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Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition)
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Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition)

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 4319

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Schabowicz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Civil Engineering W2/Z1, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: nondestructive testing of building materials and elements; ultrasonic tomography in civil engineering; analysis of CT images obtained with ultrasound; computer knowledge representation of building materials and elements using nondestructive testing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, we have organized three editions of the Special Issue “Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering”, with more than 130 innovative papers published. The field of materials testing in civil engineering has a large and varied scope from engineering and scientific perspectives. Therefore, we have decided to assemble a fourth edition dedicated to this topic.

This new Special Issue is proposed and organized as a means to present recent developments in the field of materials testing in civil engineering. The development potential of construction has been enormous in recent years. It is expected that, in the future, the materials used in the construction industry will be more durable. Moreover, constructed, repaired, and strengthened buildings will have high levels of energy efficiency, and the construction processes will be better organized. The articles highlighted in this Special Issue will relate to various aspects of testing different materials in civil engineering, from building materials and elements to building structures. The current trend in the development of materials testing in civil engineering is mainly concerned with the detection of flaws and defects in elements and structures using destructive, semi-destructive, and nondestructive testing.

We invite you to submit a manuscript for this Special Issue, mainly focused on novel testing approaches, developing single and hybrid measurement techniques, and advanced signal analysis.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Testing materials and elements in civil engineering;
  • Testing structures made of novel materials;
  • The condition assessment of civil materials and elements;
  • Developing advanced and sustainable construction materials;
  • Detecting defects that are invisible on the surface;
  • Damage detection and damage imaging;
  • Diagnostics of cultural heritage monuments;
  • Structural health monitoring systems;
  • Modeling and numerical analysis;
  • Nondestructive testing methods;
  • The use of nondestructive methods for structure diagnostics;
  • Advanced signal processing for nondestructive testing;
  • The moisture testing of construction materials;
  • The repair and strengthening of structures;
  • Technology, organization, and work safety in construction;
  • Methods of managing construction processes.

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Schabowicz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • testing
  • diagnostics
  • building materials
  • elements
  • civil engineering

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 9622 KiB  
Article
Precision of Fungal Resistance Test Method for Cereal Husk-Reinforced Composite Construction Profiles Considering Mycelium Removal Techniques
by Ewa Sudoł, Ewa Szewczak, Mariia Goron and Ewelina Kozikowska
Materials 2025, 18(2), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020411 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 458
Abstract
Many test methods used in the assessment of construction products are characterised by poor precision, which is reflected in the discrepancies of results obtained by different laboratories. The test procedure for fungal resistance of natural particle-reinforced composite construction profiles has not been fully [...] Read more.
Many test methods used in the assessment of construction products are characterised by poor precision, which is reflected in the discrepancies of results obtained by different laboratories. The test procedure for fungal resistance of natural particle-reinforced composite construction profiles has not been fully specified, which may lead to such discrepancies and erroneous utility assessment. In this study, the precision of the method and the influence of the mycelium removal on the fungal resistance were assessed based on the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity test results obtained for millet- and oat husk-reinforced PVC composites exposed to Coniophora puteana. The study revealed low precision of the test method, the coefficient of variation, in which, based on the standard deviation of interlaboratory reproducibility for one of the tested composites, was even higher than 20%. Additionally, it was found that the method of mycelium removal can significantly (at the level of 16% difference between flexural strength results) affect the resistance test results. This indicates the need to modify the test method and clearly specify the recommended method of cleaning samples after exposure to fungi. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition))
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29 pages, 14330 KiB  
Article
Full-Locked Coil Ropes with HDPE Sheath: Studies of Mechanical Behavior of HDPE Under Accelerated Aging
by Benjamin Schaaf, Björn Abeln, Markus Feldmann, Elisabeth Stammen and Klaus Dilger
Materials 2025, 18(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18010106 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 467
Abstract
In accordance with German guideline ZTV-ING Part 4, full-locked coil ropes are provided with a three-layer corrosion protection coating based on epoxy resin and polyurethane, which must be renewed regularly. An alternative method is to use a coating of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which [...] Read more.
In accordance with German guideline ZTV-ING Part 4, full-locked coil ropes are provided with a three-layer corrosion protection coating based on epoxy resin and polyurethane, which must be renewed regularly. An alternative method is to use a coating of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is extruded onto the rope. In this article, the mechanical behavior of the thermoplastic material is studied, taking into account various accelerated aging processes, which are derived from the climatic boundary conditions of a real bridge structure and implemented in tests. In addition to the quasi-static material behavior, which is described using the uniaxial tensile test, the cyclic conditioning, relaxation, type of production and oxidation stability are also investigated. Finally, the results obtained are evaluated with regard to the applicability of the material as corrosion protection for full-locked coil ropes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition))
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19 pages, 13154 KiB  
Article
3D Scanning of Wood–Plastic Composite Decking After Cyclic Thermal Action
by Artur Piekarczuk, Ewa Szewczak, Ewelina Kozikowska and Łukasz Gołębiowski
Materials 2025, 18(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18010097 - 29 Dec 2024
Viewed by 559
Abstract
Wood–plastic composites (WPC) combine the properties of polymers and wood, providing an attractive alternative to traditional materials, particularly for terrace flooring. When exposed to various environmental conditions, WPCs are affected by factors, such as water and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although most test methods [...] Read more.
Wood–plastic composites (WPC) combine the properties of polymers and wood, providing an attractive alternative to traditional materials, particularly for terrace flooring. When exposed to various environmental conditions, WPCs are affected by factors, such as water and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although most test methods for assessing the durability of these products have focused on changes in mechanical properties and linear dimensions, out-of-plane deformations (concavity and convexity) are often overlooked. This study focusses on evaluating the usefulness of the test method that allows for precise determination of these deformations after ageing. The test procedure involves exposure to classic weathering for decking boards, including moisture, UV radiation, and water spray, followed by three-dimensional (3D) scanning to track deformation after different exposure times. Analysis of variance was used to assess whether the sensitivity of this method is sufficient to detect minor deformations. Additionally, scanning electron microstructural images of the aged samples were examined to determine whether there was a relationship between the deformation and the microstructural changes. This study demonstrated the potential to use scanning methods for assessing the aspects of ageing resistance of this type of composite product in the context of deformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition))
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21 pages, 5071 KiB  
Article
Experimental Determination of the Equivalent Moment of Inertia and Stresses of Aluminium Profiles with Thermal Breaks
by Dawid Rusin, Janusz Juraszek and Piotr Woźniczka
Materials 2025, 18(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18010023 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 383
Abstract
This paper presents the results of experimental tests and computer simulations on the stiffness of composite aluminium mullions used in unitised façades. The elements analysed were subjected to bending in order to simulate the actual operating conditions of aluminium façades subjected to significant [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of experimental tests and computer simulations on the stiffness of composite aluminium mullions used in unitised façades. The elements analysed were subjected to bending in order to simulate the actual operating conditions of aluminium façades subjected to significant wind pressure or suction loads. The basic mechanical and physical properties of the materials from which the analysed type of aluminium façade is made (Aluminium EN AW-6060 in the T66 temper and polyamide PA66 25GF), the test method, and the results obtained are described. As a result of the tests, equivalent moments of inertia of the composite profile (aluminium profile with the thermal break) were determined, which are strongly dependent on the strength of the connection between the individual elements, the asymmetry of the cross-section, and the properties of the thermal break. Strain measurements carried out using FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) strain sensors installed in the profiles under tests allowed for determining the actual stress values of the aluminium profiles under consideration. The results obtained were compared to theoretical (numerical) values, indicating discrepancies at higher load values. The methodology presented in this article is to be used to monitor the deformation of the aluminium façade mullions of HRB (High-Rise Buildings). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition))
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23 pages, 3169 KiB  
Article
Mixed-Curve Model for Evaluating the Carbonation Depth of Concrete at Different Ages
by Xinhao Wang, Qiuwei Yang, Hongfei Cao and Fengjiang Qin
Materials 2024, 17(19), 4710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194710 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 599
Abstract
To accurately quantify the variation in concrete carbonation depth, selecting an appropriate mathematical curve model is crucial. Currently prevalent models, such as the Fick model and exponential models, confront limitations in prediction accuracy and range of application. Given that a single curve model [...] Read more.
To accurately quantify the variation in concrete carbonation depth, selecting an appropriate mathematical curve model is crucial. Currently prevalent models, such as the Fick model and exponential models, confront limitations in prediction accuracy and range of application. Given that a single curve model struggles to precisely describe the pattern of concrete carbonation, this work introduces a mixed-curve-based prediction model for carbonation depth, effectively integrating the Fick model with a hyperbolic model. Compared to the Fick model, the additional term in the mixed-curve model can be viewed as a reasonable correction to better adapt to the complex and varied conditions of concrete carbonation. This hybrid model transcends the limitations of individual models, enhancing fitting precision and broadening the scope of applicability. The new model boasts a concise structure with only two fitting parameters, facilitating ease of application. To validate its superiority, rigorous comparisons were conducted between the proposed model and existing ones, leveraging experimental data from 10 distinct concrete carbonation scenarios. By comparing the average error, standard deviation, and coefficient of determination across these cases, the new model demonstrates a clear advantage over the Fick model and the exponential model. In terms of fitting errors, the average error and standard deviation of the new model are notably lower than those of the other two models. In terms of the coefficient of determination, the values achieved by the new model in all examples are closer to 1 than those of both the Fick model and the exponential model, underscoring the new model’s superior fitting quality and remarkable stability. This research indicates that the combined model presented in this paper holds promising prospects for widespread application in predicting concrete carbonation depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition))
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23 pages, 7218 KiB  
Article
Artificial Weathering Test Methods of Waterborne Acrylic Coatings for Steel Structure Corrosion Protection
by Łukasz Ładosz, Ewa Sudoł, Ewelina Kozikowska and Emilia Choińska
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081857 - 17 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1194
Abstract
Corrosion protection technologies based on waterborne paints have become increasingly popular as steel structure protection, which implies the need to determine relevant assessment methods considering the conditions of use and product-specific characteristics. This study attempts to evaluate the fitness of standard corrosion protection [...] Read more.
Corrosion protection technologies based on waterborne paints have become increasingly popular as steel structure protection, which implies the need to determine relevant assessment methods considering the conditions of use and product-specific characteristics. This study attempts to evaluate the fitness of standard corrosion protection weathering methods and an original cyclic test for verifying the resistance of waterborne acrylic coatings to environmental conditions. Changes to the properties of artificially weathered coatings were analysed with reference to those observed during exposure in natural conditions. The degree of coating degradation after exposure to neutral salt spray and condensation humidity was determined to significantly exceed the changes observed in natural conditions. An original cyclic test caused changes in the appearance, microstructure, FT-IR spectrum and utility properties of the coatings, such as thickness, colour, hardness, adhesion and impedance, similar to those observed in the natural environment. The results confirm that the programming direction of waterborne coatings artificial weathering tests is adequate and promising. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition))
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