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Study on the Durability of Construction Materials and Structures
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Study on the Durability of Construction Materials and Structures

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 October 2025 | Viewed by 10950

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jun-Mo Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
Interests: eco-friendly concrete; fiber reinforced concrete; FRP rebar; FRP strengthening; textile fiber reinforced concrete; 3D concrete printing

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The durability of construction materials and structures plays a vital role in the sustainability and resilience of our built environment. As the demand for infrastructure grows in tandem with increasing global population and urbanization, the challenge of constructing long-lasting sustainable structures becomes paramount. Durability refers to the ability of a material or structure to withstand the physical and environmental conditions to which it is subjected without significant degradations. The lifespan of a building, bridge, or any infrastructure largely depends on the durability of the materials used and the design and construction methods employed. Failure to address these aspects can lead to premature deterioration, posing safety risks, economic burdens, and negative environmental impacts.

In this Special Issue, authors are invited to submit high-quality original papers presenting new research developments, case studies, projects in progress, and review studies related to the durability of construction materials and structures. Papers may cover topics related to new durable materials, degradation mechanisms, the role of design and construction practices, and innovative/sustainable approaches to enhance durability.

Dr. Jun-Mo Yang
Guest Editor

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 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

  • durability
  • construction materials
  • degradation mechanisms
  • sustainability
  • innovative construction techniques
  • environmental stress
  • mechanical loading
  • weathering

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 8337 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Precast Concrete Deterioration in Marine Environments Using Non-Destructive Methods
by Tarek Ibrahim Selouma, Walid Fouad Edris, Abd Al-Kader A. Al Sayed, Rashid Al-Marri and Mostafa Shaaban
Buildings 2025, 15(6), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060926 - 15 Mar 2025
Viewed by 489
Abstract
Concrete structures in marine environments face significant degradation due to reinforcement corrosion caused by chloride ingress and sulfate attack. Poor construction quality, inadequate standards, and suboptimal design can further accelerate deterioration. Non-destructive testing (NDT) has proven valuable for durability assessment, yet its application [...] Read more.
Concrete structures in marine environments face significant degradation due to reinforcement corrosion caused by chloride ingress and sulfate attack. Poor construction quality, inadequate standards, and suboptimal design can further accelerate deterioration. Non-destructive testing (NDT) has proven valuable for durability assessment, yet its application remains limited due to the complex microstructural characteristics of concrete. This study establishes a comprehensive procedure for evaluating precast concrete degradation in marine environments using multiple characterization techniques. Two precast concrete elements with different cement types, CEM II A-L 42.5R and CEM I 42.5 R/SR, were analyzed through compressive strength tests, open porosity measurements, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), ultrasonic wave transmission, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that CEM I 42.5 R/SR exhibits superior compressive strength and lower porosity, making it more durable and suitable for load-bearing applications. Higher ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) further confirms its resilience. In contrast, CEM II A-L 42.5R shows lower mechanical performance and greater susceptibility to marine-induced degradation. Over time, pore size distribution shifts, potentially compromising mechanical integrity. SEM analysis reveals gypsum and brucite formation in degraded regions, demonstrating microstructural changes due to seawater exposure. A strong negative correlation between porosity and UPV underscores the detrimental effect of increased porosity on material density and structural stability. This study highlights the effectiveness of UPV and porosity analysis as reliable NDT techniques for assessing concrete deterioration. The strong correlation between UPV and porosity trends suggests that UPV serves as an early indicator of durability loss, enabling timely maintenance interventions. These findings provide valuable insights into material selection for enhanced structural performance in marine environments and emphasize the role of NDT in long-term structural health monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on the Durability of Construction Materials and Structures)
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21 pages, 6611 KiB  
Article
Shear Behavior of High-Strength and Lightweight Cementitious Composites Containing Hollow Glass Microspheres and Carbon Nanotubes
by Dongmin Lee, Seong-Cheol Lee, Oh-Sung Kwon and Sung-Won Yoo
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2824; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092824 - 7 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1326
Abstract
In this study, an experimental program was conducted to investigate the shear behavior of beams made of high-strength and lightweight cementitious composites (HS-LWCCs) containing hollow glass microspheres and carbon nanotubes. The compressive strength and dry density of the HS-LWCCs were 87.8 MPa and1.52 [...] Read more.
In this study, an experimental program was conducted to investigate the shear behavior of beams made of high-strength and lightweight cementitious composites (HS-LWCCs) containing hollow glass microspheres and carbon nanotubes. The compressive strength and dry density of the HS-LWCCs were 87.8 MPa and1.52 t/m3, respectively. To investigate their shear behavior, HS-LWCC beams with longitudinal rebars were fabricated. In this test program, the longitudinal and shear reinforcement ratios were considered as the test variables. The HS-LWCC beams were compared with ordinary high-strength concrete (HSC) beams with a compressive strength of 89.3 MPa to determine their differences; the beams had the same reinforcement configuration. The test results indicated that the initial stiffness and shear capacity of the HS-LWCC beams were lower than those of the HSC beams. These results suggested that the low shear resistance of the HS-LWCC beams led to brittle failure. This was attributed to the beams’ low elastic modulus under compression and the absence of a coarse aggregate. Furthermore, the difference in the shear capacity of the HSC and HS-LWCC beams slightly decreased as the shear reinforcement ratio increased. The diagonal compression strut angle and diagonal crack angle of the HS-LWCC beams with shear reinforcement were more inclined than those of the HSC beams. This indicated that the lower shear resistance of the HS-LWCCs could be more effectively compensated for when shear reinforcement is provided and the diagonal crack angle is more inclined. The ultimate shear capacities measured in the tests were compared with various shear design provisions, including those of ACI-318, EC2, and CSA A23.3. This comparison showed that the current shear design provisions considerably overestimate the contribution of concrete to the shear capacity of HS-LWCC beams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on the Durability of Construction Materials and Structures)
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19 pages, 6536 KiB  
Article
Compressive Creep Test on Fiber-Reinforced Ultra-High Performance Concrete: Effects of Strain Measuring Method, Specimen Size, Sustained Load Intensity, and Fiber Length
by Hyun-Myo Park, Seung-Ryong Ryu, Oh Kyun Kwon and Jun-Mo Yang
Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072136 - 11 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1230
Abstract
To solve the difficulties in applying the compressive creep test method for normal concrete to UHPC and to verify the validity of the recently proposed ASTM C 1856 standard test method, this study performed compressive creep tests on UHPC with the variables of [...] Read more.
To solve the difficulties in applying the compressive creep test method for normal concrete to UHPC and to verify the validity of the recently proposed ASTM C 1856 standard test method, this study performed compressive creep tests on UHPC with the variables of specimen size, sustained load intensity, fiber length, and strain measuring method. The experimental results show that the strain meter method using the standard rod had limitations due to the error in the verification process using the standard rod and the observation error of the measurer, and a sustained load intensity of 15% to 40% of the actual compressive strength is preferable. It was found that it is possible to perform a compressive creep test for UHPC using a specimen with a size of ϕ75 mm or more, and the fiber length did not affect the creep behavior of the UHPC up to 19.5 mm. As a result of comparing the UHPC creep test results with the creep prediction model, the B3 model was found to most accurately predict the UHPC creep behavior. The creep coefficient pattern of the B3 model was very similar to the measured results and well reflects the effects of the mixing ratio and compressive strength of UHPC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on the Durability of Construction Materials and Structures)
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23 pages, 9571 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Fatigue Crack Growth Prediction for Pipelines with Initial Flaws
by Youngjin Choi and Seung-Jung Lee
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061775 - 12 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1312
Abstract
This paper presents a probabilistic method to predict fatigue crack growth for surface flaws in pipelines using a particle filtering method based on Bayes theorem. The random response of the fatigue behavior is updated continuously as measured data are accumulated by the particle [...] Read more.
This paper presents a probabilistic method to predict fatigue crack growth for surface flaws in pipelines using a particle filtering method based on Bayes theorem. The random response of the fatigue behavior is updated continuously as measured data are accumulated by the particle filtering method. Fatigue crack growth is then predicted through an iterative process in which particles with a high probability are reproduced more during the update process, and particles with a lower probability are removed through a resampling procedure. The effectiveness of the particle filtering method was confirmed by controlling the depth and length direction of the cracks in the pipeline and predicting crack growth in one- and two-dimensional cases. In addition, the fatigue crack growth and remaining service life with a 90% confidence interval were predicted based on the findings of previous studies, and the relationship between the fatigue crack growth rate and the crack size was explained through the Paris’ law, which represents fatigue crack growth. Finally, the applicability of the particle filtering method under different diameters, aspect ratios, and materials was investigated by considering the negative correlation between the Paris’ law parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on the Durability of Construction Materials and Structures)
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21 pages, 19835 KiB  
Article
Common Defects of Prefabricated Prestressed Elements for Industrial Construction
by Rafał Krzywoń and Jacek Hulimka
Buildings 2024, 14(3), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030673 - 3 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2438
Abstract
This manuscript attempts to classify typical errors occurring during the design, production, and use of prefabricated and prestressed concrete girders and slabs manufactured in Poland for industrial buildings since the 1950s. Although the cases discussed concern Poland, most of them have a universal [...] Read more.
This manuscript attempts to classify typical errors occurring during the design, production, and use of prefabricated and prestressed concrete girders and slabs manufactured in Poland for industrial buildings since the 1950s. Although the cases discussed concern Poland, most of them have a universal character, and as such are also found in other countries. The defects and errors are illustrated with examples and the causes of their occurrence are also discussed. A method of classifying flaws based on the period of their occurrence was proposed. Most of the examples discussed were encountered by the authors during their professional work. In most of the presented cases, repair was possible, enabling further safe operation. This paper shows how important it is to periodically check the technical condition of prestressed structures and how common and at the same time trivial mistakes may be made by designers and contractors of this type of structure, despite the experience of over 70 years of their mass use. The quality of modern prestressed structures is undoubtedly higher. Using the experience of previous generations, designers and contractors abandoned the less durable post-tensioned concrete lattice girders. Errors, if they appear, are most often at the stage of implementing new products or are the result of poor workmanship or disregard for unfavorable weather conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on the Durability of Construction Materials and Structures)
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20 pages, 9790 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Seismic Performance of Partially Corroded Squat RC Shear Walls in Coastal Environment
by Yuanyuan Song, Jian Wang and Jinsheng Du
Buildings 2024, 14(2), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020404 - 2 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1274
Abstract
In coastal environments, squat reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls are susceptible to local accumulation of moisture and chloride salts, causing local corrosion in the shear walls, which in turn affects their seismic performance. Four squat RC shear wall specimens were designed considering the [...] Read more.
In coastal environments, squat reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls are susceptible to local accumulation of moisture and chloride salts, causing local corrosion in the shear walls, which in turn affects their seismic performance. Four squat RC shear wall specimens were designed considering the corrosion locations and the heights of the corroded area. The seismic performance of partially corroded squat RC shear wall specimens was analyzed through a quasi-static test. The results show that as the height of the corroded area increases from 15% to 25% of the total height, the area of the hysteresis loop of the shear walls obviously decreases. As the height of the corroded area increases from 0 to 15% and 25% of the total height, the peak and ultimate displacements of shear walls are, respectively, reduced by 6.7% and 19.2% in the positive loading direction, and are, respectively, reduced by 22.3% and 18.3% in the negative loading direction. Compared with the unilateral corroded shear wall, the area of the hysteresis loop and the stiffness of the bilateral corroded shear wall remain approximately unchanged, and the peak and ultimate displacements, the shear strain, and the ratio of shear deformation to horizontal displacement are reduced. Compared with the uncorroded shear wall, the hysteresis loop of the unilateral corroded shear wall is plump, the displacement ductility ratio and the plastic rotation angle are both increased, and the stiffness degradation is relatively slow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on the Durability of Construction Materials and Structures)
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