Advanced Experimental Technology, Theory and Numerical Methods in Geomaterials and Concrete Materials

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to announce our forthcoming Special Issue centered around "Advanced Experimental Technology, Theory and Numerical Methods in Geomaterials and Concrete Materials". In the current era of booming modern engineering technology, geomaterials and concrete materials are the linchpins in various fields, such as infrastructure construction, geological engineering, energy development, and architecture. Gaining an in-depth understanding of their characteristics and behaviors, and devising innovative research methods, holds the key to unlocking the potential for sustainable development and technological breakthroughs within related industries. This Special Issue is designed to assemble the latest research accomplishments, novel approaches, and forward-thinking perspectives from around the globe in this domain, thereby creating an authoritative and profound platform for academic exchange among researchers, engineers, and scholars.

This Special Issue is meticulously planned and structured to spotlight the recent progress and innovation in the field of geomaterials and concrete materials. The articles slated for it are anticipated to span multiple dimensions, from the minutiae of experimental techniques to the grandiosity of theoretical frameworks and the sophistication of numerical methods. The overarching trend in this specialized area is veering towards a more integrated and comprehensive exploration, leveraging advanced technologies and interdisciplinary knowledge to enhance our understanding and manipulation of these materials.

In this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles and reviews. Research areas may encompass (but are not confined to) the following:

Experimental Technology

Pioneering techniques for gauging the mechanical properties of geomaterials and concrete materials at both the micro and macro levels. For instance, state-of-the-art in situ testing procedures can precisely capture the stress, strain, and deformation idiosyncrasies of materials within real-world engineering settings, furnishing more dependable parameter benchmarks for engineering blueprints.

Novel means of material composition dissection, involving the employment of cutting-edge spectroscopy, electron microscopy modalities, etc., to conduct exhaustive analyses of the mineral constitution and microstructure of materials and their evolutionary trajectories in tandem with temporal and environmental fluctuations, thus unearthing the microscopic underpinnings of material properties and steering the optimal design and performance augmentation of materials.

The evolution of experimental techniques under multi-field coupling circumstances (such as temperature–humidity–stress, chemical–mechanical, etc.) to mimic the convoluted and variable service milieus in actual projects, probe the response traits of materials under the combined influence of multiple factors, and offer crucial technical reinforcements for resolving intricate engineering quandaries.

Theoretical Research

By leveraging the theoretical scaffolds of continuum mechanics, fracture mechanics, and damage mechanics, conduct profound investigations into the constitutive relations of geomaterials and concrete materials to erect theoretical models capable of faithfully depicting the complex mechanical behaviors of materials, like nonlinearity, anisotropy, and rate dependence, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of numerical simulations and engineering dissections.

From the vantage point of micromechanics, in conjunction with molecular dynamics and mesomechanic tenets, explore the quantitative nexus between the internal microstructure of materials and their macroscopic mechanical attributes, laying a theoretical groundwork for the macroscopic performance prognostication and microstructure design of materials, and catalyzing the transformation of material science from empirical design to rational design predicated on theoretical models.

Research on the theoretical mechanical behaviors of materials under extreme conditions (such as high stress, high strain rate, high temperature, low temperature, corrosive environments, etc.) to disclose the failure mechanisms and deformation laws of materials under extreme operating conditions, proffering theoretical guidance for specialized engineering applications, such as deep underground engineering, polar engineering, and nuclear waste disposal.

Numerical Methods

Develop streamlined and accurate numerical algorithms for simulating the mechanical behaviors and engineering responses of geomaterials and concrete materials. For example, enhanced algorithms predicated on the finite element method, discrete element method, finite difference method, etc., can more adeptly handle complex conundrums such as the large deformation, fracture, and contact of materials, augmenting the computational efficiency and stability of numerical simulations.

The application and advancement of multi-scale numerical simulation methodologies to actualize the seamless integration and collaborative analysis of material behaviors across diverse scales, ranging from the micro to the macro. By constructing cross-scale numerical models, we can determine the transfer and coupling mechanisms of material properties between different scales, proffering comprehensive and precise numerical prediction instruments for material design and engineering optimization.

Combine artificial intelligence technologies (such as machine learning and deep learning) with traditional numerical methods to actualize the intelligent inversion of material parameters, swift prediction of mechanical behaviors, and optimized design of complex engineering systems. Harness big data-driven intelligent algorithms to unearth the latent patterns within material performance data, provide more accurate parameter inputs and model validations for numerical simulations, and impel the evolution of numerical methods in the direction of intelligence and automation.

We earnestly look forward to receiving your invaluable contributions.

Dr. Shuyang Yu
Prof. Dr. Xuhua Ren
Dr. Wenbing Zhang
Guest Editors

Dr. Yu Zhou
Guest Editor Assistant

Dr. Yuan Gao
Co-Guest Editor

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. 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.

• geo-materials
• concrete
• mechanical properties
• numerical methods
• theoretical solutions