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Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 11797

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jieqiong Wu

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Urban Security and Disaster Engineering, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Interests: durability of concrete structure; structural fatigue analysis; life prediction; earthquake resistance

Prof. Dr. Renbo Zhang

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Interests: concrete structures; numerical simulation; coupling of thermal and mechanical behaviour; disaster prevention; impact loading; fire
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Dr. Shenggang Chen

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Guest Editor

School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 211116, China
Interests: structural analysis of building and bridge engineering; torsional effects; durability of concrete structure; corrosion; composite structures

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The seismic performance and durability of engineering structures have significant importance for humans, considering the variety of factors that they influence including safety, economy, environment, and society. For engineering structures, their durability refers to the ability to withstand anticipated service conditions including the loading conditions and environmental actions. The loading conditions, especially the cyclic loads, attract the attention of researchers, since the occurrences of highly devastating earthquakes in China, Chile, Japan, and other countries have caused significant damage to engineering structures. Environmental actions consist of chloride ingress, sulfate attack, the freeze–thaw cycle, etc. However, the rational design and assessment for the seismic performance and durability of structures is not fully understood.

Thus, this Special Issue provides a forum for recent studies on the seismic performance and durability of engineering structures. Topics of interest for this Special Issue may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, roads, dams, etc.
Seismic performance and durability involving the design of new structures, the assessment of existing buildings, etc.
Contributions dealing with new investigations/insights for innovative designs for the seismic performance and durability of structures, which broaden the understanding of the behavior of engineering structures, are particularly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Jieqiong Wu
Prof. Dr. Renbo Zhang
Dr. Shenggang Chen
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

engineering structures
seismic performance
durability design
durability assessment
environmental action
load effects

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 4038 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Construction Material Properties Variability on the Seismic Fragility Assessment of RC Structures in Bucharest

by Florin Pavel and Lucian Petru Florescu

Buildings 2026, 16(7), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16071344 - 27 Mar 2026

Viewed by 285

Abstract

This study investigates how historical variability in construction materials influences the seismic fragility of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings in Bucharest. Mechanical properties of reinforcing steels (OB37, TOR47, and PC52) and concretes used between 1950 and 2000 are statistically characterized using archival records and experimental data. The analysis highlights significant discrepancies between prescribed and in situ concrete strengths, as well as substantial differences in ductility, overstrength, and strength variability among historical steel types. To evaluate structural implications, a representative 11-storey pre-1970 RC building is modeled using nonlinear static and incremental dynamic analysis. The results show markedly lower capacity and higher fragility in the transversal direction. Time-dependent deterioration is examined by incorporating carbonation-induced reinforcement corrosion using FIB-based formulations. Even moderate corrosion leads to measurable reductions in stiffness, ductility, and lateral capacity, producing higher fragility across all considered damage states. Seismic loss estimations further demonstrate an increase in expected annual losses for both principal directions when corrosion is considered. The findings underscore the need for era-specific material models and deterioration mechanisms to achieve accurate seismic vulnerability assessments of Bucharest’s aging RC building stock. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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27 pages, 4022 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Dynamic Response Assessment of CLT Wall Structure Systems in Wind-Only and Sequential Seismic–Wind Scenarios

by Yunxiang Ma, Qingli Dai and Xiang Zhao

Buildings 2026, 16(6), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16061213 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 249

Abstract

Because of concentrated connection damage, the impact of sequential hazards on CLT shear wall systems is much more severe than that on traditional concrete and steel structures considering ductile component behaviors. The present paper evaluated the dynamic response of CLT wall structures in wind-only and sequential seismic–wind scenarios and compared the structural dynamic responses and damage levels of different CLT wall systems. The structural models were established separately based on an SOM benchmark structure, a SOFIE project three-story CLT shear wall structure, and a PT CLT wall platform structure from the NHERI Tall Wood project. The equivalent fluctuating wind load was calculated with the ASCE 7 average wind speed, the reference ESDU wind profile, calibrated wind pressure distribution, and simulated fluctuation from the NatHaz Online Wind Simulator. The sequential load was applied to the structural models in the order of seismic excitation, resting time, and then dynamic wind load. The dynamic responses of different CLT wall structures were compared among loading scenarios with increasing seismic and wind intensities. The wind-excited peak story displacement and acceleration for both CLT structures were significantly magnified in the sequential seismic–wind scenarios compared with the wind-only scenarios. The simulation results indicated that the sequential seismic–wind scenarios caused significant acceleration in damaged connections for the conventional CLT shear wall structure. The PT CLT wall structure had minor displacement and acceleration, which were linear to the wind loading factors. For the conventional CLT shear wall structure, the magnification of the acceleration was found to have a strong correlation with the natural frequencies of the damaged structure. This study demonstrated that the wind responses of the PT wall structures were in a safe range after the seismic event, and conventional CLT wall structures need to be re-evaluated under sequential scenarios for structural resilience assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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21 pages, 4158 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Model of a Gravity Dam Reservoir Based on a New Concrete-Simulating Microparticle Mortar

by Zeye Feng, Yanhong Zhang, Xiao Hu, Hongdong Zhu and Guoliang Xing

Buildings 2026, 16(4), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16040692 - 7 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 938 | Correction

Abstract

To address the challenge that traditional dam model materials are difficult to simultaneously meet the requirements of microstructural similarity, dynamic damage simulation, and environmental friendliness, a novel microparticle mortar simulated concrete was developed. This new material consists of cement, sand, gypsum, mineral oil, water, and baryte sand. Through systematic material mechanical tests, the effects of each component on the material’s strength, density, and elastic modulus were revealed, and the optimal mix ratio was determined. This enabled precise control of low elastic modulus and had a high density, while the material is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and compatible with direct contact with natural water. Its mechanical properties are highly similar to those of the prototype concrete. Based on a 1:70 geometric scale, a shaking table model test of the concrete gravity dam-reservoir system was conducted. The dynamic response and damage evolution under empty and full reservoir conditions were compared and analyzed. The study shows that this material can accurately simulate the stress-strain relationship and failure mode of prototype concrete. Under the full reservoir condition, the dam’s fundamental frequency showed only a 2.72% deviation from the numerical simulation, and as the seismic excitation amplitude increased, the changes in the fundamental frequency effectively reflected the accumulation of damage. Under the design seismic motion, the measured accelerations and stress responses for both empty and full reservoir conditions were in good agreement with numerical calculations. Under overload conditions, the acceleration amplification factor at the dam crest decreased with damage accumulation, and the dam neck was identified as the seismic weak zone. As the peak ground acceleration (PGA) increased from 0.15 g to 0.70 g, the fundamental frequency changes effectively reflected the damage accumulation process in the dam, while the hydrodynamic pressure at the dam heel showed a linear increase (457% increase). The experimentally measured hydrodynamic pressure distribution was between the rigid dam and elastic dam hydrodynamic pressures, reflecting the real fluid-structure interaction effect. This study provides a reliable material solution and data support for dam seismic physical model testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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19 pages, 3164 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deteriorated Cyclic Behaviour of Corroded RC Framed Elements: A Practical Proposal for Their Modelling

by José Barradas-Hernández, Dariniel Barrera-Jiménez, Irving Ramírez-González, Franco Carpio-Santamaría, Alejandro Vargas-Colorado, Sergio Márquez-Domínguez, Rolando Salgado-Estrada, José Piña-Flores and Abigail Zamora-Hernández

Buildings 2025, 15(17), 3110; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173110 - 29 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 820

Abstract

Corrosion is a phenomenon that significantly impacts the durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, particularly in highly corrosive environments like coastal regions. The existing numerical modelling often relies on complex approaches that are impractical for structural assessment. For this reason, this study proposes a simplified numerical modelling approach to simulate the cyclic behaviour of existing RC framed structures with corrosion levels (η) below 25%. The proposed modelling employs concentrated plasticity hinges for beams and fiber sections for columns, incorporating corrosion-induced degradation through modified backbone curves and material properties based on the corrosion level of the structural element. The modelling approach was validated against experimental results from the literature; the proposed model adequately captures hysteretic energy, lateral load, and deformation capacities, with maximum errors of 11% for maximum lateral load, 12% for ultimate load, and 33% for dissipated energy in RC frames. For isolated columns, the errors were 11, 12, and 22%, respectively. In addition, a maximum difference of 7% was found in the lateral load capacity of the corroded frames associated with the Life Safety limit state. Finally, it was concluded that the proposed methodology is suitable for representing the cyclic behaviour of corroded RC columns and frames and provides engineers with a tool to evaluate the behaviour of corroded structures without resorting to complex models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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18 pages, 2659 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature-Driven Degradation Mechanisms of Steel–Concrete Interfaces in NaCl Solution Environments: Nanoscale Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

by Jianchao Xu, Jiayi Mo, Wenlong Sang and Jieqiong Wu

Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2894; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162894 - 15 Aug 2025

Viewed by 842

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the temperature-dependent degradation mechanisms of the steel–concrete interface in NaCl solution environments at the nanoscale, focusing on the key components of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H, the primary hydration product of cement) and iron oxyhydroxide (γ-FeOOH, a critical component of steel passive films in highly alkaline environments). Using Materials Studio software (2023) and molecular dynamics simulations, the evolution of the interface’s performance under temperatures ranging from 300 K to 390 K (corresponding to 27 °C to 117 °C) is systematically investigated. The results reveal that elevated temperatures degrade the performance of C-S-H/γ-FeOOH interfaces through three main mechanisms: (1) The stability of the hydration shell around aggressive ions is weakened, enabling these ions to occupy the coordination positions of calcium ions on the interface and form stable ion pairs with surface calcium ions, thereby weakening interfacial bonding. (2) The mobility of surface calcium ions is enhanced, reducing the strength of the interaction of ion pairs and diminishing the mediating role of calcium ions in connecting the C-S-H and γ-FeOOH phases. (3) Hydrogen bond stability at the interface decreases, as indicated by reduced hydrogen bond angles and numbers, coupled with increased hydrogen bond lengths. The above three reasons lead to a decrease in adsorption energy in the C-S-H/γ-FeOOH interface, which degrades the interface bond’s performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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24 pages, 6353 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Response and Residual Bearing Capacity of Corroded RC Piers Under Rockfall Impact

by Jieqiong Wu, Feiyang Ye, Jian Yang and Jianchao Xu

Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152592 - 22 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1030

Abstract

RC piers in mountainous coastal or saline areas face the dual threats of rockfall impacts and chloride-induced steel corrosion, but their combined effects on dynamic response and residual bearing capacity remain unquantified. This study aims to investigate these combined effects over a 90-year service time and propose a damage assessment formula. A validated numerical model (relative error ≤14.7%) of corroded RC columns under impact is developed using ABAQUS, based on which the dynamic response and residual bearing capacity of an actual RC pier subjected to rockfall impacts during the service time of 90 years incorporating corrosion initiation (via Life-365 software 2.2) and propagation are analyzed, with the consideration of various impact energies (1–5 t mass, 5–15 m/s velocity). Results show that (1) increasing impact mass/velocity expands damage and increases displacement (e.g., the velocity of increases peak displacement by 33.41 mm in comparison to 5 m/s); (2) a 90-year service time leads to >50% severe surface damage and 47.1% residual capacity loss; and (3) the proposed and validated damage formula assessment formula for the residual bearing capacity enables lifecycle maintenance guidance. This work provides a validated framework for assessing combined corrosion-rockfall effects, aiding design and maintenance of structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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27 pages, 3367 KB

Open AccessArticle

Binocular Video-Based Automatic Pixel-Level Crack Detection and Quantification Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Concrete Structures

by Liqu Liu, Bo Shen, Shuchen Huang, Runlin Liu, Weizhang Liao, Bin Wang and Shuo Diao

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020258 - 17 Jan 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2260

Abstract

Crack detection and quantification play crucial roles in assessing the condition of concrete structures. Herein, a novel real-time crack detection and quantification method that leverages binocular vision and a lightweight deep learning model is proposed. In this methodology, the proposed method based on the following four modules is adopted: a lightweight classification algorithm, a high-precision segmentation algorithm, a semi-global block matching algorithm (SGBM), and a crack quantification technique. Based on the crack segmentation results, a framework is developed for quantitative analysis of the major geometric parameters, including crack length, crack width, and crack angle of orientation at the pixel level. Results indicate that, by incorporating channel attention and spatial attention mechanisms in the MBConv module, the detection accuracy of the improved EfficientNetV2 increased by 1.6% compared with the original EfficientNetV2. Results indicate that using the proposed quantification method can achieve low quantification errors of 2%, 4.5%, and 4% for the crack length, width, and angle of orientation, respectively. The proposed method can contribute to crack detection and quantification in practical use by being deployed on smart devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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19 pages, 18904 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Response and Collapse Analysis of a Transmission Tower Structure: Assessing the Impact of the Damage Accumulation Effect

by Pingping Nie, Haiqing Liu, Yunlong Wang and Siyu Han

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2243; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072243 - 21 Jul 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2695

Abstract

This paper delves into the impact of the damage accumulation effect, which leads to the degradation of material strength and stiffness, on the seismic resistance of transmission towers. Building upon the elastic–plastic finite element theory, a mixed hardening constitutive model is derived for circular steel tubes, standard elements in transmission towers, incorporating the damage accumulation effect. A user material subroutine, UMAT, is created within the LS–DYNA framework. The program’s validity and reliability are established through axial constant–amplitude loading tests on single steel tubes. The subroutine is employed to conduct the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) of an individual transmission tower and to contrast it with the structure utilizing the Plastic Kinematic material model, assessing the discrepancies in tower top displacements and segment damage indices (SDIs) at both macroscopic and microscopic scales. The results shows that the Plastic Kinematic model inflates the seismic performance of the transmission tower. When considering the damage accumulation effect in structural failure, the damage index of the members increases, leading to a reduction in both the structural strength and stiffness. The dynamic response in the plastic phase becomes more pronounced, and the onset of structural failure is accelerated. Consequently, structural analysis under seismic conditions should account for the damage accumulation process. Through the delineation of member and segment damage, the extent of damage to transmission tower segments can be quantitatively assessed. Subsequently, the ultimate load–bearing capacity and the most vulnerable location of the transmission tower can be ascertained. Finally, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the transmission tower collapse process under seismic action and summarizes the mechanism of collapse for the structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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17 pages, 3114 KB

Open AccessArticle

Calculation of Characteristic Point Parameters for Restoring Model of Corroded Short-Pier RC Shear Walls

by Qing Qin, Haojie Cheng, Chenghua Zhang and Sha Ding

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051293 - 3 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1387

Abstract

Based on the quasi-static tests of 12 corroded RC (reinforced concrete) shear walls, it was found that reinforcement corrosion has a great influence on the skeleton curve of RC shear walls. With an increase in the degree of corrosion, the bearing capacity of specimens decreases, and the deformation capacity worsens. Increasing the diameter of longitudinal reinforcements can significantly improve the bearing capacity of corroded RC shear walls, while the deformation capacity of corroded specimens can be improved by increasing the lateral distributed reinforcement or the transverse reinforcement in the embedded column. In order to accurately evaluate the seismic performance of corroded RC shear walls, we considered descent segments of four broken-line models to estimate the skeleton curve. After considering the influence of corrosion on the parameters of the characteristic point for the skeleton curve, the calculation formulas of the characteristic point parameters of the skeleton curve for the corroded RC shear wall were determined based on the test data fitting. It was proven that the formula for the characteristic point parameters for the skeleton curve of corroded RC shear walls has good applicability. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the seismic performance evaluation of an RC shear wall structure in a salt fog environment. It provides a theoretical basis for further improving the life-cycle seismic capacity evaluation system for RC structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Performance and Durability of Engineering Structures)

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