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Abstract The safety, stability, and long-term performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures depend significantly on soil-structure interaction (SSI), a critical phenomenon governing the dynamic relationship between soil and structural behaviour. SSI plays a pivotal role in seismic design, influencing the stiffness, damping, and natural frequency of structures, yet its application in practical design remains underutilized due to challenges in modelling and integrating code provisions. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on SSI, emphasizing its impact on buildings, bridges, and foundations under static and dynamic loads. It highlights advancements in analytical, numerical, and experimental modelling methods, such as finite element analysis and discrete element methods, and evaluates their effectiveness in capturing the complex interactions between soil and structural systems. The review identifies key gaps, including a lack of unified guidelines in international codes, inadequate integration of SSI in real-world design processes, and limited exploration of its role in emerging engineering challenges like sustainability and climate resilience. Historical seismic events, such as the Kobe and Loma Prieta earthquakes, are analysed to underscore the detrimental consequences of neglecting SSI considerations. Additionally, the review discusses recent innovations, including the application of machine learning and advanced computational tools, and their potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of SSI analysis. This study offers actionable insights for improving design practices, such as adapting SSI frameworks for structures on soft soils and incorporating dynamic interactions in seismic design codes. It concludes with a call for interdisciplinary collaboration and future research into novel SSI applications, including its integration with smart sensing technologies and sustainable infrastructure design. This review bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications of soil-structure interaction (SSI) by synthesizing current knowledge, identifying critical research gaps, and proposing innovative solutions to enhance structural resilience, sustainability, and seismic safety. Graphical Abstract more...

Geopolymer concept is by using industrial waste materials which is rich in silica and alumina, then activating them with alkaline solution. An appropriate binder combination that achieves high early age strength at ambient temperature using FA is still subject required. Thus, this study has been designed in two stages which involving the paste and mortar studies. The alkaline activator as a blend of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution with SS/SH ratio of 2.5, NaOH molarity of 12 M and L/B ratio of 0.43 are used for geopolymer composite. Compressive strength, water absorption and shrinkage are tested on geopolymer mortar with various level of blended combination. High volume content (60–80 %) gave a promising early age compressive strength at ambient temperature. Metakaolin gave a further strength improvement on geopolymer mortar. Overall, the finding suggested that the geopolymer with high FA content is suitable for cement-based material repair product. more...

Hoisting is essential for large-scale construction projects, including urban viaducts, high-rise buildings, and undersea tunnels. However, this critical process is subject to frequent safety accidents in China, which result in many casualties and asset losses. The lack of a practical risk framework has contributed to poor safety management in this field. Most of the limited risk frameworks in this field focus only on the direct causes leading to accidents, ignoring the systematic and complex nature of lifting risks. In this study, a new risk framework for lifting is constructed by combining the STAMP (Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes) theory and the quantitative analysis capability of the PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling) to effectively identify, assess, and manage various potential risks in the lifting construction process. The factors were then analyzed for importance through the independence weight coefficient method. The study found that “Failure to conduct pre-operational inspections of lifting equipment and rigging components,” “Physical or mental impairment of operators, such as intoxication or distraction,” and “The hoisting program was not prepared under the actual working conditions at the project site and did not adequately plan for emergencies,” were the factors with the top 3 highest weight. Ultimately, the framework is validated by 200 real cases from 2019 to 2024 in China. This proposed STAMP-HC framework can accurately identify the risk transfer paths in accidents, and the results of risk factor weighting can also provide a reference for risk management, with the potential to be extended to other countries. more...

Net-zero energy building (NZEB), an initiative to address energy conservation and emission reduction, has received widespread attention worldwide. This study aims to systematically explore recent challenges in NZEB retrofit research through a mixed-method approach and provide recommendations and future directions. A review of 106 documents (2020–2024) retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases found that the globalization of NZEB retrofit research is unstoppable. Assessment methods are diverse, ranging from modeling energy efficiency (using different software such as DesignBuilder 7.0, PVsyst 7.4, EnergyPlus 24.1.0, etc.) to multi-attribute decision-making methods (e.g., DEMATEL-AHP/ANP-VIKOR) and comparative analysis. Current assessment metrics are dominated by economic benefits (e.g., net present value, dynamic payback period, and total operating cost) and energy consumption (e.g., electricity consumption and generation), with less consideration of environmental impacts (e.g., carbon reduction), as well as comfort (e.g., thermal comfort and indoor comfort). The study found that current challenges mainly include “Low economic feasibility of retrofitting”, “Building retrofit energy code irrationality”, and “Insufficient understanding, communication, and trust between stakeholders”. To overcome these challenges, the study also proposes a framework of strategies to address them, including (1) maximizing natural space, (2) introducing a tenant equity system, (3) upgrading waste management, (4) strengthening energy monitoring, (5) establishing complete life cycle mechanisms, (6) providing systemic solutions; (7) promoting the use of low-carbon building materials, and (8) increasing policy support. more...

Hoisting is an essential aspect of Industrial Building System (IBS) construction. Although research on hoisting safety in China has made strides to focus on “worker,” “data,” “task,” “site,” and “accident,” there still needs to be more approaches based on multi-dimensional social system thinking. Therefore, the paper aims to fill this gap. We investigated 105 hoisting accidents in China and found that hoisting accidents occurred most frequently in China's southeast coastal region; truck-mounted cranes and tower cranes were the most common types of machinery involved in accidents; hoisting load off, capsizing of crane machinery, and workers falling from height are the three most common accident types; the average impact of a single hoisting accident is approximately RMB 2.43 million direct economic loss, 1.543 deaths and 0.829 injured. This study used three algorithms (Rindge regression, Lasson regression, and partial least squares regression) to explore the impact of deaths and injuries on direct economic losses. By combining Rasmussen's risk framework with the characteristics of hoisting construction, six risk domains and thirty-six safety risk factors were identified. Finally, we used AcciMap technology to construct a qualitative IBS hoisting management model, which exhaustively presents the systematic levels and propagation paths of the influencing factors by the PDCA method. The research helps academics explore strategies to improve the safety of hoisting construction in IBS. Moreover, the study outcomes can inform the policy-making process towards promoting healthy and sustainable construction development. more...

Occupational injuries in the construction industry have plagued many countries, and many cases have shown that accidents often occur because of a combination of project participants. Assembled construction (AC) projects have received extensive attention from Chinese scholars as a future trend, but few studies have explored the interrelationships and potential risks of various stakeholders in depth. This study fills this research gap by proposing a multi-stakeholder AC risk framework. The study surveyed 396 stakeholders, then analyzed the collected data and created a risk framework based on Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and the CRITIC weighting method. The results revealed that factors like "regular supervision is a formality," "blindly approving the wrong safety measures," and "failure to organize effective safety education and training." are vital risks in AC of China. Finally, the study validates the risk factors and the framework with 180 real-life cases, which shows that the proposed framework is theoretically grounded and realistic. The study also suggests multi-level strategies such as introducing AI-based automated risk monitoring, improving the adaptability of normative provisions to technological advances, and advancing the culture of project communities of interest to ensure AC's safe practices. more...

Abstract Many nations are already working toward full implementation of energy efficiency in buildings known as Green Building. In line with this perspective, this paper aims to develop a thermally efficient precast concrete sandwich panels (PCSP) for structural applications. Therefore, an experimental investigation was carried out to determine the thermal resistance of the proposed PCSP using Hotbox method and the results were validated using finite element method (FEM) in COMSOL Multiphysics Software. The PCSP were designed with staggered shear connectors to avoid thermal bridges between the successive layers. The staggered connectors are spaced at 200 mm, 300 mm and 400 mm on each concrete layer, while the control panel is designed with 200 mm direct shear connection. In the experimental test, four (4) panels of 500 mm × 500 mm and 150 mm thick were subjected to Hotbox Test to determine the thermal resistance. The result shows that thermal resistance of the PCSP with staggered shear connection increases with increase in spacing. The PCSP with 400 mm staggered shear connectors indicates the best thermal efficiency with a thermal resistance (R value) of 2.48 m2K/W. The thermal performance was verified by FEA which shows less than 5% error coupled with a precise prediction of surface temperature gradient. This indicates that, with conventional materials, thermal path approach can be used to develop a precast concrete building with better thermal resistant properties. Hopefully, stakeholders in the green building industry would find this proposed PCSP as an alternative energy efficient load bearing panel towards sustainable and greener buildings. more...

Construction faces many safety accidents with urbanization, particularly in hoisting. However, there is a lack of systematic review studies in this area. This paper explored the factors and methods of risk assessment in hoisting for industrial building system (IBS) construction. Firstly, bibliometric analysis revealed that future research will focus on “ergonomics”, “machine learning”, “computer simulation”, and “wearable sensors”. Secondly, the previous 80 factors contributing to hoisting risks were summarized from a “human–equipment–management–material–environment” perspective, which can serve as a reference point for managers. Finally, we discussed, in-depth, the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and digital twins (DT). ANNs have improved the efficiency and accuracy of risk assessment. Still, they require high-quality and significant data, which traditional methods do not provide, resulting in the low accuracy of risk simulation results. DT data are emerging as an alternative, enabling stakeholders to visualize and analyze the construction process. However, DT’s interactivity, high cost, and information security need further improvement. Based on the discussion and analysis, the risk control model created in this paper guides the direction for future research. more...

Earthquake is one of the natural disasters that is caused by ground shaking in soil. Ground response analysis is conducted to obtain the ground motion acceleration on soil surface. Conventional 1-D ground response analysis often suggests that soils are horizontally layered, with little consideration for heterogeneous distribution of soil properties. In this study, literature on 2-D ground response analysis studies has been study as it covers vertically and horizontally waves. Therefore, researcher works were presented in numerical modelling as substantial parameters for studies in near-surface structure. Besides, aspects for future research in the area 2-Dimensional Ground Response Analysis are included. The paper contributes to the under- standing of 2-Dimensional Ground Response Analysis for the application of seismic risk mitigation. more...

Seismic design in building construction is still new in Malaysia. Sabah, a Malaysian state, is situated southeast of the Eurasian Plate, between the highly active Philippine Sea Plate and Indo-Australian Plate, and has a history of earthquakes, with the largest measuring a magnitude of 6.3 (2015). Although small earthquakes occur annually, most old buildings in Sabah were built pre-code and designed without considering earthquake loadings. This study aimed to analyze the potential damage to buildings in Sabah based on their vulnerability to moderate earthquakes. More than 500 buildings in seven districts were evaluated using a quantitative method based on score assignment, within 100 kilometers of the epicenters. According to the findings, more than 160 buildings in the Kota Kinabalu and Kudat districts were assessed as vulnerable to Grade 4 damage. In Ranau, Kota Marudu, Tawau, Semporna, and Lahad Datu, most buildings had a Grade 3 damage potential, with some at Grade 2 or 4. This study’s findings provide a summary of the damage risk for structures in Sabah and offer a starting point for planning and developing safer buildings that can withstand local seismic conditions. The resulting building-grade damage map can be used as a reference for future damage mitigation measures. more...

Healing agent carriers play a significant role in defining the performance of the autonomous self-healing system. Particularly, the ability to survive during the mixing process and the release of the healing agent when cracks occur without affecting the mechanical properties of the cementitious composite. Up to now, these issues are still a concern since glass capsules are unable to survive the mixing process, while some types of microcapsules were reported to cause a decrement in strength as well as limited strength recovery. Therefore, this study was twofold, addressing the surface treatment of polystyrene (PS) capsules and the evaluation of the compatibility of the modified capsules for cement-based applications. Secondly, assessing the healing performance of modified PS capsules in cementitious composites. Furthermore, the study also evaluates the potential healing performance due to the synergic effect between the encapsulation method and the autogenous self-healing mechanism. The investigation was carried out by measuring the changes in the pH of pore solution, FTIR analysis, survival ratio, and bonding strength. For self-healing assessment, the compression cracks on the cement paste were created at an early age and the strength recovery was measured at the age of 28 and 56 days. To identify the chemical compounds responsible for the healing process, SEM-EDX tests were conducted. Moreover, the effect of silica fume (SF) on bonding strength and self-healing was also evaluated. Based on the results, the modified PS capsules by roughing approach showed promising performance in terms of survivability, bonding, and recovery. The modified PS capsule increased the strength recovery by about 12.5–15% for 100%OPC and 95%OPC + 5%SF, respectively. The finding observed that the combining of modified PS capsules and the inclusion of SF gave high strength recovery of about 20% compared to 100%OPC without capsules. Thus, the modified PS capsule has a good potential for self-healing of cementitious-based applications. more...

The intermodular connection between modules plays a vital role in the overall performance of modular structures. The separation between a column and connection is possible due to the absence of links (welding or bolting) since limited space is available between modules. This study proposed a self-locking joint to be used in a modular steel structure, connecting columns with a connection without need of extra space between modules. The behavior of the proposed connection subjected to monotonic load was evaluated using a finite element approach using ABAQUS software. The influencing factors contributed to the behavior of the self-locking connection and columns observed using a parametric study. The parametric study was conducted by varying beam thickness, bolt pretension force and friction coefficient µ. Results indicate that the proposed connection can be classified as a semirigid connection according to Eurocode 3 and special moment frame (SMF) as recommended by AISC. more...

With the acceleration of climate change and urbanization, the impacts of floods on Chinese cities have become increasingly severe, and improving urban flood resilience has become an urgent issue. Although scholars in China have proposed many methods to evaluate urban flood resilience in the last decade, research in this field has not been critically reviewed thoroughly and in detail. Therefore, this study selects high-quality original research papers from the previous decade and focuses on analyzing the location, framework, data, analytical methods, and limitations of current assessment methods. The study’s main objective is to inform the identification of a flood resilience assessment system applicable to the Chinese urban context while revealing the existing methodology’s shortcomings in data accuracy and quality, consideration of regional variability, and indicator validity. Finally, the study finds significant challenges in eight field areas: talent pool, public participation, and investment and financing mechanisms. It provides eight targeted strategies, such as building a multi-sectoral synergistic governance mechanism. more...

Rubberized concrete, due to its lower compressive strength, has been applied as the infill in concrete filled steel tube (CFST) to offset the strength reduction. A method to improve the rubberized concrete microstructure is through a two-staged rubber treatment, which incorporates the surface treatment of rubber and the use of blended cement. However, the bond behavior of such material in CFST has not been investigated. In this study, concrete filled steel tubes with different mixes and thicknesses were tested under push-out test to investigate the parameters influencing its bond behavior. The mixes include normal concrete, concrete with chemically treated rubber as 10% aggregate replacement, and concrete with two-stage rubber treatment incorporating 15% metakaolin as cement replacement. It is found that the wall thickness plays a major role in the bond strength of CSFT, and could be increased for square sections with very weak bond strength. Based on the experimental work, the improvement of microstructure due to the inclusion of metakaolin and surface treatment of rubber increases the bond strength significantly, even higher than the normal concrete. Thus, concrete with two-staged treated rubber CFST could be utilized as a construction member due to its comparable compressive and bond strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Highlights • The effect of staggered shear connectors do improved the thermal performance of Precast Concrete Sandwich Panels. • Larger spaces between shear connectors provide higher thermal resistance of the panels. • Thermal Path Approach proofed that better thermal resistant building can be achieved with conventional steel and concrete materials. Abstract Precast concrete sandwich panel (PCSP) is introduced to improve the thermal performance of solid concrete panels by sandwiching an insulation layer between the concrete layers or wythes. The two concrete layers are connected through the insulation using C-shape shear connectors. The shear connector makes these concrete wythes to act as one panel and allow it to be a load-bearing sandwich panel to carry lateral force. In PCSP, material and arrangement of connectors influence both thermal and structural efficiencies of the system. The existing sandwich panels employ direct shear connection method (truss, bent-up bars, pin etc) which reduces its thermal resistance. Attempts to use three-layer PCSP led to an un-economical section and increased production time while alternative materials approach such as the use of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) for shear connection leads to a reduction in structural performance. Hence, this paper presents a renewed approach to the development of two layers PCSP using thermal path method. In this method, the concrete layers are produced in split units and assembled together with the insulation layers. The improvement of thermal resistance is measured with three staggered spacing of shear connectors at 200 mm, 300 mm and 400 mm in the column stud along the height of sandwich panels designated P2, P3 and P4, respectively, while, the control spacemen is P0. Heat transfer was experimentally measured using Hot Box Test (HB) method and the results were verified using 3D component of COMSOL Multiphysics Software (CM). Thermal resistance, transmittance, and conductivity of the assembled panels obtained were 0.7–2.35 m2K/W, 0.06–0.21 W/mK and 0.43–1.43 W/m2K, respectively. It can be concluded that the most staggered panel (400 mm) achieved the highest thermal resistance compared to others. This proofed that better thermal resistant building can be achieved with conventional steel and concrete materials using thermal path approach. Hopefully, this super-insulated precast concrete structural sandwich panel (SIPCSSP) will provide a better thermal resistance load bearing panel to the industry in the near future towards green and sustainable buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...