Kang-Jia Wang¹, Hongzhi Zhang², Runsheng Lin^3,*, Jiabin Li⁴, Xiao-Yong Wang^1,5,*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.146, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.074787 - 29 January 2026

Abstract Conventional low-carbon concrete design approaches have often overlooked carbonation durability and the progressive loss of cover caused by surface scaling, both of which can increase the long-term risk of reinforcement corrosion. To address these limitations, this study proposes an improved design framework for low-carbon slag concrete that simultaneously incorporates carbonation durability and cover scaling effects into the mix proportioning process. Based on experimental data, a linear predictive model was developed to estimate the 28-day compressive strength of slag concrete, achieving a correlation coefficient of R = 0.87711 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of… More >

Hyeon-Sik Choi¹, Min Kyu Kim¹, Jiuk Shin², Thomas H.-K. Kang^1,*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.146, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.074029 - 29 January 2026

Abstract Unbonded post-tensioned (PT) concrete systems are widely used in safety-critical structures, yet modeling practices for prestress implementation and tendon-concrete interaction remain inconsistent. This study investigates the effects of sheath (duct) implementation and confinement assumptions through nonlinear finite element analysis. Four modeling cases were defined, consisting of an explicit sheath without tendon-concrete confinement (S) and three no-sheath variants with different confinement levels (X, N, A). One-way beams and two-way panels were analyzed, and panel blast responses were validated against experimental results. In both beams and panels, average initial stress levels were similar across models, through local More >

Sana Shahab¹, Vladimir Simic^2,*, Ashit Kumar Dutta^3,4, Mohd Anjum^5,*, Dragan Pamucar^6,7,8

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.146, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.073945 - 29 January 2026

Abstract Environmental problems are intensifying due to the rapid growth of the population, industry, and urban infrastructure. This expansion has resulted in increased air and water pollution, intensified urban heat island effects, and greater runoff from parks and other green spaces. Addressing these challenges requires prioritizing green infrastructure and other sustainable urban development strategies. This study introduces a novel Integrated Decision Support System that combines Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets with the Advanced Alternative Ranking Order Method allowing for Two-Step Normalization (AAROM-TN), enhanced by a dual weighting strategy. The weighting approach integrates the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation… More >

Marwa M. Eid^1,2,*, Amel Ali Alhussan³, Ebrahim A. Mattar⁴, Nima Khodadadi^5,*, El-Sayed M. El-Kenawy^6,7

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.146, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.073555 - 29 January 2026

Abstract Accurate prediction of concrete compressive strength is fundamental for optimizing mix designs, improving material utilization, and ensuring structural safety in modern construction. Traditional empirical methods often fail to capture the non-linear relationships among concrete constituents, especially with the growing use of supplementary cementitious materials and recycled aggregates. This study presents an integrated machine learning framework for concrete strength prediction, combining advanced regression models—namely CatBoost—with metaheuristic optimization algorithms, with a particular focus on the Somersaulting Spider Optimizer (SSO). A comprehensive dataset encompassing diverse mix proportions and material types was used to evaluate baseline machine learning models,… More >

Sanjog Chhetri Sapkota^1,2, Liborio Cavaleri³, Ajaya Khatri⁴, Siddhi Pandey⁵, Satish Paudel⁶, Panagiotis G. Asteris^7,*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.146, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.069691 - 29 January 2026

Abstract Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design. Due to the complex nature of truss systems, this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises structural weight under stress and frequency constraints. Two new algorithms, the Red Kite Optimization Algorithm (ROA) and Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm (SBOA), are utilized on five benchmark trusses with 10, 18, 37, 72, and 200-bar trusses. Both algorithms are evaluated against benchmarks in the literature. The results indicate that SBOA always reaches a lighter optimal. Designs with reducing structural weight ranging from 0.02%… More >

Zhirong Jin^1,*, Xiaorui Hou¹, Yanrong Ge¹, Tiankui Guo², Ming Chen², Shuyi Li², Tianyu Niu²

Energy Engineering, Vol.123, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ee.2025.070750 - 27 January 2026

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing serves as a critical technology for reservoir stimulation in deep coalbed methane (CBM) development, where the mechanical properties of gangue layers exert a significant control on fracture propagation behavior. To address the unclear mechanisms governing fracture penetration across coal-gangue interfaces, this study employs the Continuum-Discontinuum Element Method (CDEM) to simulate and analyze the vertical propagation of hydraulic fractures initiating within coal seams, based on geomechanical parameters derived from the deep Benxi Formation coal seams in the southeastern Ordos Basin. The investigation systematically examines the influence of geological and operational parameters on cross-interfacial fracture… More >

Li Wang¹, Xuesong Xing¹, Yanan Hou¹, Heng Wen¹, Ying Zhu¹, Jingyu Zi¹, Qingwei Zeng^2,3,*

Energy Engineering, Vol.123, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/ee.2025.068653 - 27 January 2026

Abstract The deep coal reservoir in Linxing-Shenfu block of Ordos Basin is an important part of China’s coalbed methane resources. In the process of reservoir reconstruction, the artificial fracture morphology of coal seam with gangue interaction is significantly different, which affects the efficient development of coalbed methane resources in this area. In this paper, the surface outcrop of Linxing-Shenfu block is selected, and three kinds of interaction modes between gangue and coal seam are set up, including single-component coal rock sample, coal rock sample with different thicknesses of gangue layer and coal rock sample with different… More >

Xiaohan Zhang¹, Han Song^2,*, Maoyuan Yin³, Xiaoli Rong²

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.076594 - 26 January 2026

Abstract We report the rational design and synthesis of a novel trifunctional catalyst comprising atomically dispersed copper single-atom (Cu-SAC) sites and Cu₉S₅ nanoparticles co-loaded onto a highly crystalline carbon nitride (CCN) support for the photothermal conversion of methane to ethanol. The distinct active sites operate in synergy: the Cu-SAC sites, coordinated to the nitrogen-rich CCN framework, serve as highly efficient centers for the initial activation of methane’s C-H bond to form methyl radicals, while the plasmonic Cu₉S₅ nanoparticles act as dedicated sites for the subsequent C-C coupling and partial oxidation steps, driven by a combination of photochemical More >

Dehui Li^1,#, Yiming Guo^1,#, Tao He¹, Binbin Zhang¹, Haixia Yu^2,*, Lingkun Meng^1,*

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.075922 - 26 January 2026

Abstract Quinary Cu₃FeInSnS₆ (CFITS) nanoplates were synthesized through a synergistic dual-cation substitution strategy using a hot-injection method, where oleylamine and 1-dodecanethiol served as coordinating ligands to guide two-dimensional growth. The nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and absorption spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirms that the CFITS nanoplates crystallize in a phase-pure cubic zinc-blende structure (space group F-43 m) without detectable secondary phases. Optical measurements reveal that the nanoplates exhibit broad and intense visible-light absorption with a direct bandgap of 1.51 ± 0.03 eV, suitable for photovoltaic applications. Under standard AM 1.5 G… More >

Aadarsha Lamichhane¹, Arun Kuttoor Vasudevan¹, Ethan Dean¹, Mostafa Mohammadabadi^1,*, Kevin Ragon¹, Ardeshir Adeli²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0146 - 23 January 2026

Abstract This study explores a novel method for processing cotton stalks—an abundant agricultural byproduct—into long strips that serve as sustainable raw material for engineered bio-based panels. To evaluate the effect of raw material morphology on panel’s performance, two types of cotton stalk-based panels were developed: one using long strips, maintaining fiber continuity, and the other using ground particles, representing conventional processing. A wood strand-based panel made from commercial southern yellow pine strands served as the control. All panels were bonded using phenol-formaldehyde resin and hot-pressed to a target thickness of 12.7 mm and density of 640 kg/m³.… More >