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CONTENTS
Volume 37, Number 1, January 2026
 

Abstract
Heavily loaded trucks have become an essential part of traffic flow, which causes significant threat to structural performance and even structural safety, under this circumstances, implementing truck weight limitation is of vital for guarantying bridge safety. This study aims to propose a framework for determining truck weight limitation, and mainly focuses on axle load limit. Firstly, one year of WIM data is utilized to analyze characteristics of trucks, then a non-parametric Bayesian network is constructed to synthesize spacing of axles based on observations available, to generate complete WIM database. Secondly, overloaded trucks are filtered and applied to the finite element model of a RC bridge to obtain bridge response, then, two damage states and four damage indices are defined according to material and structural performance. Finally, the probability density evolution method is adopted to perform reliability analysis, by constructing the relationship of axle load, damage indices and reliability index, axle load limitation is recommended. The proposed framework could provide reference to decision-makers responsible for traffic control.

Key Words
damage index; reliability analysis; synthetic traffic data; truck weight limitation; WIM data

Address
Lang Liu, Manfei Xu, Yifei Zhao: School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, 66# Xuefu Avenue, Nan'an District, Chongqing 400074, China
Jingbo Liao, Min Duan: Wukang Company, China Merchants Chongqing Communications Technology Research and Design Institute Co., LTD, 33# Xuefu Avenue, Nan'an District, Chongqing 400067, China

Abstract
In light of increasing resource constraints and environmental concerns, optimizing the cost and performance of high-strength concrete (HSC) has become a key objective. This study introduces a cost-based optimization approach for HSC mix design using experimental data and nonlinear regression models. A dataset comprising 36 HSC mixes across three strength levels (50, 60, and 70 MPa) was used to develop predictive equations for compressive strength and slump. These models were integrated into a Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) framework to identify optimal mix proportions. Validation through laboratory tests confirmed the model's reliability, with optimal designs achieving a water-to-cement ratio of 0.3 and 10% silica fume content. The proposed method reduces material costs while meeting performance criteria and facilitating automated mix design processes.

Key Words
experimental data; optimum HSC mix design; sequential quadratic programming; slump prediction; strength prediction

Address
Alireza Habibi: Department of Civil Engineering, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
Mehdi Izadpanah: Department of Civil Engineering, Kermanshah University of Technology, Kermanshah, Iran
Amjad Jalali: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

Abstract
Using recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has recently been growing rapidly as an alternative to conventional concrete for sustainable development in construction. Nevertheless, there are limitation in computational guidance for compressive strength (CS) of RAC. Thus, this study aims to develop ensemble data-driven models for estimating the CS of RAC. Five ensemble models, namely category-boosting (CatBoost), gradient-boosting (GBoost), extreme gradient-boosting (XGBoost), K-nearest neighbor boosting (KNN), and random forest (RF), were developed, examined and compared for estimating the 28-day CS. A total of 578 datasets of different RAC mixtures were used to develop and test the proposed models. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to analyze the impact of the used input variables on CS. The multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) algorithm was used to formulate the relationship between significant input variables and CS. The results show that CatBoost model outperformed the other proposed models with correlation coefficient (r) and mean absolute error (MAE) scores of 0.92 and 4.36 MPa, respectively. SHAP results of the CatBoost model show the impact of water/cement ratio is highly significant in modelling CS of RAC followed by nominal maximum recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) size, RCA replacement ratio, and bulk density of natural aggregate. Although parent concrete strength and the Los Angeles abrasion index of RCA have limited influence on the CS of RAC, they can be used to enhance the CS when both are greater than 40 MPa and 35 MPa, respectively. The proposed MARS equations can be used as a guideline in the design stage of RAC mixtures.

Key Words
boosting; compressive strength; ensemble; recycled aggregate concrete

Address
Mosbeh R. Kaloop: 1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University, Korea, 2) Incheon Disaster Prevention Research Center, Incheon National University, Korea, 3) Public Works and Civil Engineering Department, Mansoura University, Egypt, 4) Digital InnoCent Ltd., London, UK
Mohamed Rezaik: Appout ITs, Tanta, Egypt
Ash Ahmed: Civil Engineering Department, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
Jong Wan Hu: 1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Incheon National University, Korea, 2) Incheon Disaster Prevention Research Center, Incheon National University, Korea
Mohamed Eldessouki: Digital InnoCent Ltd., London, UK
Emad Elbeltagi: Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia

Abstract
To mitigate torsional failures in frame-core tube structures, the torsional damage mechanism is investigated through a multi-level analysis encompassing structural components, subsystems, and the overall system. The influence of key structural parameters on torsional resistance is analyzed to identify critical contributors to structural vulnerability. Realistic torsional components of ground motions are generated using a single-station method combined with an empirical phase velocity model, and applied to ground motion records selected based on the conditional mean spectrum. A systematic comparison is conducted to evaluate post-earthquake dynamic characteristics, story torsion angles, inter-story torsion angles, and internal force distributions. Incremental dynamic analysis is employed to assess how these parameters vary with increasing seismic intensity. The results indicate that higher-order torsional modes are more readily activated as the height-to-width ratio increases, resulting in more severe damage. Strengthened stories significantly reduce the amplitude of higher-order torsional vibrations and help control nonlinear responses. Additionally, torque in the core tube increases with seismic intensity and exhibits high sensitivity. Corner columns in the frame are especially vulnerable to damage under torsional excitation.

Key Words
frame-core tube structure; incremental dynamic analysis; structural parameters; torsional component; torsional damage mechanism

Address
Yingchang Ma, Xiao Lai: Department of Civil Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Zheng He: 1) Department of Civil Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China, 2) State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China

Abstract
This study investigated the experimental and theoretical shear behavior of plain and steel fiber concrete deep beams reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer bars (GFRP). A total of twelve plain and steel fiber concrete deep beams without shear reinforcement were constructed and tested under four-point loading. The tested beams were analyzed using the strut-and-tie models specified in ACI 318-19 and CSA S806 Codes. The effects of shear span-to-depth ratio (a/d), reinforcement ratio and the influences of steel fibers on the shear behavior of GFRP reinforced concrete deep beams were examined. In addition, a parametric study was also conducted to determine the influences of concrete strength, a/d ratio, and reinforcement ratio on the ultimate load capacity of GFRP-reinforced deep beams. The results showed that the a/d ratio, reinforcement ratio, and inclusion of steel fibers into concrete matrix significantly affected the shear behavior of deep beams. It was concluded that increasing the a/d ratio caused a decrease in the ultimate load capacity of the beams while increasing the concrete strength resulted in an increase in the ultimate load capacity. Increasing the reinforcement ratio increased the ultimate load capacity when using the CSA model.

Key Words
deep beam; GFRP reinforcement; shear behavior; steel fiber; strut-and-tie model

Address
Sedat Karaahmetli, Serkan Tokgoz: Department of Civil Engineering, Adana Alparslan Turkes Science and Technology University, Adana 01250, Türkiye
Ismail Hakki Cagatay: Department of Civil Engineering, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Türkiye
Cengiz Dundar: Department of Civil Engineering, Toros University, Mersin 33210, Türkiye

Abstract
Torsional moments occur mainly in spandrel and curved beams, which are structural elements subjected to asymmetric loads. In the past, torsion was not considered in reinforced concrete (RC) design due to a conservative safety factor. However, since the 1960s, the importance of torsional design has been highlighted due to a lower factor of safety and an increase in irregular structures. To date, torsion tests have been conducted on various members, such as RC, steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), and prestressed concrete (PSC). However, there has been a lack of research comparing their effects or deriving empirical models based on the data including them. Therefore, this study analyzed the effect of features and derived empirical models for torsional cracking and ultimate torsional strength based on 514 previous experimental data including RC, SFRC, and PSC. The findings revealed the importance and interaction of features affecting torsional cracking and ultimate torsional strength. Also, simple and highly accurate models for torsional cracking and ultimate torsional strength were derived.

Key Words
axial stress; reinforced concrete; steel fiber; torsion; torsional cracking strength; ultimate torsional strength

Address
Hoseong Jeong: Department of Architectural Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
Hyunjin Ju: School of Architectural Convergence, Hankyong National University, 327 Jungang-ro, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do 17579, Republic of Korea
Kang Su Kim: Department of Architectural Engineering and Smart City Interdisciplinary Major Program, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea

Abstract
In the present study, both experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to examine the ballistic impact response of five different cementitious concrete targets. Ballistic perforation tests were performed at low impact velocities ranging from 70 to 195 m/s. All targets were subjected to normal impact, and the projectile velocities were recorded using a high-speed camera. The results were analyzed and compared based on the extent and distribution of surface damage, ballistic limit velocity (BLV), and ballistic perforation resistance, as indicated by the residual velocity. The inclusion of steel fibers in the plain concrete matrix was found to enhance the BLV of the targets, reduce surface damage, and prevent target splitting. The experimental findings were further validated through analytical and numerical simulations. This study provides insights into the damage mechanisms of various concrete targets under long steel rod ballistic impact, offering valuable guidance for research and development in the design of protective structures.

Key Words
ballistic limit velocity (BLV); damage mechanism; low impact velocity; steel fiber concrete and UHPC

Address
Civil Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Rookee-247667, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract
The increasing accumulation of plastic waste (PW) and its low recycling rates pose serious environmental challenges. This study investigates the replacement of coarse aggregate (CA) with polycarbonate PW at levels of 20%, 30%, and 40% in concrete prisms (100x50x400 mm), tested under drop-weight impact loading and validated with finite element method (FEM) simulations. PW incorporation reduced workability (slump from 165 mm to 35 mm) and bulk density (2215 to 1930 kg/m3), alongside compressive strength losses of 25-49% and modulus reductions of 15-34%. However, PW30% demonstrated the highest impact resistance, with a peak Tup load of 14,170 kN at 0.6 ms, bending load of 4152 kN, and inertial load of 5084 kN, confirming its superior energy absorption. Dynamic-to-static ratios also improved with PW, with fracture energy increasing from 3.05 to 10.1. FEM results confirmed these behaviors, particularly for PW30%. Overall, PW30% offers an optimal balance of ductility and toughness, suggesting its suitability for impact-resistant and lightweight applications.

Key Words
finite element modeling; fracture energy; impact loading behavior; plastic waste concrete; sustainable construction materials

Address
Mustafa Maher Al-Tayeb: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Şahinbey, Gaziantep, Türkiye
Majed A. A. Aldahdooh: Department of Facilities and Construction Project Management, International College of Engineering and Management, affiliated with the University of Lancashire (UK), P.C. 111, Sultanate of Oman
Said Almaawali: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
Munir Nazzal: Center for Smart, Sustainable & Resilient Infrastructure (CSSRI), Department of Civil & Architectural Engineering & Construction Management, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
Bassam A. Tayeh: 1) Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Gaza, P.O. Box 108, Gaza Strip, Palestine, 2) Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Nurdeen M. Altwair: Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Elmergib University, Khoms, Libya
Rami J. A. Hamad: Department of Facilities and Construction Project Management, International College of Engineering and Management, P.C. 111, Muscat, Oman

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