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Special Issue "Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application"

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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2023 | Viewed by 35443

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Prof. Dr. Gaochuang Cai

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LTDS, École nationale d'ingénieurs de Saint-Étienne, University of Lyon, 69007 Saint-Étienne, France
Interests: structural design of RC/masonry/composite structures; Long-term behavior; design for multiple actions; high-performance simulation; TRC/FRP structural repairing and strengthening; building materials and sustainability; constitutive law of materials, recycling in construction and waste management; energy materials; smart materials; materials for special structures; structural resilient design and urban resilience assessment, RC structures underground
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Prof. Dr. Amir Si Larbi

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Laboratoire de Tribologie et de Dynamique des Systèmes (LTDS), Université de Lyon, Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Saint-Etienne (ENISE), 58 Rue Jean Parot, 42000 Saint-Etienne, France
Interests: composite materials; structural engineering; TRC; concrete; multiphysical approach
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Daniel Tsavdaridis

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School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, University of London, Northampton Square London EC1V 0HB, London, UK
Interests: static; quasi-static; dynamic and combined structural and environmental large-scale laboratory testing; design heuristics; computational design; design for additive manufacturing and 3D printing
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With the development of modern society, more innovative construction structures and materials have been developed for further sustainable development. In addition to the very important structural safety, reliability, and durability performances, sustainable construction has become topical for researchers and engineers. To achieve the sustainability of construction and to ensure the safety and durability of the structures under combined loads and environments, novel design, construction, and treatment methods are constantly being invented by researchers around the world.

This Special Issue is focused on “Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design, and Application” and will span sustainable materials, high-performance materials, pioneering structural design, and retrofitting applied in the modern construction industry, which will be one important part of Sustainable Engineering and Science. We welcome the submission of high-quality research, review articles, and white papers focusing on the following topics, but are not limited to, to the following:

Innovative structural design and analysis,
Design for deconstruction or demountable structures,
Reuse in construction,
Offsite construction,
High deformable structures,
Eco construction materials,
Additive manufacturing and 3D printing for structural applications,
Textile reinforced concrete,
Fiber-reinforced polymer,
Behavior and modeling of innovative materials,
Steel-concrete composite structures (CFT, SRC, confined RC, etc.),
Supplementary cementing materials (SCM)
Engineered cementitious composite (ECC),
Structural repairing and retrofitting,
Durable materials and structures,
Precast concrete structures,
Structural dynamic behavior and design,
Structural design considering multiple environmental impacts,
Structural safety under long-term loads.

All submissions to this Special Issue will be selected via a rigorous peer-review procedure. This Special Issue will pave the way for further eco and durable, high-performance, and smart structures and materials for further promoting the sustainable development of human society, which can contribute to generating a low-carbon and smart built environment.

Prof. Dr. Gaochuang Cai
Prof. Dr. Amir Si Larbi
Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Daniel Tsavdaridis
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. Buildings 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 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 design and analysis
concrete and composite structures
textile reinforced concrete (TRC)
fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)
high-performance concrete
sustainable construction materials
demountable structures
reuse in construction
dynamic behavior
sustainability

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Architectural Formation of Growable Light Steel Structure and Its 3D Visualisation Design and Construction Method

and

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 2041; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12112041 - 21 Nov 2022

Viewed by 2448

Abstract

With the applications of new construction technologies and design ideas, innovative construction methods and architectural designs promote overall productivity and enrich architectural impressions. However, faced with the contradictions between construction efficiency, project benefits, and sustainability, together with the dynamically variable social demands and monotonous design of current temporary light steel structures, a new type of growable light steel structure with parameterisable and assembled architectural units is proposed. Besides, a fast-assembled track foundation that can be detachable and recycled is adopted. Both can promote the growth of light steel units. To be specific, its architectural spaces can be extended and contracted, and the structural form and service space can be adjusted by the reorganisation and optimisation of unit arrangements. Meanwhile, due to the advantages of information integrations and 3D visualisations of BIM technology, a BIM-based design and construction method of growable light steel structures is studied. Based on the arrangements of track and parametrically transformed light steel units, this study expands the architectural forms of light steel structures. It explores their respective applications in practical architectural design to solve current shortages of land resources, properly respond to variable building environments, simultaneously enrich the design schemes of current light steel structures, improve the utilisation rate of structural spaces, and enhance the aesthetic sensations of buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Modern Design Methods on Optimised Novel Aluminium Profiles

Eva Marinopoulou

Konstantinos Daniel Tsavdaridis

and

Evangelos Efthymiou

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1904; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111904 - 07 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1223

Abstract

Within the framework of optimisation of structural elements, in the last years, significant activity has been demonstrated towards developing new sectional designs beyond standardised forms aiming to combine aesthetic innovation, material efficiency, and weight over stiffness, together with structural reliability and manufacture cost savings. Moreover, in terms of sustainability performance, as material-weight reduction leads to less carbon emissions from production to installation processes, the pursuit of suitable materials that can correspond to this challenge becomes imperative. In this context, aluminium is lightweight and corrosion resistant, but due to its low elastic modulus, an increased cross-sectional stiffness is required. In this paper, 16 previously optimised aluminium cross-section profiles are presented and analysed using the finite element analysis software ABAQUS. The obtained ultimate compression resistances were compared with the predictions made in accordance with Eurocode 9, the direct strength method (DSM), and the continuous strength method (CSM). The percentage of difference of these design methods with respect to FE results is depicted. The outcomes point out the vagueness in accuracy of the prediction methods, particularly in reference to stocky or slender cross-sections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Hemp FRRP Confined Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LWAC) Circular Columns: Experimental and Analytical Study

Suniti Suparp

Krisada Chaiyasarn

Nazam Ali

Chaitanya Krishna Gadagamma

Ahmed W. Al Zand

Ekkachai Yooprasertchai

Qudeer Hussain

Panuwat Joyklad

and

Muhammad Ashraf Javid

Buildings 2022, 12(9), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091357 - 01 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1251

Abstract

Intrinsically, lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) suffers from the low compressive strength and deformation capacity. This restricts the use of LWAC mainly to non-structural applications. Several studies have highlighted the potential of synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) jackets for improving the substandard properties of the LWAC. However, the high costs associated with FRP jackets are generally a concern. This study identifies hemp fiber-reinforced rope polymer (FRRP) wraps as a potential alternative to the synthetic FRP jackets. The salient features of hemp FRRP include its low cost and easy availability. Therefore, the main question that needs to be answered is: can hemp FRRP strengthen LWAC as a low-cost alternative to synthetic FRP jackets? To quantitatively explain the effects of lightweight aggregates on concrete compressive strength, 24 concrete cylinders were tested in three groups. Group 1, 2, and 3 cylinders comprised 0, 50, and 100% of lightweight aggregates as natural aggregate replacements. The peak stress of the concrete was reduced by 34% and 49% in the presence of 50% and 100% lightweight aggregates, respectively. It was concluded that a single layer of hemp FRRP on Group 2 cylinders (i.e., 50% aggregate replacement) was sufficient to enhance the peak stress to the same level as that of the control cylinder in Group 1 (i.e., fabricated using natural aggregates only). At the same time, it took two layers of external FRRP on Group 3 cylinders to achieve the same strength. A positive correlation between the peak stress of the LWAC and the number of hemp FRRP layers was observed. Nonetheless, Group 1 and 3 cylinders formed the upper and lower bounds in terms of peak stress for the same level of confinement. Further to the interest, three layers of hemp FRRP shifted brittle compressive stress–strain response to a bi-linear response for all amounts of lightweight aggregates. Several existing analytical peak stress models were assessed in predicting the experimental results. From the results, it was inferred that none of these models predicted the compressive strength of all three groups of cylinders consistently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Experimental Research on the Mechanical Properties and Autogenous Shrinkage of Precast Members Joint Concrete

and

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030373 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1338

Abstract

In the precast building structure, the joint is the key part that affects the mechanical performance of the assembly structure. By selecting coarse and fine fraction aggregate; adding high quality mineral admixture, expansive agent, and water-reducing agent; and optimizing the mixture ratio design, precast members joint concrete (PMJC) with self-compacting performance, micro-shrinkage, good volume stability, and strength matching with precast concrete is developed. In this study, the PMJC with a water-binder ratio, fly ash, ultra-fine silicon powder, sand rate, expansive agent, and water-reducing agent of 0.38, 30%, 3%, 47.7%, 8%, and 0.7%, respectively, showed a good workability which could meet the conditions of on-site construction. In addition, the strength matched the precast members, and the PMJC had certain ductility and stability, small early contraction, and met the requirements of the joint material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Numerical Investigation of the Post-Fire Performance of Steel Columns

Dafni Pantousa

Theodoros Karavasilis

and

Chrysanthos Maraveas

Buildings 2022, 12(3), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12030288 - 02 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

Research on the seismic performance of steel structures has led to the development of improved structures, which minimize structural and non-structural damage and can be reused immediately after an earthquake. Moreover, significant advances have been made for predicting the response of steel members, connections, and structural systems exposed to fire. Nevertheless, the research on the reuse of steel structures after a fire event is limited. A steel structure designed according to the current seismic codes can survive a fire without significant structural damage and may be repaired and reused. Therefore, it is of great importance to study whether the reuse of steel structures after a fire is safe in high seismicity areas. This paper investigates the seismic performance of steel columns that are pre-damaged due to fire. For this purpose, sophisticated finite element models have been developed and validated against experimental data. It was concluded that the models accurately predict the behaviour of beams-columns at elevated temperatures. First, the behaviour of the columns was studied using simplified boundary conditions; the surrounding structure was not included in the numerical model. Thermal-structural analyses were performed to determine the structural damage induced by the fire. Subsequently, the cyclic performance of the columns was investigated, considering both the residual post-fire deformations and the proper material properties. Aiming to obtain more realistic results, the complicated interaction between the heated columns and the surrounding structure was considered in the modelling. For this reason, the fire behaviour of a seismic resistant frame was simulated. Then, the behaviour of fire-damaged columns under cyclic loading was assessed. The analysis of the results demonstrates the effect of the post-fire damage on the cyclic behaviour of columns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Performance of Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete V-Shaped Columns

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Buildings 2021, 11(12), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120648 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7912

Abstract

Structural engineers have used V-shaped columns based on technical requirements. The inclination of the V-shaped column underlines the individual purpose of the base floor. However, there is no any specification or guidance on the design of V-shaped columns to date. The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior of V-shaped reinforced concrete columns with three angles between columns (30°, 60°, and 90°) in order for the results to be used in the design and analysis of the V-shaped column. The impact of using a 1.5% dosage of micro-straight-steel fiber (MSSF) in the concrete mixture was also studied. The results showed that the V-shaped column with 30°, regardless of the concrete type (with and without MSSFs), exhibited crushing at legends when the sample reached the ultimate load, while no cracks occurred at the legends during the test for the other V-shaped columns. Upon increasing the angle of inclination of the V-shaped columns, the ultimate load capacity was decreased by 24%, 23%, and 20% for V-shaped columns with 30°, 60°, and 90° angles of inclination, respectively. The addition of MSSFs in the concrete significantly improved the ultimate axial load and the bending moment compared to the reference specimens with the normal reinforced concrete (NRC). The steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) vertical column specimen demonstrated the highest increase in axial load, and the other SFRC V-shaped and flexural specimens showed a minor increase compared to the NRC specimens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

A Spiral Single-Layer Reticulated Shell Structure: Imperfection and Damage Tolerance Analysis and Stability Capacity Formulation for Conceptual Design

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Buildings 2021, 11(7), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11070280 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1732

Abstract

Single-layer reticulated shell structures are widely used, but their stability performance is not ideal. Moreover, they are sensitive to structural damage and imperfections, while the existing conventional design methods of increasing the cross-section, strengthening corrosion protection, and densifying the structural grid are not economical. This study employs a modified and bionic structure—a spiral single-layer reticulated shell structure—to solve the problem. First of all, according to the current Chinese design codes, its mathematical model and geometric model are designed. Then, its damage and imperfection tolerances are analyzed and compared with a traditional single-layer reticulated shell. We then propose a universal bearing capacity formula. Our research conclusions prove that the spiral single-layer reticulated shell structure has a higher tolerance to damage and imperfections while maintaining stability. Moreover, the precise bearing capacity formula proposed will help engineers to efficiently select the structure configurations in the conceptual design phase. Therefore, the spiral single-layer reticulated shell structure is worthy of popularization and application in engineering practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessArticle

Advanced Structural Analysis of Innovative Steel–Glass Structures with Respect to the Architectural Design

Samad M. E. Sepasgozar

and

Fernando Alonso Marroquin

Buildings 2021, 11(5), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11050208 - 15 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5883

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of a steel–glass spindle torus structure based on the prototype of the Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore. Instead of studying a common cuboid building, the research in this paper focuses on a spindle torus shape structure which incorporates tremendous, curved members. Hence, the advanced modeling and structural analysis of this structure provides valuable information about an irregularly shaped building. Meanwhile, the modeling and analysis process of this innovative structure also gives rise to some practical design recommendations for both architects and engineers. In this paper, both global structure stability and local member buckling behavior were studied. With the use of commercial finite element software, Strand7 (R2.4.6) and ABAQUS (6.14), a series of numerical simulations were conducted. In terms of the behavior of the global structure, both numerical spindle torus models incorporating straight and curved steel members were tested under different load combinations specified in Australian building standards. A significant difference was observed between the results of the two models; therefore, research on the individual curved members was undertaken. Regarding the local member buckling behavior, the effective length factor for curved members with braced and sway boundaries conditions was investigated in Strand7. Moreover, the interaction curves of curved beams with different L/R ratios were compared with perfectly straight members in Australian building standards. ABAQUS can provide more precise predictions of local buckling behavior; therefore, the elastic local buckling behavior of the perimeter beams on different levels was investigated using ABAQUS. Additionally, the impacts of boundary conditions and L/R ratios on the beam buckling behavior are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessReview

Seismic Design of Bolted Connections in Steel Structures—A Critical Assessment of Practice and Research

and

Buildings 2022, 12(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12010032 - 01 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5488

Abstract

The importance of connections in steel structures is paramount, not only because it greatly influences the cost of construction and provides room for innovations, but also due to the connections’ impact on global structural behaviour. Therefore, research into innovative connections for seismic applications and related design criteria has significantly grown in recent years. However, it has been pursued mostly on local—connection or frame—levels, leaving the system analysis and code compliance levels with a meagre investigation. Moreover, less than 1% of published papers concerning steel connections and earthquake engineering are review articles. To overcome this gap, this systematic review of more than 240 references, including scientific contributions and design codes in the field aimed to cover both recent research and current shortcomings in practice and regulations. It has been found that European design rules updated to a fully performance-based design philosophy is imminent and is deemed to bring pre-qualified joints and increased complexity. Design rules have been systematized, and current hindrances have been highlighted. A deeper look into research needs and trends showed that investigations in connections for concentrically X braced frames are still a necessity, while developments in self-centring and replaceable connections as well as in simple solutions for increasing damping are expected to modify how joints are designed, as soon as semi-rigid and partial strength connections are more easily allowed by design codes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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Open AccessPerspective

Design for Seismic Resilient Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Structures: A Review of Research, Novel Connections, Challenges and Opportunities

Zhengyao Li

and

Konstantinos Daniel Tsavdaridis

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020505 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3536

Abstract

As a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete, cross laminated timber (CLT) shear wall systems are getting increasingly popular in mid-rise and high-rise construction, and that imposes new challenges on their seismic performance. The conventional connections used in this system, such as steel hold-downs and angle brackets, are, however, susceptible to brittle failures, thus being inappropriate for use in structures in seismic regions. A series of innovative connections have therefore been proposed in recent years for achieving better seismic behaviours in CLT structures, characterised by an adequate capacity, significantly improved ductility and dissipative capacity, as well as more controllable ductile failure modes. This paper first reviews the recent studies of CLT shear wall systems and conventional connections. Connection systems and shear wall reinforcement methods that have been recently proposed for seismic resilient CLT structures are then introduced, with their design strategies being summarised accordingly. The connections are then discussed comprehensively in terms of structural performance, manufacturability and constructability, employing similar criteria that have previously been proposed for steel modular connections. It is found that much improved ductility along with more predictable, ductile, timber damage-free deformation modes are achieved in most of the new connections. Some new connectors are designed with additional functionalities for optimised seismic performance or for easing the construction process, which, however, lead to complex designs that may add difficulties to the mass production. Therefore, comprehensive considerations are needed in connection design, and the discussion of this paper aims to assist in the future development of connection systems for seismic resilient multi-storey CLT buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Structures and Materials: Analysis, Design and Application)

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