Sustainable Structures
- ISSN: 2789-3111 (print) Impact Factor:9.0
- ISSN: 2789-312X (online) Publication Frequency:Four issues per year from 2025
About the Journal
Sustainable Structures (SUST; Sustain. Struct.) is an interdisciplinary journal publishing original research covering all aspects of science and technology concerned with sustainable structures.With the development of the journal, the publication frequency of Sustainable Structures was two issues per year from 2021 to 2023, three times a year for 2024, and four issues per year from 2025. SUST has been accepted for ESCI (IF 9.0, 2025, Q1, Web of Science), Scopus (Citescore 12.5, 2025, Q1), DOAJ, SCImago (SJR 1.596, 2025, Q1), Crossref and so on. The scope of the journal is devoted to reports of new and original experimental and theoretical research as well as the sustainable applications in the areas of structural engineering. Journal publications include mainly as following: Reviews, Research Papers, Technical notes, Meeting Reports, and Case Reports. With publication fees supported by Sustainable Development Press Limited (SDPL), SUST is an open access but free international journal focusing on the study of sustainable development structures. The purpose of the journal is to provide a platform for academic exchange, and to promote the research of green, low-carbon and sustainable development of structural engineering. PDF versions of all papers published in the journal could be downloaded freely from the journal website!
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- Structural response of high strength concrete beams using fiber reinforced polymers under reversed cyclic loading
- Sustainable Structures Vol.2,No.2,2022 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2022.000018 Online published:2022-12-1
- Abstract This paper investigates the response of high strength concrete (HSC) beams subjected to reversed cyclic loading using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP), and hybrid FRP/steel bars as bottom tensile reinforcement. Five HSC beams with a rectangular cross-section were prepared and cast using concrete with a 28-day compressive strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi). A displacement-controlled reversed cyclic loading has been applied to all the beams. The test setup has been designed to simulate the forces and boundary conditions that could happen during seismic action. Flexural capacity, concrete and reinforcement steel strains, cracking behavior, and ductility results were obtained. The hybrid steel/FRP has shown an improved performance in terms of flexural capacity, strains, and ductility. While the inclusion of FRP grids reduces the flexural capacity, this can be improved by adding more layers of FRP. The hybrid reinforced sections showed an increase in moment capacity and ductility compared to the FRP only reinforced beams. The mechanistic model predicted values using code ACI 318 and 60% of the given FRP tensile strength were in good agreement with the experimental results. For the hybrid reinforced beams, moment capacities calculated using ACI 440R was shown to be over-estimated. Although ACI 440R designs for externally wrapped FRP, the sectional analysis was performed with the same process as ACI 318.… More
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- Mechanical properties of timber-concrete connections with steel tube connectors
- Sustainable Structures Vol.2,No.2,2022 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2022.000017 Online published:2022-12-1
- Abstract Composite connections are important components of timber-concrete hybrid systems. This work presents a novel shear connector for timber-concrete composite (TCC) connections. To verify the composite action between the timber and concrete in the proposed connection, ten specimens were subjected to push-out tests to examine the slip at the interlayer. The failure mode and maximum load capacity results are analyzed, indicating that the composite connections have good ductility and high load capacity. Four methods to determine the yield point are compared and discussed in detail. According to the test results, a mathematical model is utilized to predict the nonlinear load-slip curve of the proposed connection. The Bayesian method is introduced to estimate the model parameters and quantify the model uncertainty. The obtained results can be used for further reliability analysis. This work demonstrates that timber-concrete connections with novel connectors perform well and show potential for application in composite structures.… More
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- Analysis of the mass and deformation variation rates over time and their influence on long-term durability for specimens of porous material
- Sustainable Structures Vol.2,No.1,2022 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2022.000014 Online published:2022-6-1
- Abstract In an environment subjected to continuous climatic evolution, the study of the long-term behavior of building materials subject to environmental aggressions becomes an extremely important factor in evaluating the sustainability of these materials over time. The damage due to the aggression of external agents does not only affect the surface of the building but can cause a loss of performance in the mechanical qualities of the material with the worsening of the safety conditions of the entire structure. The velocity of the damage evolution is an interesting item. Here the variation velocity of some parameters characterizing the porous materials subjected to aggressive actions is dealt with. Starting from standard material characterization tests, extending the test times, the rate of variation of the mass and the deformation induced by the absorption of saline solutions in the porous medium and the variation of these speeds over time were evaluated. Hypotheses are formulated on the influence that this speed on the degradation of the material in the short and long time. The results obtained show how long-term aggressive action can cause internal damage with a consequent critical increase in absorption, mass and deformation, phenomena that can induce even severe damage to structural elements.… More
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- Parametric design of developable structure based on Yoshimura origami pattern
- Sustainable Structures Vol.2,No.2,2022 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2022.000019 Online published:2022-12-1
- Abstract Origami is an ancient art form and can be divided into rigid and non-rigid origami. Rigid origami is suitable for the design of building structures because the panels are not twisted and deformed during the folding process. Currently, rigid origami structures are generally built with steel. However, compared with natural, non-polluting wood, steel has a high energy consumption and a high environmental impact. Based on this situation, this paper designs a developable wooden building structure using the Yoshimura origami model. First, the Jacobian matrix method was used to analyze the degree of freedom of the basic unit of the Yoshimura origami pattern, following which the motion trajectory required by the target structure was obtained. Secondly, by analyzing the relationship between the plane angle α and dihedral angle θ, three interaction rules were obtained, and the formula for determining the structure size was established by using the plane angle α, dihedral angle θ, the number of valley folds n and the unit length l. Subsequently, two enhancement schemes, the quadrangle enhancement scheme and the triangle enhancement scheme, were proposed to increase the height of the structure. After comparing the deformation and failure types of origami structures based on Cross-Laminated Timber, a triangular reinforcement scheme was chosen to increase the height of the structure. Finally, a new connection method was developed that allowed the origami structure to be practically applied. This research demonstrates the possibility of developing a timber structure based on Yoshimura origami.… More
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- A review of tiny houses in North America: Market demand
- Sustainable Structures Vol.2,No.1,2022 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2022.000012 Online published:2022-6-1
- Abstract The history, status quo, and prospect of tiny houses in North America were reviewed. The market demand for tiny houses in North America was analyzed according to the needs in various market segments, such as shelters for low-income and homeless people, recreational housing for vacationers, and the restoration and reconstruction after disasters. This study also discussed timber framed tiny housing communities for retirees, tourism companies offering timber framed tiny housing accommodation, and government-sponsored timber framed tiny housing projects for post-disaster reconstruction. Throughout years of promotion by tiny house enthusiasts, medium advocators, and construction practitioners, more and more people have come to realize the advantages of timber framed tiny houses, such as energy conservation, low carbon footprint, and sustainable development. In summary, the market for timber framed tiny house in North America is in a stage of rapid development, showing a bright future.… More
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- An innovative digital workflow to design, build and manage bamboo structures
- Sustainable Structures Vol.2,No.1,2022 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2022.000011 Online published:2022-6-1
- Abstract At current rates, the building industry is the major contributor to gas emissions and energy consumption in the world, placing unprecedented pressure to find alternative and sustainable construction materials, particularly in regions where urbanization and population growth are expected to rise. Coincidentally, bamboo culms are a sustainable and abundant resource with the potential to be used as a structural element in those regions, however, their organic nature and inherent incompatibility with modern design and construction procedures have hampered their formal utilization. This article presents the details of an innovative workflow based on the philosophy that the quality and reliability of bamboo structures can be computationally managed through the digitization of individual structural bamboo elements. The workflow relies on reverse-engineering processes that integrate and make bamboo culms compatible with modern data-management platforms such as Building Information Modelling. A case study based on a reconstruction project of bamboo houses in Lombok, Indonesia is presented to illustrate the proposed workflow. This work showed that digitization and management are not just to represent shapes and information regarding bamboo culms through computer software, but can also control the quality, sustainability, and structural behavior of a bamboo structure during its entire service life.… More
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- “Bamboo: A Very Sustainable Construction Material” - 2021 International Online Seminar summary report
- Sustainable Structures Vol.2,No.1,2022 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2022.000015 Online published:2022-6-1
- Abstract 2021 International Online Seminar - Bamboo: A Very Sustainable Construction Material was held in November 2021. This was led by INBAR and co-organised by other 16 national and international institutions. Nineteen senior experts from 10 countries delivered presentations and shared the latest research and development on bamboo construction to approximately 900 participants from 74 countries. The seminar called upon global architects, engineers and landscape designers to rethink time-tested traditional bamboo architectural forms and related technologies, and use innovative ideas to reshape the global built environment. This paper summarizes the findings of this Seminar, highlighting that while bamboo is growingly accepted as a construction material, considerable efforts are needed to promote bamboo as a mainstream material. The state-of-practice is summarized and means of moving the state-of-the-art forward are discussed. Architects and engineers using bamboo all over the world should work together to contribute to the basic work of bamboo architecture research, standardization and industry development.… More
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- Mechanical behavior analysis of LEM-infilled cold-formed steel walls
- Sustainable Structures Vol.2,No.1,2022 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2022.000013 Online published:2022-6-1
- Abstract The sustainable development of the engineering structures mainly depends on the environmental- friendly to structural components. This requires the development of sustainable and new materials and structures that would be a worthy alternative for the available. This paper proposed a novel type of cold-formed steel (CFS) shear wall which filling light EPS mortars (LEM) into the space of CFS framing. LEM-infilled CFS walls carry forward the merits of traditional CFS wall, for example lightweight, easy installation, superior earthquake resistance and efficient energy saving. Moreover, employing recycled desulfurization gypsum and EPS in the structural materials reduce environmental pollution. However, the behavior of LEM-infilled CFS wall is not fully explored yet, which results in the low understanding and application of the material around the world. Based on this background, a review of mechanical response tests will contribute to a better awareness. In this paper, three types of mechanical behaviours are discussed including axial compressive behaviour, out-of-plane flexural behaviour, and cyclic behaviour. The previous researches on the mechanical performance of LEM-infilled CFS walls were reviewed. And the typical failure patterns and general results were described and discussed. This work will provide an excellent reference to current practice and future exploration.… More
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- Structural design and construction of an office building with laminated bamboo lumber
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.2,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000010 Online published:2021-12-1
- Abstract With so many advantages such as environmental friendliness, fast-growing, high strength-to-weight ratio, sustainability, and the capability of being reused or recycled, bamboo structures has gained more and more attention for scientists. This paper shows the feasibility of the design of an office building using laminated bamboo lumbers in compliance with the Chinese standards as GB50009-2012, GB50011-2010, GB50016-2014, and GB 50005-2017. Detailed information about the materials and building were offered. A lot of related construction photos were offered to show the building process. This case is a very good application example for laminated bamboo lumber buildings and has attracted many engineers’ attention in industrial field. Laminated bamboo lumber structures should have a bright future. It should become one main structure form in civil engineering area. However, due to none existing engineered bamboo structures design standard now, engineers have to take reference to standards for timber structures. Setting up the standard system is very important for engineered bamboo structures’ application. Through more and more scientists’ hard working, it might be not a long way to build the code system.… More
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- Review on mechanical behavior of solar cells for building integrated photovoltaics
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.2,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000009 Online published:2021-12-1
- Abstract The energy crisis and environmental pollution have promoted the rapid development of renewable solar technology. Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is an important field for the future development of solar energy. This review presents the mechanical property studies of existing BIPV and analyzes its research status to offer advice for engineering applications. By analyzing the types and mechanical characteristics of solar cells in the existing BIPV and determining the load conditions that need to be considered in different application modes, this paper summarizes the relevant existing studies at the photovoltaic material, cell and component levels and offers corresponding suggestions for mechanical research, which consequently results in the proposal of a new BIPV structure. Since the mechanical properties of BIPV have seldom been studied, and research on practical engineering applications is lacking, further comprehensive and in-depth research is needed to promote the safe and reliable application and popularization of photovoltaic building integration.… More
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- Development and evaluation of load-bearing fiber reinforced polymer composite panel systems with tongue and groove joints
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.2,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000008 Online published:2021-12-1
- Abstract This paper focuses on recent advances made in design, development, manufacturing, evaluation and modeling of load bearing fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite sandwich panel systems including tongue and groove joints. Several processes have been researched in collaboration with industry partners for production of composite panels, including: 1) pultrusion, 2) high temperature resin spread and infusion, 3) vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), and 4) compression molding. The advantages and disadvantages of each process are discussed with emphasis on the high temperature resin infusion process. Composite laminates are characterized in terms of strength and stiffness under tension, bending, and shear in relation to longitudinal and transverse fiber orientations. Thermo-mechanical properties of the FRP composite sandwich panels including joint responses are presented in terms of: 1) the above different processes, 2) carbon fiber versus E-glass fiber, 3) vinyl ester resin versus epoxy resin, and 4) joint design and efficiency. The sandwich panels are evaluated at component and full scales under static four point bending loads and further analyzed using classical finite element models for their mechanical responses.… More
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- Experimental estimation of energy dissipated by multistorey post-tensioned timber framed buildings with anti-seismic dissipative devices
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.2,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000007 Online published:2021-12-1
- Abstract The need to satisfy high seismic performance of structures and to comply with the latest worldwide policies of environmental sustainability is leading engineers and researchers to higher interest in timber buildings. A post-tensioned timber frame specimen was tested at the structural laboratory of the University of Basilicata in Italy, in three different configurations: i) without dissipation (post-tensioning only-F configuration); ii) with dissipative angles (DF- dissipative rocking configuration) and iii) with dissipative bracing systems (BF - braced frame configuration). The shaking table tests were performed considering a set of spectra-compatible seismic inputs at different seismic intensities. This paper describes the experimental estimation of energy dissipated by multistorey post-tensioned timber prototype frame with different anti-seismic hysteretic dissipative devices used in the DF and BF testing configurations. The main experimental seismic key parameters have also been investigated in all testing configurations.… More
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- 3D printed concrete components and structures: an overview
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.2,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000006 Online published:2021-12-1
- Abstract This paper aims to present an overview and explore components or structures suitable for 3D printed concrete. Most traditional structural forms are not well suitable for 3D printed concrete. To be more specific, it cannot fully consider the characteristics and advantages of 3D printing such as individualization and digitalization. Several 3D-printing-specific structure forms (including hollow form, tree form, arch form, and structure-functional form) are classified and the relevant successful cases are demonstrated. Moreover, the application potential of 3D printed concrete structures is illustrated and the limitations as well as the solutions for the application of 3D printed concrete in practical projects are also summarized. Based on the classification of different reinforcement materials, several reinforcement methods are intensively discussed for 3D printed concrete including steel bars, fibers and other reinforcement materials. The comparison of economic and environmental benefits between 3D concrete printing technology and traditional construction method is discussed respectively. Finally, the expected evolution of 3D printed structures is put forward and recommended.… More
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- Design issues for smart seismic isolation of structures: past and recent research
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.1,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000001 Online published:2021-8-1
- Abstract The paper focuses on a number of original researches developed by the authors concerned with the development of new design approaches for smart base isolation systems for structures. Base Isolation (BI) systems represent the first kind of control devices applied to civil structures. In the paper, advancement in technology is exploited in this field, allowing to conceive new BI typologies possibly based on the adoption of special smart materials or on the coupling of the basic passive device with additional corrective devices, in such a way to minimize the disadvantages deriving from the simply passive system.Illustrated procedures also embed in the design pattern of base-isolation systems the interaction effects between structure and soil in order to provide the best tuning of the isolation parameters and to get the maximum performance of the devices, finally summarizing a number of original approaches to design under passive, semi-active and hybrid modes.… More
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- Semi-rigid behaviour of stainless steel beam-to-column bolted connections
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.1,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000002 Online published:2021-8-1
- Abstract Stainless steel is increasingly used in structural applications but there is still significant lack of experimental evidence on the moment-rotation (M-) behaviour of moment resisting beam-to-column connections. The current paper presents experimental test results obtained from full scale tests conducted on three widely used connection types i.e., double web angle (DWA), top seat angle (TSA) and top seat with double web angle (TS-DWA) connection. Considered beam, column and angle sections were fabricated using austenitic stainless steel plates and M20 high strength bolts were used for connection assembly. M- curves for all connections were carefully recorded and were used to determine initial stiffness (Ki) and moment capacity (M20mrad) for each of the connections. Eurocode 3 guidelines were used to check the classification i.e., whether or not the connections were semi-rigid in nature. Although the considered DWA connection failed to achieve partial-strength, both TSA and TS-DWA connections showed obvious semi-rigid nature despite the connection capacities were limited by bolts. In addition, extensive ductility of stainless steel ensured that all three connection types achieved a minimum connection rotation of 30 mrad, which is specified by FEMA as a requirement for earthquake design of ordinary moment frames.… More
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- Material characterization and structural response under earthquake loads of hakka rammed earth building
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.1,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000003 Online published:2021-8-1
- Abstract Hakka Tulou are rammed earth buildings that have survived material aging, natural weathering and earthquakes for hundreds of years. Previous paper has reported our observations and findings from nondestructive evaluations in field with focus on the integrity of the rammed earth outer walls and inner timber structures as well as the thermal comfort of living in these buildings. This paper presents the structural response of Tulou buildings under earthquake loads using material data from field and employing finite element (FE) analysis program. The material characterization included scanning electron microscopy and compression strength/modulus of rammed earth samples and wall reinforcements, revealing their high strength and durability. The FE analyses were conducted on unreinforced Huanji Tulou as per the simplified lateral force analysis procedure defined by the Code ASCE-7 under three types of wall conditions: 1) unreinforced rammed earth outer wall only, 2) reinforced rammed earth outer wall without inner wooden structures, and 3) unreinforced rammed earth outer wall with inner wooden structures. The FE modeling revealed that the existing large crack in the outer earth wall of Huanji Tulou would not have developed under a strong earthquake load if the earth walls were reinforced. Furthermore, the high volume rammed earth wall integrated with inner timber structures would have offered the building unique earthquake resistance.… More
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- A review of mechanical behavior of structural laminated bamboo lumber
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.1,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000004 Online published:2021-8-1
- Abstract The transition of the construction sector to sustainable development mostly depends on the environmental friendliness of building materials. This, in turn, calls for the development of new, strong, and sustainable materials that would be a worthy alternative for traditional materials, including wood. Over the past decade, laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) has received much attention from engineers, practitioners, and scientists for its attractive mechanical properties, comparable to and in some cases superior to hard and softwood. Moreover, the sustainability of LBL is characterized by its high carbon sequestration, fast time to harvest, high yield, and low energy consumption for processing. However, the behavior of LBL is not yet fully understood, which in turn affects the low awareness and application of the material by practitioners and engineers around the world. Since LBL has a promising future, this article will contribute to a better understanding of its mechanical properties and a more accurate design, taking into account the influencing factors. This article discusses the mechanical properties of three types of structural LBL, namely beams, columns, and sheathing panels. The previous works of researchers on the mechanical properties of structural LBL were reviewed, and thus the most common failure modes, the causes of the destruction of structural elements, and the factors that affect their behavior were discussed and described. This work will serve as a reference for current practitioners and future research.… More
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- Research on dynamic characteristics test of wooden floor structure for gymnasium
- Sustainable Structures Vol.1,No.1,2021 DOI:10.54113/j.sust.2021.000005 Online published:2021-8-1
- Abstract In order to better evaluate the structural performance of the wooden floor used in the gymnasium and realize the structural optimization design, this research took the floors of the two gymnasiums in Nanjing as the research object and used the transient excitation method to test the natural frequency and damping ratio parameters of the three types of floor structures, and carried out relevant analysis. The results showed that three kinds of floor structures all meet the requirements of building comfort; under the premise that the types and specifications of the constituent materials were the same, the order of the damping ratios of the three kinds of floor structures from large to small was: fixed floor structure with double-layer load distribution strip, suspended floor structure with single-layer load distribution strip, suspended floor structure with double-layer load distribution strip; compared with the fixed floor structure, the suspended floor structure had low damping ratio characteristics, the energy dissipation of it was slow during structural vibration, which means its impact absorption rate was small, and its impact buffering ability was good, that was, the integral structure had good resilience performance; compared with the floor structure using single-layer load distribution strip, the floor structure using double-layer load distribution strip had a low damping ratio characteristic, the absorption rate of the structure was small and the resilience performance was good. The research conclusion had certain engineering application value.… More
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