Study on Mechanical Properties of Concrete Structures and RC Beams

Dear Colleagues,

Concrete structures and RC beams play pivotal roles in infrastructure development. The combination of strength, durability, cost effectiveness, and sustainability make them preferred choices for a wide range of construction projects. However, due to the cumulative impact of both load and environmental factors, the aging and durability challenges have become increasingly pronounced.

To ensure the long-term safe operation, it is essential to detect and assess the mechanical properties of existing concrete structures and RC beams. This typically involves structural health detection techniques, such as visual inspection, non-destructive testing, load testing, and monitoring. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques has also significantly advanced structural condition detection by harnessing sophisticated data analytics, predictive modeling, and real-time monitoring. The recent adoption of the digital twin concept offers a promising solution for structural assessment. By mapping measured data from physical infrastructures into numerical models and conducting analyses based on computation methods, it becomes possible to quantitatively evaluate mechanical properties and structural performance of concrete and RC beams with greater precision and insight for wiser maintenance planning and decision-making.

To further the investigation into the long-term mechanical properties of concrete structures and RC beams, this Special Issue delves into various topics, including but not limited to durability experiments, multi-scale modeling, advanced non-destructive testing, integration of AI, and the implementation of the digital twin concept. We welcome experimental, numerical, and theoretical work exploring any aspect within the scope of this research area. Your valuable contributions are eagerly anticipated.

Prof. Pengru Deng
Prof. Dr. Takashi Matsumoto
Guest Editors

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