Artificial Intelligence and Digital Workflows for Sustainable Structural Design and Reuse
A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Engineering and Materials".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 18
Special Issue Editors
Interests: structural engineering; machine learning; reuse and recycling; connections and joints; artificial intelligence; explainable artificial intelligence; finite element modeling; stainless steel; reuse and sustainability; steel design
Interests: concrete structures; FRP composites; numerical analysis and simulation; LCA; finite element analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue explores innovative methods in structural engineering with emphasis on how digitalisation, modelling, and optimisation are reshaping design and reuse. We welcome contributions that address both classical and emerging aspects of symmetry and asymmetry in structural behaviour, including stability, buckling, and degradation effects. Particular attention is given to approaches that combine traditional mechanics with modern computational techniques, such as artificial intelligence, physics-informed machine learning, and surrogate modelling. Topics include BIM-enabled design workflows, Eurocode-compliant verification, optimisation for lightweight and low-carbon structures, and lifecycle-based reuse of steel and concrete elements. Studies may span numerical, experimental, or hybrid approaches, provided they demonstrate relevance to sustainable and efficient construction practice. The aim is to create a platform where conventional structural engineering challenges meet digital transformation, showcasing explainable AI, digital twins, and inverse design methods alongside established design principles. By doing so, this Special Issue bridges theory and practice, highlighting both fundamental mechanics and practical digital tools that can support safer, more resource-efficient, and resilient infrastructure.
Dr. Sina Sarfarazi
Dr. Rabee Shamass
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. Symmetry 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 2400 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
- symmetry and asymmetry in structures
- BIM and digital workflows
- artificial intelligence in engineering
- physics-informed machine learning
- Eurocode design and verification
- structural optimisation
- structural reuse and circular economy
- lifecycle assessment
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