Structural analysis and a sustainable solution for Baroque domes was explored by focusing on the Hermitage of Calvary (La Ermita del Calvario in Canet Lo Roig, Spain), an eighteenth century architectural heritage structure in Spain. Integrating architectural history, structural mechanics and contemporary engineering, a novel circular tensegrity dome system is proposed, rooted in semi-regular tension-integral units. Through singular value decomposition and equilibrium matrix theory, the geometric design, self-stress modes and mechanical displacement behaviours of semi-regular structures were analysed and optimised. A sunflower-shaped cable dome was incorporated within a circular ring system to form a fully tensioned and self-balanced dome, achieving both aesthetic elegance and structural efficiency. Numerical simulation and non-linear static analysis confirmed the stability, minimal displacement and high stiffness under load, demonstrating engineering feasibility. The proposed framework enhances the understanding of Baroque dome mechanics and offers a sustainable structural solution for restoring and modernising historical architecture while preserving cultural identity.

Construction-scale three-dimensional (3D) printing (C3DP) is reshaping building by enabling automated, low-cost and environmentally friendly construction. Yet it struggles with material variability, process control and limited real-time adaptability. This paper explores how machine learning (ML) can address these barriers. Through supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement and deep learning methods, ML strengthens quality control, robotic path planning, predictive maintenance and adaptive optimisation. Continuous sensing and feedback improve structural performance and reduce waste. Case studies from ICON, Apis Cor and WASP demonstrate practical gains from combining ML with large-scale 3D printing – such as better print reliability, smarter robotics and more sustainable materials. Critical enablers are also discussed in this paper, including sensor integration, edge artificial intelligence (AI) for low-latency decision making and ongoing regulatory challenges. Finally, emerging opportunities are identified in autonomous construction and generative AI–driven design. ML-enabled C3DP offers a promising route toward smarter, more sustainable and scalable building systems. This paper provides both a literature-based review and a conceptual framework outlining how these technologies can shape future adaptive construction.

The electric eel foraging optimisation EEFO algorithm and an improved variant (I-EEFO) were evaluated for optimising outrigger brace placement in full-scale steel frame structures. The I-EEFO algorithm integrates a Levy flight to replace traditional Brownian randomisation, improving exploration efficiency. Two design examples (10-storey and 20-storey steel frames) demonstrate the algorithms’ ability to enhance structural stability in high-rise buildings. Compared with established metaheuristic methods such as the grey wolf optimiser and the whale optimisation algorithm, the I-EEFO algorithm exhibited superior convergence speed, accuracy and robustness through rigorous evaluations. These findings establish the I-EEFO algorithm as a powerful tool for structural optimisation, offering significant potential for designing efficient and resilient tall buildings.

Ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) has attracted increasing attention for earthquake-resistant structures due to its high strength, crack control and energy dissipation capacity. However, the combined influence of steel fibre content and high-strength steel (HSS) reinforcement on the cyclic–flexural–shear behaviour of UHPFRC beams remains insufficiently understood. In this study, a numerical framework is presented coupling a Matlab-based random fibre distribution model with the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) approach implemented in Abaqus. The proposed model was validated against experimental results reported by Pourbaba and co-workers and by Kodur and co-workers, demonstrating less than 8% deviation in peak load predictions. A parametric investigation was then performed to assess the effects of compressive strength, fibre volume fraction and reinforcement ratio under monotonic and cyclic loading. The results indicate that increasing the fibre content to 4% enhances load capacity by approximately 20% and energy absorption by about 24%. Beams reinforced with HSS exhibited improved ductility, reduced stiffness degradation and superior energy dissipation under cyclic loading. The numerical framework effectively captures the flexural, shear and cyclic responses of UHPFRC beams, providing a reliable basis for performance-based design and optimisation of UHPFRC–HSS structural elements.

Shrinkage-induced vertical shortening in reinforced concrete (RC) columns and shear walls of high-rise buildings was investigated through staged-construction analyses using the fib Model Code 1990 implemented in two structural analysis programs. As a baseline reference, representative shortening under typical conditions (relative humidity (RH) of about 70%) for a 50-storey building is about 33 mm in columns and 30 mm in shear walls. In this study, parameter variations included RH (40–90%), building height (30, 40 and 50 storeys), concrete strength (C70/85, C60/75 and C50/60) and slab thickness (250, 300 and 350 mm). Lowering the RH from 90% to 40% increased the maximum shortening by ≈44% in columns and ≈49% in shear walls, while increasing the number of storeys from 30 to 50 increased mid-height column shortening by roughly 30%. The use of higher strength concrete (C70/85) reduced the maximum shortening by up to 18% and thicker slabs reduce it by ≈12% in columns and ≈9% in shear walls through enhanced diaphragm stiffness. Shortening was found to be concentrated in the upper–middle floors, and evolves rapidly during the early years, underscoring the need for staged analysis. Unlike previous studies, this work provides quantified parametric relationships that can support design applications. The findings offer practical guidance for serviceability assessment, façade alignment and construction-tolerance planning in tall RC buildings.

A new ground motion prediction equation (GMPE) has been developed to estimate horizontal ground motions generated by shallow earthquakes. This equation is developed through multi-linear regression analysis and is valid across a wide range of hypocentral distances and moment magnitudes for earthquakes in the Iranian plateau. The dataset used to develop the GMPE for Iran includes 24 strong to major earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from Mw 6.0 to Mw 7.8, recorded by 660 seismic stations. The proposed GMPE is compared with previous models developed for both Iran and global datasets, showing strong agreement with recorded data across all distances. Its validity is further confirmed using ground motion records from four major seismic events. The results indicate that the new GMPE provides accurate predictions of peak ground acceleration.

This study investigates the combined influence of activator concentration and recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) content on the mechanical and durability performance of alkali-activated geopolymer concrete (GPC). Concrete mixes were prepared using varying fly ash (FLY) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50) and RCA replacement levels of 0%, 25% and 50%. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions with molarities of 8 M, 10 M and 12 M served as activators. Results showed that compressive and split tensile strengths were influenced by binder composition, alkali molarity and RCA content. Increasing RCA reduced strength due to a weaker interfacial transition zone, while GGBFS improved performance through calcium-induced gel formation. The optimum results occurred with 10 M sodium hydroxide and 25% RCA, achieving 62.05 MPa compressive strength at 28 days and 66 MPa at 120 days. Durability studies indicated greater deterioration in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) environments, with strength and weight losses intensifying over prolonged exposure. At 120 days, strength losses were approximately 27% in sulfuric acid, particularly in RCA-rich mixes. Mixes with higher molarity and calcium content exhibited better resistance. Microstructural analysis (scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis) confirmed C–A–S–H, N–A–S–H, and C–S–H gel formation, correlating with improved performance. Overall, RCA-based GPC demonstrates strong potential as a sustainable and durable construction material.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a newly developed dog-bone flange weakened beam–column joint, specifically designed for high-rise construction to enhance seismic resistance and facilitate post-disaster recovery. The joint incorporates replaceable energy-dissipation components and vertical slits, and its design and performance are evaluated through Abaqus simulations. The study focuses on critical aspects such as force transmission, failure modes and energy dissipation under low-cycle loading conditions. Comparative analysis with and without vertical slits reveals that the proposed joint exhibits superior performance, with an enhancement of 19.7% in the equivalent viscous damping coefficient. In alignment with the BS EN 1993-1-8-2005 code, the joint is classified as semi-rigid. Detailed parameter analysis suggests the suitability of LY160 and Q235 steel plates with vertical slits for design applications, recommending a steel plate thickness ranging from 0.25 to 0.50 times the thickness of the beam flange. Moreover, a full-length configuration of vertical slits is advocated. The energy-dissipation plate’s void ratio is recommended to be within 5.2–7.8%, and the aspect ratio of the slits should fall between 31.5 and 42.

External bonding with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates is widely employed for strengthening and retrofitting concrete structures. However, exposure to high temperatures can degrade concrete and adversely affect the bond strength between FRP and the damaged material. This study investigates the bond behaviour of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates adhered to heat-damaged concrete using a double-shear test. Concrete specimens were subjected to temperatures of 200, 400, 600 and 800°C. Subsequently, the specimens were bonded to GFRP sheets with varying lengths (100, 150 and 200 mm) and a constant width of 80 mm. Results indicate a decrease in bond strength with increasing exposure temperature. Conversely, bond strength exhibited a significant increase with longer bond lengths. For specimens heated below 400°C, the thickness of the delaminated concrete layer beneath the GFRP composite was negligible. However, at 600°C and 800°C, delamination thicknesses ranged from 4 to 25 mm. In addition, bond length influenced the ultimate bond stress, with higher values observed for shorter bond lengths.

Harmful environmental conditions in coastal regions, such as high temperatures and wet–dry cycles, may cause extensive damages to concrete structures. One of the prevalent repair methods for such structures is the placement of repair concrete on damaged concrete layers. In this work, the adhesion of high-strength repair concrete reinforced with steel fibre (SF) and polypropylene fibre (PPF) to bed concrete layers was examined under this environment. Environmental conditions were simulated using different numbers of wet–dry cycles at ambient temperature and at 40°C. Splitting tensile tests were used to evaluate the adhesion between the repair and bed concrete layers. After 180 days of wet–dry cycles 40°C, the high-strength concrete (HSC) mixes with hybrid fibres (HS-St+PP), PPF (HS-PP) and SF (HS-St) provided greater adhesion strength than the HSC without fibre (increases of 39.52, 25.74 and 11.97%, respectively). The combined conditions of wet–dry cycles and high temperatures were far more destructive than wet–dry cycles at ambient temperature. Compared with the ambient-temperature condition, the HS (HSC without fibre), HS-St, HS-PP and HS-St+PP specimens exposed to 40°C showed an average decrease in adhesion strength of 15.48, 15.30, 29.30 and 32.82%, respectively. The lowest shrinkage rates and the highest adhesion strengths were achieved in the mix with hybrid fibres.