Recent advances in the analysis of composite materials for structural applications

Nowadays, the construction and manufacturing industries are increasingly adopting innovative solutions with proper durability properties to maintain the structural performance of their products and systems over time. Therefore, in recent years, scientific research has been focusing on developing novel sustainable systems for new structures and designing efficient strengthening techniques for retrofitting existing structural systems.

This trend has encouraged the scientific community to explore innovative materials that combine low environmental impact with high mechanical performance and durability properties. These efforts aim not only to extend the service life of structures but also to reduce maintenance costs and resource consumption throughout the structure's lifecycle. Furthermore, increasing attention is being given to the retrofitting of existing constructions, where sustainable rehabilitation strategies can significantly improve safety and resilience while minimizing demolition waste. As a result, the integration of advanced green technologies is becoming a key factor in shaping the future of construction and ensuring long-term structural reliability.

In this context, this Research Topic aims to address the recent advances in the analysis of composite materials used in structural applications. Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Fabric-Reinforced Composite Matrix (FRCM) systems, along with their components, are included in this collection. Composite systems manufactured with both traditional materials and innovative components are of interest.

In particular, the study of the mechanical performance of the most innovative composite materials is becoming increasingly important as these composites are manufactured with novel components such as recycled aggregates and vegetable fibres, which are not commonly employed in structural systems and whose mechanical properties for structural purposes must be assessed. Moreover, in this context, aging effects also have to be considered, as these composites are exposed to a wide range of environmental attacks during their service life, including humidity cycles, temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, and chemical agents, the latter also coming from the matrix adopted within the composite material. Understanding how these factors influence degradation processes is essential for predicting long-term performance and ensuring the reliability of structural systems.

By gathering contributions from different scientific fields, this Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current advances and emerging challenges in the use of composite strengthening systems with both traditional and innovative components, ultimately supporting the development of more durable, efficient, and sustainable composite solutions for both new construction and structural rehabilitation.

Experimental, numerical, and analytical investigations on the mechanical properties of composite materials are acceptable. Also, the analysis of physical properties and the durability assessment are of interest. Therefore, contributions related, but not limited, to the following topics are welcome:

- physical and mechanical characterisation of FRP/FRCM composites and their constituents;

- durability assessment;

- accelerated ageing environment protocols;

- assessment of degradation process in composites;

- analytical modelling of the mechanical properties of composite systems;

- numerical modelling of composites at micro-, macro-, and meso-scale;

- mechanical performance of strengthened elements and structures;

- predictive or design models;

- case studies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: FRP systems, FRCM systems, TRM systems, Epoxy resin, Mortar matrix, lime-based mortars, cement-based mortars, Experimental characterization Numerical modelling Mechanical properties Ageing Accelerated ageing Durability Sustainability Strengthening system

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.