advancements in materials science and their applications in building structures. It highlights the transformative impact of novel materials, such as high-performance concrete, metals, bio-based materials, and smart materials, on the design, performance, and durability of structures. This Special Issue also focuses on the innovations of building structures, such as fabricated and modular structures, steel structures, composite structures, bio-based structures, etc. The contributions within this Special Issue pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in modern structural engineering, ultimately contributing to the development of safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly materials and buildings.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Buildings.

Prof. Dr. Zhihua Chen
Prof. Dr. Yiyi Zhou
Prof. Dr. Hongbo Liu
Prof. Dr. Hai 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 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. Materials 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
high-performance materials
high-efficiency buildings
steel and composite structures
performance of building structures

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 27738 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Durability of Graphene Oxide Concrete Composite Under Chloride and Sulfate Environments

by Zhanyuan Gao, Qifeng Shi, Jintao Cui, Jianfeng Lin, Weiting Mao, Marta Kosior-Kazberuk and Julita Krassowska

Materials 2025, 18(19), 4522; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18194522 - 29 Sep 2025

Viewed by 747

Abstract

In order to study the durability of graphene oxide concrete composite in chloride and sulfate environments, graphene oxide concrete composite specimens were immersed in a mixed solution of 5% sodium sulfate and sodium chloride. After dry–wet cycle immersion and long-term natural immersion, the compressive strength, strength reduction rate, and mass loss rate of concrete specimens were tested. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the durability of graphene oxide concrete composite in chloride and sulfate environments was analyzed. The results show that with the increase in corrosion age, under dry–wet cycle immersion and long-term natural immersion, the compressive strength reduction coefficient and mass loss rate of graphene oxide concrete composite specimens with 0.07% content are the smallest. The stress–strain curve of concrete after corrosion is flatter than that of uncorroded concrete, and the ductility of concrete specimens after corrosion increased. Through microstructure analysis, it can be seen that the internal structure of graphene oxide concrete composite test block is more compact, the hydration products are regulated, the corrosion of concrete is delayed, and the durability performance is better. Graphene oxide is used to improve the strength and durability of concrete, and the recommended dosage is 0.07%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Modern Structural Engineering: From Materials to Building Structures)

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15 pages, 3040 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Properties of Basalt Fiber-Modified Phosphogypsum Planting Concrete

by Weihao Zhang, Xiaoyan Zhou, Menglu Liu, Peng Yuan, Zhao Liu, Chen Shen, Mingwang Hao, Fengchen Zhang and Hongqiang Chu

Materials 2025, 18(14), 3209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143209 - 8 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 667

Abstract

Planting concrete exhibits notable advantages, including effective reduction of waterborne pollutants, significant ecological restoration capacity, and alignment with principles of green and sustainable development. As a result, it has been increasingly utilized in slope protection and infrastructure construction. In this study, phosphogypsum-based planting concrete was modified using basalt fibers to enhance its mechanical and permeability-related properties. A series of laboratory tests was conducted to evaluate compressive strength, porosity, and sand permeability. The results indicated that the incorporation of basalt fibers effectively improved the compressive strength of the phosphogypsum planting concrete, with longer fibers (18 mm) contributing to a more pronounced enhancement than shorter fibers (6 mm). Moreover, an increase in fiber content led to a gradual decrease in porosity. The addition of basalt fibers also reduced both sand permeability and the water permeability coefficient. Meanwhile, specimens containing 6 mm fibers exhibited a greater reduction in permeability than those with 18 mm fibers. Furthermore, higher fiber content was found to significantly enhance the water retention capacity of the concrete. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the design and optimization of fiber-reinforced planting concrete for ecological engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Modern Structural Engineering: From Materials to Building Structures)

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18 pages, 4050 KB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Device for Rapid Structural Health Monitoring: Enhanced Joint Integrity Assessment in Steel Structures

by Viktors Mironovs, Yulia Usherenko, Vjaceslavs Zemcenkovs, Viktors Kurtenoks, Vjaceslavs Lapkovskis, Dmitrijs Serdjuks and Pavels Stankevics

Materials 2025, 18(12), 2831; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122831 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 756

Abstract

This study investigates a novel pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device for dynamic testing and structural health monitoring. The research utilises a PEMF generator CD-1501 with a maximum energy capacity of 0.5 kJ and a flat multifilament coil (IC-1) with a 100 mm diameter. Experiments were conducted on a model steel stand with two joint configurations, using steel plates of 4 mm and 8 mm thickness. The device’s efficacy was evaluated through oscillation pattern analysis and spectral characteristics. Results demonstrate the device’s ability to differentiate between joint states, with the 4 mm plate configuration showing a 15% reduction in high-frequency components compared to the 8 mm plate. Fundamental resonant frequencies of 3D-printed specimens were observed near 5100 Hz, with Q-factors ranging between 200 and 300. The study also found that a 10% increase in volumetric porosity led to a 7% downward shift in resonant frequencies. The developed PEMF device, operating at 50–230 V and delivering 1–5 pulses per minute, shows promise for rapid, non-destructive monitoring of structural joints. When combined with the coaxial correlation method, the system demonstrates enhanced sensitivity in detecting structural changes, utilising an electrodynamic actuator (10 Hz to 2000 Hz range). This integrated approach offers a 30% improvement in early-stage degradation detection compared to traditional methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Modern Structural Engineering: From Materials to Building Structures)

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19 pages, 23150 KB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Analysis of the Load-Bearing Capacity of a Thin-Walled Perforated Beam Cooperating with Chipboard Panels in a Structural System

by Arkadiusz Denisiewicz, Tomasz Socha, Krzysztof Kula, Wojciech Błażejewski and Marek Wyjadłowski

Materials 2025, 18(10), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18102208 - 10 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 538

Abstract

This paper presents the results of numerical investigations focused on a structural assembly consisting of thin-walled perforated steel beams joined to a particleboard panel. The simulations were performed using the finite element method (FEM), incorporating both physical and geometric nonlinearities, along with detailed modeling of contact interactions between the beams and panel elements. The primary objective was to establish load-capacity curves for the central beam in structural systems with spans ranging from 3 to 6 m, and to identify failure modes associated with different span lengths. To verify the reliability and accuracy of the numerical approach, laboratory tests were conducted on two representative configurations with spans of 3 and 6 m. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the beam materials were evaluated using samples extracted from the tested elements. The experimental findings confirmed the numerical model’s accuracy and its suitability for analyzing structural responses across the full span range considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Modern Structural Engineering: From Materials to Building Structures)

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