Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.4
3.2
Journals
Materials
Special Issues
Modeling and Analysis of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil...
materials-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Modeling and Analysis of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil Engineering (Second Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 3291

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Yiming Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Xiping Road 5340, Tianjin 300401, China
2. School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Interests: multifield research; discontinuity; fracture; rock mechanics; tunnel fires
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Linlong Mu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Disaster Reduction in Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
Interests: suffusion research; CFD-DEM; relative density; fines content; stress transmission mechanisms
Prof. Dr. Jiale Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
Interests: research applications of computer vision in traffic engineering; traffic big data analysis; intelligent terminal devices; electric vehicle routing; charging station site optimization; carbon accounting

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The application of composite materials and structures in civil engineering is becoming increasingly widespread. With their unique mechanical properties, light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, they have become key materials for enhancing the performance of civil engineering structures. In particular, the use of composite materials in areas such as bridges, buildings, transportation infrastructure, and seismic reinforcement has shown significant technical advantages and economic benefits. For example, Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) are widely used for structural repair and reinforcement, while prestressed composites are applied in the design of bridges and high-rise buildings, effectively extending the lifespan of structures and enhancing their disaster resistance capabilities.

Although the prospects for the application of composite materials in civil engineering are promising, there are still a series of technical challenges in their modeling and analysis. Firstly, composite materials themselves have complex multi-scale characteristics, and the characterization and simulation from microstructure to macro-performance still require further development. Secondly, the heterogeneity, anisotropy, and nonlinear behavior of composite materials make the prediction of their mechanical properties more difficult, raising higher demands for engineering design and structural safety evaluation. In particular, existing models and analysis methods still need to be improved to address real-world conditions in the study of fatigue, damage, and failure mechanisms.

To promote the application and development of composite materials and structures in civil engineering, particularly innovations and advancements in modeling and analysis, we cordially invite scholars, engineers, and researchers from related fields to submit papers. We welcome contributions on topics including, but not limited to, mechanical behavior and performance evaluation of composite materials, multi-scale modeling and simulation, applications of composites in civil structures, damage and fatigue analysis, structural optimization and design, and intelligent design and health monitoring of composites. Of particular interest are data-driven and physics-informed machine learning methods, which, through big data analysis and predictive models, demonstrate great potential in assessing the performance of composite materials and structures, identifying damage, and predicting service life. These methods also show certain advantages in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. We look forward to discussing the latest research outcomes in this cutting-edge field with you and advancing the wider application of composites in civil engineering.

Prof. Dr. Yiming Zhang
Prof. Dr.  Linlong Mu
Prof. Dr.  Jiale Li
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. 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

  • composite structures
  • construction materials
  • mechanical behavior
  • modeling and simulations
  • cement-based materials strength
  • damage
  • fatigue
  • structural performance
  • machine learning

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

19 pages, 3568 KiB  
Article
Research on the Pavement Performance of Slag/Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer-Stabilized Soil
by Chenyang Yang, Yan Jiang, Zhiyun Li, Yibin Huang and Jinchao Yue
Materials 2025, 18(13), 3173; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18133173 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 352
Abstract
The road construction sector urgently requires environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and high-performance base materials. Traditional materials exhibit issues of high energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it difficult for them to align with sustainable development requirements. While slag- and fly ash-based geopolymers demonstrate promising [...] Read more.
The road construction sector urgently requires environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and high-performance base materials. Traditional materials exhibit issues of high energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it difficult for them to align with sustainable development requirements. While slag- and fly ash-based geopolymers demonstrate promising application potential in civil engineering, research on their application in road-stabilized soils remains insufficient. To address the high energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with conventional road base materials and to fill this research gap, this study investigated the utilization of industrial solid wastes through slag-based geopolymer and fly ash as stabilizers, systematically evaluating the pavement performance of two distinct soil types. Unconfined compressive strength tests and freeze–thaw cycling tests were conducted to elucidate the effects of stabilizer dosage, fly ash co-stabilization, and compaction degree on mechanical properties. The results demonstrated that the compressive strength of both stabilized soils increased significantly with higher slag-based geopolymer content, achieving peak values of 5.2 MPa (soil sample 1) and 4.5 MPa (soil sample 2), representing a 30% improvement over cement-stabilized soils with identical mix proportions. Fly ash co-stabilization exhibited more pronounced reinforcement effects on soil sample 2. At a 98% compaction degree, soil sample 1 maintained a stable 50% strength enhancement, whereas soil sample 2 displayed a dose-dependent exponential strength increase. Freeze–thaw resistance tests revealed the superior performance of soil sample 1, showing a loss of compressive strength (BDR) of 78% with 8% geopolymer stabilization alone, which improved to 90% after fly ash co-stabilization. For soil sample 2, the BDR increased from 64% to 80% through composite stabilization. This study confirms that slag/fly ash-based geopolymer-stabilized soils not only meet the strength requirements for heavy-traffic subbases and light-traffic base courses, but also demonstrates its great potential as a low-carbon and environmentally friendly material to replace traditional road base materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil Engineering (Second Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3903 KiB  
Article
Innovative Cross-Shaped SRC Column–RC Slab Connection: Experimental Investigation and Finite Element Analysis of Punching Shear Behavior
by Wei Zhang, Jianyang Xue, Jinjun Xu and Baoxin Li
Materials 2025, 18(13), 3159; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18133159 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Flat slab structures are extensively utilized in modern construction owing to their efficient load transfer mechanisms and optimized space utilization. Nevertheless, the persistent issue of brittle punching shear failure at connection zones continues to pose significant engineering challenges. This study proposes an innovative [...] Read more.
Flat slab structures are extensively utilized in modern construction owing to their efficient load transfer mechanisms and optimized space utilization. Nevertheless, the persistent issue of brittle punching shear failure at connection zones continues to pose significant engineering challenges. This study proposes an innovative cross-shaped steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) column–slab connection. Through combining test and numerical analyses, the failure mechanisms and performance control principles are systematically analyzed. A refined finite element model incorporating material nonlinearity, geometric characteristics, and interface effects is developed, demonstrating less than 3% error upon test validation. Using the validated model, the influence of key parameters—including concrete strength (C30–C60), reinforcement ratio (ρ = 0.65–1.77%), shear span–depth ratio (λ = 3–6), and limb height-to-thickness ratio (c1/c2 = 2–4)—on the punching shear behavior is thoroughly investigated. The results demonstrate that increasing concrete strength synergistically improves both punching shear capacity (by up to 49%) and ductility (by 33%). A critical reinforcement ratio threshold (0.8–1.2%) is identified. When exceeding this range, the punching shear capacity increases by 12%, but reduces ductility by 34%. Additionally, adjusting the shear span–depth ratio enables controlled failure mode transitions and a 24% reduction in punching shear capacity, as well as a 133% increase in displacement capacity. These results offer theoretical support for the design and promotion of this novel structural system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil Engineering (Second Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1882 KiB  
Article
Predicting Rheological Properties of Asphalt Modified with Mineral Powder: Bagging, Boosting, and Stacking vs. Single Machine Learning Models
by Haibing Huang, Zujie Xu, Xiaoliang Li, Bin Liu, Xiangyang Fan, Haonan Ding and Wen Xu
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122913 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 346
Abstract
This study systematically compares the predictive performance of single machine learning (ML) models (KNN, Bayesian ridge regression, decision tree) and ensemble learning methods (bagging, boosting, stacking) for quantifying the rheological properties of mineral powder-modified asphalt, specifically the complex shear modulus (G*) and the [...] Read more.
This study systematically compares the predictive performance of single machine learning (ML) models (KNN, Bayesian ridge regression, decision tree) and ensemble learning methods (bagging, boosting, stacking) for quantifying the rheological properties of mineral powder-modified asphalt, specifically the complex shear modulus (G*) and the phase angle (δ). We used two emulsifiers and three mineral powders for fabricating modified emulsified asphalt and conducting rheological property tests, respectively. Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test data were preprocessed using the local outlier factor (LOF) algorithm, followed by K-fold cross-validation (K = 5) and Bayesian optimization to tune model hyperparameters. This framework uniquely employs cross-validated predictions from base models as input features for the meta-learner, reducing information leakage and enhancing generalization. Traditional single ML models struggle to characterize accurately as a result, and an innovative stacking model was developed, integrating predictions from four heterogeneous base learners—KNN, decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and XGBoost—with a Bayesian ridge regression meta-learner. Results demonstrate that ensemble models outperform single models significantly, with the stacking model achieving the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.9727 for G* and R2 = 0.9990 for δ). Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis reveals temperature and mineral powder type as key factors, addressing the “black box” limitation of ML in materials science. This study validates the stacking model as a robust framework for optimizing asphalt mixture design, offering insights into material selection and pavement performance improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil Engineering (Second Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 11740 KiB  
Article
Effects of Stress States and Joint Configurations on Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Rock Masses
by Tingting Liu, Zi Wang, Xuyi Wang, Shenghao Yang, Wenxu Huang and Luyang Ding
Materials 2025, 18(8), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081699 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 495
Abstract
In complex geological environments, the discontinuous dynamic response behavior of jointed rock masses under the coupled effects of in situ stress and transient dynamic disturbances significantly exacerbates the risk of surrounding rock instability. This study establishes three-dimensional numerical models of various jointed rocks [...] Read more.
In complex geological environments, the discontinuous dynamic response behavior of jointed rock masses under the coupled effects of in situ stress and transient dynamic disturbances significantly exacerbates the risk of surrounding rock instability. This study establishes three-dimensional numerical models of various jointed rocks under uniaxial–biaxial–triaxial split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experimental systems through the coupling of the finite difference method (FDM) and discrete element method (DEM). The models adhere to the one-dimensional stress wave propagation assumption and satisfy the dynamic stress equilibrium requirements, demonstrating dynamic mechanical responses consistent with physical experiments. The results reveal that the synergistic–competitive effects between joint configuration and initial pre-compression jointly dominate the dynamic mechanical response of rocks. Multiaxial pre-compression promotes the development of secondary force chain networks, enhances rock impact resistance through multi-path stress transfer mechanisms, significantly improves strain energy storage density during peak stages, and drives failure modes to evolve from macroscopic through-going fractures to localized crushing zones. The spatial heterogeneity of joint configurations induces anisotropic characteristics in principal stress fabric. Single joint systems maintain structural integrity due to restricted weak plane propagation, while cross/parallel joints exhibit geometrically induced synergistic propagation effects, forming differentiated crack propagation paths that intensify frictional and kinetic energy dissipation. Through cross-scale numerical model comparisons, the evolution of force chain fabric, particle displacement distribution, microcrack propagation, and energy dissipation mechanisms were analyzed, unveiling the synergistic regulatory effects of the stress state and joint configuration on the rock dynamic response. This provides a theoretical basis for impact-resistant structure optimization and dynamic instability early warning in deep engineering projects involving jointed surrounding rock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil Engineering (Second Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 9128 KiB  
Article
Modeling of Electrical Heating and Cooling for Carbon Textile Reinforced Concrete
by Annette Dahlhoff and Michael Raupach
Materials 2025, 18(5), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18051078 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 635
Abstract
Carbon-textile-reinforced concrete (CTRC) is increasingly being used in the construction industry as a high-performance composite material combining non-metallic textile reinforcement with concrete. Known for its exceptional characteristics such as tensile strength, density, and durability, CTRC also exhibits electrical conductivity, enabling efficient electrical heat [...] Read more.
Carbon-textile-reinforced concrete (CTRC) is increasingly being used in the construction industry as a high-performance composite material combining non-metallic textile reinforcement with concrete. Known for its exceptional characteristics such as tensile strength, density, and durability, CTRC also exhibits electrical conductivity, enabling efficient electrical heat generation within building components. This study develops and validates a thermal model to predict the temperature evolution of electrically heated CTRC, incorporating Newton’s law of cooling and Joule’s heating principle. The proposed model segments the temperature development into three distinct phases: heating, constant, and cooling. The temperature calculation accounts for these phases, their boundary conditions, and material-specific parameters, which were determined through laboratory experiments. For the investigated CTRC material combinations, the model accurately predicts temperature profiles, demonstrating strong agreement between experimental and calculated results. Moreover, significant variations in electrical power requirements were observed among the tested materials. The investigated impregnation materials of the carbon textile reinforcement (CTR) significantly influence contact quality and resulting temperature behavior. This research bridges material science and thermal performance, expanding the potential for CTRC use in electrically heated construction solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil Engineering (Second Edition))
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 21224 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Responses and Crack Propagation of Rock with Crossed Viscoelastic Joints Under Blasting Loads
by Chengyang Li, Dongju Jiang, Jinhai Zhao, Tuo Zhang and Renfei Kuang
Materials 2025, 18(3), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030548 - 25 Jan 2025
Viewed by 765
Abstract
To investigate the propagation of stress waves in viscoelastic joints under blasting loads, and their impact on crack propagation and dynamic response in rock masses, a numerical model incorporating intersecting viscoelastic joints was developed using LS-DYNA. This study focuses on the influence of [...] Read more.
To investigate the propagation of stress waves in viscoelastic joints under blasting loads, and their impact on crack propagation and dynamic response in rock masses, a numerical model incorporating intersecting viscoelastic joints was developed using LS-DYNA. This study focuses on the influence of various joint geometric parameters, including thickness and angle, on stress wave propagation and damage patterns in rock. The Riedel–Hiermaier–Thoma (RHT) model was employed to simulate the dynamic behavior of rock, while the Poynting–Thomson model was used to describe the viscoelastic properties of the joint fillings. The simulation results provide detailed insights into the principal stress, displacement, and particle vibration velocity around the joints. Based on the stress wave propagation theory, the velocity transmission coefficients were calculated to quantify the attenuation of stress waves across the joints. The findings demonstrate that viscoelastic joint properties significantly affect the damage patterns in the rock mass. Specifically, the area of the crushed zone and the width of cracks on the blasting side are proportional to joint thickness, while crack propagation at the joint tips is governed by differences in principal stress. Moreover, the propagation of vibration velocity is notably weakened at the second joint, highlighting the critical role played by joint characteristics in stress wave dynamics. These results underscore the complex interaction between joint properties and stress wave behavior in rock masses, providing valuable insights for optimizing blasting designs and improving the safety of underground engineering projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Composite Materials and Structures in Civil Engineering (Second Edition))
►▼ 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