Recent Advances in Structural Engineering—An Introduction

This comprehensive overview explores recent advances in structural engineering with a focus on sustainability, resilience and performance evaluation of structural members. In the contemporary construction landscape, where environmental concerns and resource limitations significantly influence design practices, the integration of sustainability principles into structural engineering has become imperative. The introductory section emphasizes the multifaceted nature of structural engineering, highlighting the critical elements contributing to sustainable and resilient designs. The analysis of design aspects is crucial, considering strength criteria, energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and minimal environmental impact. Modern structural engineers employ a diverse range of tools and techniques to create environmentally responsible designs, addressing challenges posed by evolving expectations and resource constraints. The strength criteria of structural members, such as ultimate capacity, energy absorption, axial stiffness and durability, are explored through experimental investigations on innovative materials. Studies include the combined use of metakaolin and ground granulated blast-furnace slag in concrete for marine environments, the comparison of alkali-activated concrete with conventional mortar against sulfuric acid attack and the utilization of coconut coir fibre in limestone calcined clay cement concrete. Advancements in reinforcing techniques, including glass fibre-reinforced polymers, carbon fibres and bamboo as alternative construction materials, contribute to the pursuit of sustainable building practices. The exploration extends to seismic performance, wind load analysis and the use of base isolation systems to enhance the resilience of structures. Performance evaluation of structural members encompasses diverse studies, including the behaviour of cold-formed steel tubular columns, stainless steel-reinforced concrete and the seismic response of buildings in different terrain categories. The impact of external factors such as wind, fire and temperature on structural elements is also discussed. Analysis and design aspects cover a range of topics, from the use of finite element modelling to evaluate the behaviour of hybrid composite laminates to the seismic analysis of reinforced concrete frames. The volume emphasizes the importance of progressive collapse analysis, base isolation systems and the evaluation of masonry wall safety.