Yiyan Chen^1,2, Yihu Chen^1,2,*, Min Zhang³, Xiaogang Ye⁴, Jindan Zhang^1,2

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.20, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/sdhm.2025.073581 - 31 March 2026

Abstract The large thickness of the common composite precast base slab leads to difficulties in construction through reinforcement installation and pipeline laying. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a lightweight ribbed base slab, reducing the base slab thickness to 30 mm compared to the ordinary precast base slab, adding concrete ribs to improve the mechanical properties of the base slab, and analyzing its damage pattern, stiffness change, and deflection deformation through static loading experiments. Based on the experimental conditions, the effect of concrete rib height, rib width, and top chord reinforcement diameter on the short-term… More >

Qi Feng^1,2, Dan Wang^3,*, Weijie Hu¹, Wenhao Zhao²

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.20, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/sdhm.2025.072968 - 31 March 2026

Abstract Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) represent an advanced class of fiber-reinforced cement-based materials developed over the past three decades, characterized by remarkable tensile strain-hardening and multiple-cracking behavior. By incorporating hybrid fibers, Hybrid Fiber engineered cementitious composites (HFECC) can be tailored to meet specific engineering demands in terms of strength, deformation, dynamic mechanical performance, and cost-effectiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the critical fiber volume theory, experimental investigations into quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties, and the structural performance of HFECC. Furthermore, current research gaps and future directions for the development and application of HFECC are More >

Achille Désiré Betené Omgba^1,2,*, Cheryle Manfouo Tchoupmene¹, Benoit Ndiwe^1,2,*, Antonios N. Papadopoulos³, Remy Legrand Ndoumou Belinga¹, Julien Clerc Obam¹, Christel Cedrig Laris Nsi Ongo¹, Ioanna A. Papadopoulou⁴, Armel Brice Mvogo^1,2, Fabien Betené Ebanda^1,2, Atangana Ateba^1,2, Antonio Pizzi⁵

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0201 - 25 March 2026

Abstract The high hydrophilicity of pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) limits their use in cement- and gypsum-based composites exposed to moisture. This study evaluates, for the first time, the combined effect of palm kernel oil and beeswax on the hygroscopic resistance and mechanical stability of PALF. The fibres were functionalised with three formulations (oil, wax, and a 1:2 oil/wax blend) applied at different mass ratios (CR = 0.5–2). Treatments increased the average bundle diameter by up to +46% (238 μm) and reduced density down to 1.06 g/cm³. Hygroscopically, water absorption decreased from 202.4% (raw fibres) to 76.3% (CR… More > Graphic Abstract

John Letwaba¹, Sudhakar Muniyasamy^2,3,*, Nagarethinam Rakku¹, Lucey Mavhungu¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0132 - 25 February 2026

Abstract Melt blending of biodegradable polyesters such as poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with a compatibilizer and natural filler offers a chance to develop biodegradable bio-composites with improved performance. In this study, we examined how PLA/PBAT blends behave during ultimate biodegradation (mineralization), both with and without compatibilizer and algae as a reinforcement, under controlled composting conditions using carbon dioxide (CO₂) respirometry techniques. Throughout the biodegradation process, the disintegration behaviour, thermal, chemical, and morphological properties of test samples before and after biodegradation were analyzed using FTIR, TGA, DSC, and SEM techniques. The results… More > Graphic Abstract

Francisco Daniel García^1,2, Solange Nicole Aigner^1,2, Natalia Raffaeli³, Antonio José Barotto³, Eleana Spavento³, Mariano Martín Escobar^1,4, Marcela Angela Mansilla^1,4, Alejandro Bacigalupe^1,4,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0181 - 23 January 2026

Abstract This study explores the use of black soldier fly larvae protein as a bio-based adhesive to produce particleboards from sugarcane bagasse. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted, including rheological characterization of the adhesive and physical–mechanical testing of the panels according to European standards. The black soldier fly larvae-based adhesive exhibited gel-like viscoelastic behavior, rapid partial structural recovery after shear, and favorable application properties. Particleboards manufactured with this adhesive and sugarcane bagasse achieved promising mechanical performance, with modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity values of 30.2 and 3500 MPa, respectively. Internal bond strength exceeded 0.4 MPa,… More > Graphic Abstract

Safwan Al-sayed¹, Xi Wang¹, Yijiang Peng^1,*, Esraa Hyarat², Ahmad Ali AlZubi³

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.074068 - 12 January 2026

Abstract In modern construction, Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LWAC) has been recognized as a vital material of concern because of its unique properties, such as reduced density and improved thermal insulation. Despite the extensive knowledge regarding its macroscopic properties, there is a wide knowledge gap in understanding the influence of microscale parameters like aggregate porosity and volume ratio on the mechanical response of LWAC. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap, spurred by the need to enhance the predictability and applicability of LWAC in various construction environments. With the help of advanced numerical methods, including the… More >

Girish Hariharan¹, Vinyas¹, Gowrishankar Mandya Chennegowda¹, Nitesh Kumar¹, Shiva Kumar¹, Deepak Doreswamy², Subraya Krishna Bhat^1,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.3, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.073772 - 12 January 2026

Abstract This study presents a framework involving statistical modeling and machine learning to accurately predict and optimize the mechanical and damping properties of hybrid granite–epoxy (G–E) composites reinforced with cast iron (CI) filler particles. Hybrid G–E composite with added cast iron (CI) filler particles enhances stiffness, strength, and vibration damping, offering enhanced performance for vibration-sensitive engineering applications. Unlike conventional approaches, this work simultaneously employs Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for high-accuracy property prediction and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for in-depth analysis of factor interactions and optimization. A total of 24 experimental test data sets of varying input… More >

Yonggang Tong^1,*, Kai Yang¹, Pengfei Li¹, Yongle Hu¹, Xiubing Liang^2,*, Jian Liu³, Yejun Li⁴, Jingzhong Fang¹

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.1, pp. 1-15, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.071890 - 10 November 2025

Abstract (NbZrHfTi)C high-entropy ceramics, as an emerging class of ultra-high-temperature materials, have garnered significant interest due to their unique multi-principal-element crystal structure and exceptional high-temperature properties. This study systematically investigates the mechanical properties of (NbZrHfTi)C high-entropy ceramics by employing first-principles density functional theory, combined with the Debye-Grüneisen model, to explore the variations in their thermophysical properties with temperature (0–2000 K) and pressure (0–30 GPa). Thermodynamically, the calculated mixing enthalpy and Gibbs free energy confirm the feasibility of forming a stable single-phase solid solution in (NbZrHfTi)C. The calculated results of the elastic stiffness constant indicate that the… More >

Binchang Ma¹, Xinhai Yu², Gang Huang^3,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.86, No.1, pp. 1-21, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.071320 - 10 November 2025

Abstract Vacancy defects, as fundamental disruptions in metallic lattices, play an important role in shaping the mechanical and electronic properties of aluminum crystals. However, the influence of vacancy position under coupled thermomechanical fields remains insufficiently understood. In this study, transmission and scanning electron microscopy were employed to observe dislocation structures and grain boundary heterogeneities in processed aluminum alloys, suggesting stress concentrations and microstructural inhomogeneities associated with vacancy accumulation. To complement these observations, first-principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted for seven single-vacancy configurations in face-centered cubic aluminum. The stress response, total energy, density of states More >

Shuoting Xiao^1,*, Nikita Igorevich Fomin¹, Kirill Anatolyevich Khvostunkov², Chong Liu¹

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.145, No.3, pp. 2821-2847, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.071961 - 23 December 2025

Abstract Precast concrete structures have gained popularity due to their advantages. However, the seismic performance of their connection joints remains an area of ongoing research and improvement. Grouted Sleeve Connection (GSC) offers a solution for connecting reinforcements in precast components, but their vulnerability to internal defects, such as construction errors and material variability, can significantly impact performance. This article presents a finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the impact of internal grouting defects in GSC on the structural performance of precast reinforced concrete columns. Four finite element models representing GSC with varying degrees of defects were… More > Graphic Abstract