We know bridges, towers, and data-driven models are changing faster than most textbooks, and the stakes are safety, cost, and carbon. We work across labs and classrooms at TopicSuggestions, and we see students looking for paper ideas that connect mechanics, materials, hazards, and real projects. Today we will share a concise set of structural engineering research paper topics that are current, researchable, and realistic for a semester timeline.
Research Paper Topic Ideas on Structural Engineering
We organize the ideas into clear themes—sustainability and low-carbon design, hazard and resilience, advanced materials, computation and optimization, sensing and digital twins, construction and maintenance, and policy and ethics—so you can scan and choose fast. We also flag a brief angle and likely methods or data for each theme, helping you move from topic selection to a workable outline with confidence.
1. Forest-floor bio-embedded mesh: ultra-low-power nodes sensing mycelial bio-impedance and microclimate
– We investigate whether on-node bio-impedance spectroscopy can robustly infer fungal growth stages under fluctuating soil moisture and temperature.
– We evaluate how duty-cycled microheaters and humidity control affect sensor drift and energy budgets in a leaf-litter mesh network.
– We test if adaptive, mycelium-aware routing improves data fidelity versus conventional RSSI-based routing in dense understory deployments.
– We assess how biodegradable packaging impacts long-term calibration stability and environmental disturbance.
2. Thermocline-harvesting underwater glider: real-time scheduling across phase-change energy events
– We determine whether MEMS phase-change actuators can be scheduled opportunistically with thermocline forecasts to minimize missed science objectives.
– We examine how model-predictive energy management compares to heuristic policies under uncertain stratification and biofouling.
– We quantify how in-situ calorimetry feedback affects control stability when harvesting and propelling share a thermal reservoir.
– We analyze how embedded fault detection must adapt to thermal lags and actuator hysteresis to prevent mission aborts.
3. In-orbit shape-morphing antennas: embedded tuning across print imperfections and radiation upsets
– We test whether on-board SMA-driven morphing with embedded microcontrollers can compensate for additive manufacturing tolerances post-launch.
– We evaluate how radiation-induced bit flips in tuning profiles affect link budgets and how hybrid ECC-plus-observer designs mitigate them.
– We compare adaptive beam-shaping policies that trade power, temperature, and RF performance over orbital day-night cycles.
– We study how in-situ RF/self-sensing co-design reduces calibration time while meeting thermal and structural constraints.
4. Classroom edge haptics for sign-to-speech: privacy-preserving EMG/IMU fusion on wearables
– We assess whether federated on-device learning maintains recognition accuracy across students while preserving biometric privacy.
– We investigate how haptic feedback timing and intensity influence user learning without distracting surrounding learners.
– We measure how IMU/EMG fusion mitigates classroom motion artifacts under spontaneous, overlapping conversations.
– We evaluate how energy-aware model pruning affects latency and battery life during a full school day.
5. Rooftop solar-cleaning micro-robots: triboelectric sensing and embedded SLAM under dust extremes
– We examine whether triboelectric current signatures can localize soiling hotspots better than vision under high-glare conditions.
– We evaluate how thermal derating and panel flexion affect embedded SLAM map consistency over seasonal cycles.
– We test how cooperative path planning across robots reduces re-soiling due to airflow and electrostatic patterns.
– We analyze how on-panel energy scavenging shapes cleaning schedules during cloudy, high-wind events.
6. Pollinator health gates: bee traffic control with ultra-low-power vision and mite detection
– We determine whether event-based cameras can count and classify bees with sub-milliwatt budgets at hive entrances.
– We evaluate how on-device mite detection generalizes across species and lighting while minimizing false culls.
– We assess how adaptive gating affects colony stress, foraging efficiency, and disease spread over a season.
– We study how edge-to-cloud summarization preserves epidemiological signals under intermittent rural connectivity.
7. Orchard leaf “digital twins”: microfluidic sweat sensors and embedded evapotranspiration models
– We test whether leaf-attached microfluidic osmometry correlates tightly with tree-level water stress across cultivars.
– We evaluate how embedded twin models adapt parameters online to microclimate perturbations and irrigation events.
– We compare leaf-twin control to soil-moisture control for water savings and yield stability at block scale.
– We analyze how sensor placement heterogeneity and canopy growth impact long-term model drift and maintenance.
8. Smart brake pads: embedded piezo sensing and on-pad microcontrollers for predictive wear
– We investigate whether on-pad vibration spectra predict glaze formation and thermal cracking earlier than caliper sensors.
– We evaluate how embedded thermal models coupled with frictional energy estimates forecast fade under mixed driving.
– We test how on-vehicle federated learning adapts pad health models across drivers and environments without sharing raw data.
– We assess how RF-safe power delivery and shielding maintain signal integrity in high-EMI braking systems.
9. Utility-pole ember sentinels: event-camera edge AI on neuromorphic chips for wildfire precursors
– We determine whether neuromorphic processing detects windborne embers faster and with less power than frame-based vision.
– We evaluate how multi-sensor fusion (acoustic, gas, and event streams) reduces false alarms from insects and rain.
– We study how adaptive duty cycling tied to fire-weather indices extends uptime during red-flag periods.
– We analyze how mesh consensus among poles prioritizes alerts under constrained backhaul during emergencies.
10. Grid-supporting washing machines: slosh-aware drum control for frequency regulation
– We test whether drum torque modulation can provide fast frequency response without degrading fabric care or cycle time.
– We evaluate how user comfort and noise constraints interact with grid signals in occupied apartments.
– We measure how embedded state observers track water mass distribution to prevent imbalance during grid events.
– We analyze how aggregated fleet control with privacy-preserving telemetry impacts distribution feeder stability.
11. AI-guided inverse design of post-tensioned timber-concrete composite nodes under coupled hygrothermal loading
We propose research questions: How can generative inverse-design algorithms produce post-tensioned timber-concrete node geometries that optimize long-term load transfer under variable moisture and temperature cycles? We ask which material degradation models and surrogate neural networks are necessary to predict coupled hygrothermal-mechanical behavior for design optimization? We ask how robust the AI-designed nodes are to construction tolerances and aging uncertainties? We outline how to work on this: We will couple physics-informed neural networks with multi-physics finite element models of timber and concrete, generate a parametric node design space, and run inverse optimization with Monte Carlo sampling of hygrothermal histories; we will validate top candidates experimentally on environmental chambers and load frames.
12. Self-healing ferrocement shells using encapsulated bacterial mineralization activated by crack-induced pH changes
We propose research questions: Can encapsulated mineral-producing bacteria in ferrocement matrices be reliably activated by local pH changes due to cracking to precipitate calcite and restore stiffness? We ask what capsule materials and sizes balance survivability during mixing with timely rupture on crack formation? We ask how the repaired zones recover flexural and shear performance over time? We outline how to work on this: We will synthesize bacterial microcapsules, embed them in thin ferrocement shell specimens, induce controlled cracking, monitor pH-triggered activation and mineral deposition via microscopy and mechanical retesting, and model healing effects on shell buckling and durability using mesoscale simulations.
13. Dynamic interaction of urban rail-induced ground vibrations with foundations of adjacent historic masonry towers modeled by nonlocal continuum damage mechanics
We propose research questions: How do high-frequency, repetitive rail excitations interact with the heterogeneous, nonlinear damage states of historic masonry towers? We ask whether nonlocal continuum damage models calibrated to microtremor tests can predict progressive settlement and crack patterns under long-term vibration exposure? We ask what mitigation foundation retrofits most effectively reduce cumulative damage? We outline how to work on this: We will perform field vibration monitoring, derive material damage parameters from small-strain field tests, build nonlocal finite element models coupling soil-structure interaction, simulate long-term fatigue effects, and test retrofit scenarios via scaled laboratory tests on masonry pier mockups.
14. Multi-hazard resilience of modular tall timber frames subjected to sequential seismic and wildland-heat wave events
We propose research questions: How does prior fire-induced thermal degradation affect the seismic performance and post-seismic reparability of modular mass timber frames? We ask which connection designs and material treatments maximize resilience to both hazards in sequence? We ask how rapid module replacement strategies influence life-cycle risk and carbon accounting? We outline how to work on this: We will thermally age timber modules to simulate wildland-heat exposure, conduct quasi-static and shake-table tests for seismic performance, characterize connection residual strength, and develop probabilistic life-cycle models comparing retrofit versus replacement strategies.
15. Strain-rate-dependent fracture mechanics of 3D-printed fiber-reinforced concrete at cold climates with deicing salt exposure
We propose research questions: How do low temperatures and chloride ingress from deicing salts alter the strain-rate sensitivity of fracture toughness in 3D-printed fiber-reinforced concrete? We ask what printing-induced anisotropies and fiber orientations contribute to rate-dependent crack propagation under freeze-thaw cycles? We ask how to model combined chemical-thermal-mechanical degradation in fracture predictions? We outline how to work on this: We will print oriented fiber-reinforced concrete specimens, expose them to cyclic freeze-thaw with controlled chloride concentrations, perform fracture tests at multiple strain rates in cold chambers, and implement cohesive-zone models incorporating chloride-assisted bond degradation.
16. Adaptive topology optimization for flood-resilient bridge piers using sacrificial scissoring fuses for controlled failure
We propose research questions: Can topology optimization produce pier geometries incorporating sacrificial scissoring fuse zones that yield predictable, controlled collapse under extreme hydraulic loads to preserve overall bridge span integrity? We ask what geometric and material parameters maximize energy dissipation while minimizing repair time? We ask how to design fuses that do not compromise normal-load performance or scour resilience? We outline how to work on this: We will develop multi-objective adaptive topology algorithms with hydraulic loading constraints, fabricate scaled piers with designed fuse regions in concrete-steel composites, perform hydraulic flume and mechanical tests, and analyze post-failure replacement logistics and costs.
17. Quantum-sensor-enhanced structural health monitoring for early detection of microscale corrosion in prestressed tendons
We propose research questions: How can quantum magnetometers (NV-center or SQUID-based) be integrated to detect minute magnetic signals from early-stage corrosion in prestressing steel embedded in concrete? We ask what sensor array geometries and signal-processing algorithms best localize corrosion in 3D tendon layouts? We ask how to calibrate sensors to separate corrosion signals from operational electromagnetic noise? We outline how to work on this: We will design laboratory mockups with instrumented tendons, deploy quantum sensors and conventional EM sensors for benchmarking, develop inverse algorithms to map corrosion activity, and test sensitivity thresholds under varying cover depths and electromagnetic environments.
18. Bioinspired morphing façade systems with tunable porosity for seismic energy dissipation and wind load optimization
We propose research questions: Can morphing façade panels with tunable porosity inspired by fenestration in plants simultaneously reduce wind loads and contribute to building-level seismic energy dissipation through controlled damping mechanisms? We ask which actuation strategies (shape-memory alloys, pneumatics, smart polymers) provide adequate speed, durability, and fail-safe behavior? We ask how façade mass, stiffness, and damping interplay with global dynamic performance under combined wind and seismic demands? We outline how to work on this: We will prototype scale morphing panels, characterize aerodynamic and dynamic properties in wind tunnels and shake tables, implement control laws for porosity adaptation, and simulate whole-building responses with coupled aeroelastic-seismic models.
19. Lifecycle optimization of recycled-aggregate geopolymer concrete for marine pile foundations under microplastic-laden seawater
We propose research questions: How do microplastics and associated adsorbed contaminants in seawater affect the long-term chemistry, porosity evolution, and mechanical durability of recycled-aggregate geopolymer concrete piles? We ask what mix designs and aggregate pre-treatments minimize deleterious interactions while maximizing circularity and carbon benefits? We ask how lifecycle cost and environmental impact trade-offs change when accounting for microplastic-driven degradation? We outline how to work on this: We will prepare geopolymer mixes with varying recycled aggregate treatments, expose specimens to synthetic seawater with controlled microplastic loads, monitor chemical penetration and strength over accelerated aging, and perform life-cycle assessment integrating repair and replacement scenarios.
20. Multi-scale topology and material grading for vibration-tailored aerogels in seismic isolation bearings
We propose research questions: Can architected aerogel cores with multi-scale topology and graded density be designed to provide target frequency-dependent stiffness and damping for seismic isolation bearings? We ask which fabrication pathways (additive manufacturing, freeze-casting) achieve required scale bridging from nano-porous aerogel to macro structural gradients? We ask how to model nonlinear hysteresis and temperature sensitivity in such graded aerogel bearings? We outline how to work on this: We will design hierarchical graded aerogel geometries via computational topology optimization, fabricate samples using hybrid manufacturing, characterize dynamic mechanical properties across temperatures, integrate selected cores into prototype bearings, and validate isolation performance in dynamic testing.
We, the TopicSuggestions team, cannot guarantee absolute novelty of phrasing or ideas across all literature; instead we present ten topics we consider novel or underexplored, each with research questions and a short plan.
21. Bio-inspired tunable metamaterial infill for seismic-dissipative building cores
We propose to design a metamaterial infill inspired by plant leaf venation to provide tunable inelasticity in building cores. We ask whether graded lattice geometries can provide controllable energy dissipation without progressive strength loss. We ask how actuated micro-elements can switch stiffness after large cycles to enable re-centering. We will parametrize lattice topology, fabricate scale specimens via additive manufacturing, conduct cyclic shaking-table tests, and develop reduced-order models to predict full-scale core performance.
22. Carbon-negative structural concrete using engineered bacterial carbonate binders for high-load members
We investigate structural-grade concrete mixtures where microbial-induced carbonate precipitation replaces part of Portland cement to achieve net-negative carbon. We ask what mix proportions and curing regimens yield compressive and flexural properties comparable to C30–C50 concretes. We ask how long-term durability and bond to reinforcement evolve under freeze-thaw and chloride exposure. We will optimize mixes in the lab, perform reinforced beam tests, and conduct accelerated durability testing paired with life-cycle carbon accounting.
23. Adaptive shape-memory alloy (SMA) bracing systems with closed-loop control for multi-hazard retrofit
We design SMA bracing integrated with sensor-actuator control that adapts stiffness after an event to prioritize either energy dissipation or re-centering. We ask what control laws minimize residual displacement under combined seismic and blast loading. We ask how cyclic degradation and thermal constraints affect long-term reliability. We will develop constitutive models for SMA assemblies, prototype actuated braces, run hybrid simulation (hardware-in-loop) under multi-hazard protocols, and evaluate retrofit strategies for existing frames.
24. Dynamic soil-structure interaction in layered, time-varying poroelastic urban ground for underground metro tunnels
We target the coupled transient response of soft–stiff stratified soils with changing groundwater to tunneling-induced loads. We ask how seasonal groundwater fluctuations modulate tunnel lining fatigue and settlement patterns under cyclic train loads. We ask what simplified poroelastic surrogate models capture long-term accumulation of deformation. We will collect field instrumentation on an operating tunnel, calibrate poroelastic FEM models, and propose design corrections for active groundwater management.
25. Hybrid timber–intumescent composite beams for passive fire resistance in tall timber buildings
We explore laminated timber beams with integrated intumescent layers and thin ceramic skins to extend fire resistance while preserving mechanical performance. We ask what composite architecture yields predictable charring and load-bearing capacity for 90–180 minute fire scenarios. We ask how moisture and hygrothermal cycles affect fire behavior. We will manufacture composite beams, perform full-scale fire tests with mechanical loading, and develop limit-state design recommendations.
26. In-situ interlayer bonding mechanics of large-format 3D-printed reinforced concrete under cyclic loading
We evaluate the structural performance of layer interfaces in large-scale printed RC elements where reinforcement crosses layer boundaries. We ask how print time gaps, surface roughness, and local curing alter shear and tensile capacity of interfaces. We ask whether admixtures or local post-processing can restore monolithic behavior. We will run bonded-slab and beam tests with controlled layer parameters, image interfaces with microscopy, and derive interface constitutive laws for structural design.
27. Floating modular foundation systems with controlled uplift and reconfiguration for sea-level-rise adaptation
We develop modular floating foundations that allow re-leveling and reconfiguration of urban blocks in response to progressive sea-level rise. We ask how module geometry, ballast control, and inter-module connectors affect load sharing and settlement under lateral wave loads. We ask what regulatory and performance metrics are needed for integration with utilities. We will perform hydrodynamic and structural coupled simulations, build scale prototypes for wave basin tests, and create design guidance for urban deployment.
28. Multimodal remote-sensing fusion (SAR + distributed fiber) for rapid post-event structural damage mapping
We propose fusing satellite SAR change detection with distributed acoustic/fiber-optic measurements to map damage states of large structures after earthquakes. We ask how to translate remote-sensing signatures into probabilistic component-level damage indicators. We ask what fusion algorithms minimize false positives in dense urban settings. We will collect co-temporal SAR and fiber data on instrumented buildings, train Bayes/ML fusion models, and validate against in-situ inspections.
29. Life-cycle probabilistic assessment of heritage masonry using climate-driven mortar degradation models
We aim to couple microstructural mortar weathering with probabilistic structural models to forecast heritage masonry collapse risk under future climates. We ask how salt crystallization and freeze–thaw cycles accelerate mortar loss and influence load paths. We ask what monitoring frequency is necessary to maintain acceptable risk thresholds. We will perform laboratory weathering on historical mortar analogues, embed results in stochastic finite-element models of masonry assemblages, and propose prioritized conservation interventions.
30. Explainable physics-informed neural surrogates for rapid nonlinear structural response prediction in performance-based design
We create physics-constrained, interpretable neural surrogates that predict nonlinear response envelopes for complex frames under variable loading. We ask how to enforce energy balance and monotonicity constraints to prevent unphysical extrapolations. We ask whether surrogate uncertainty quantification can replace parts of costly nonlinear dynamic analysis in code-level design. We will generate high-fidelity simulation datasets, train constrained PINNs with explainability layers, and benchmark speed and accuracy against conventional FEM for design case studies.
31. AI-driven adaptive damping systems for pedestrian bridges using crowd-sourced smartphone inertial data
We pose these research questions: How accurately can crowd-sourced smartphone accelerometer data characterize real-time pedestrian-induced vibrations on medium-span footbridges?; How can we design adaptive damping algorithms that update control parameters in near real time from noisy crowd-sourced inputs?; What are the resilience and privacy trade-offs when using distributed personal devices for structural control? We will collect on-site smartphone sensor data, develop robust signal-processing pipelines, design and simulate adaptive damping controllers in a co-simulation environment, and validate on a scaled laboratory bridge with volunteer smartphones and instrumented reference sensors.
32. Influence of biodegradable formwork additives on early-age concrete microstructure and long-term durability
We ask: Which biodegradable formwork materials and additive treatments alter moisture exchange and curing kinetics at the formwork-concrete interface?; How do these interface conditions change microcracking patterns and chloride ingress rates over time?; Can we optimize biodegradable formwork composition to balance sustainability and structural durability? We will perform controlled casting experiments with different biodegradable formworks, use micro-CT and SEM to map early microstructure, run accelerated carbonation and chloride penetration tests, and model transport mechanisms to propose design recommendations.
33. Seismic retrofit efficacy of 3D-printed polymer connectors for heritage unreinforced masonry structures
We investigate: How do 3D-printed polymer connectors influence dynamic response and failure modes of unreinforced masonry (URM) piers and vaults?; What printing geometries and polymer formulations maximize energy dissipation while minimizing visual impact?; Are polymer connectors durable under cyclic moisture and temperature variations typical of historic buildings? We will design connector prototypes, run quasi-static and shake-table tests on masonry assemblages, perform long-term environmental aging studies, and develop guidelines for reversible, minimally invasive retrofits.
34. Nanostructured self-healing corrosion-resistant reinforcement coatings under marine-climate cycling
We query: Can nanostructured coatings with embedded microcapsules autonomously heal chloride-induced microcracks on reinforcing steel?; How does cyclic wetting/drying and temperature variation in marine climates affect healing efficacy and coating adhesion?; What are the lifetime maintenance implications compared to conventional epoxy coatings? We will synthesize coating formulations, conduct electrochemical corrosion testing under simulated marine cycles, observe healing via microscopy, and model long-term performance and life-cycle costs.
35. Integrated distributed fiber-optic sensing and drone-based thermal mapping for early detection of delamination in large concrete slabs
We ask: How effectively can distributed fiber-optic strain/temperature sensing detect nascent delaminations before they appear in surface thermal maps?; What fusion algorithms best combine continuous fiber sensor data with periodic drone thermal imagery to reduce false positives?; How can we scale the combined system for large industrial slabs with minimal downtime? We will instrument slabs with distributed fibers, develop data-fusion algorithms, perform controlled delamination induction experiments, and test field deployment workflows with drone surveys.
36. Topology optimization of multifunctional floor slabs balancing structural stiffness and acoustic insulation with additive manufacturing constraints
We pose: How can topology optimization be formulated to simultaneously maximize bending stiffness and airborne/impact sound insulation given manufacturing constraints of large-scale additive concrete printers?; What unit-cell configurations yield the best compromise for mid-rise residential floors?; How do optimized geometries influence constructability and serviceability under variable occupancy loads? We will extend multi-objective topology optimization with acoustic performance metrics, incorporate printer path and overhang constraints, fabricate scaled prototypes via additive manufacturing, and perform structural and acoustic testing.
37. Adaptive facade systems using magneto-rheological granular infill to actively mitigate wind-induced pressures on tall buildings
We question: Can magneto-rheological (MR) granular infill in facade cavities be modulated to change wind-structure interaction and reduce peak cladding loads?; What sensing and control architectures are needed to respond to gusts across facade panels?; How does the system perform across temperature and humidity ranges encountered in urban climates? We will design MR-infill panels, develop wind-tunnel experiments with real-time control, create predictive wind-load estimators, and assess energy, maintenance, and failure modes for practical deployment.
38. Long-term creep and shrinkage behavior of recycled-carbon-fiber-reinforced concrete for prestressed applications
We investigate: How does reclaimed carbon fiber (from composite recycling) affect long-term creep, shrinkage, and stress relaxation compared to virgin CFRP in prestressed concrete elements?; What surface treatments or sizing restore bond and long-term durability of recycled fibers?; Can recycled-carbon systems meet prestressing loss targets for serviceability and endurance? We will manufacture concrete prisms and prestressed beams with varying recycled-fiber contents and treatments, conduct multi-year creep/shrinkage and relaxation tests, analyze microbond and interfacial transition zone properties, and model prestress loss scenarios.
39. Performance of subterranean modular emergency shelters under coupled hydrostatic uplift and seismic shaking in liquefiable soils
We ask: How do modular underground shelter modules behave under simultaneous uplift from rising groundwater and seismic-induced pore-pressure build-up in liquefiable layers?; What joint detailing and anchorage systems best allow modular assembly while resisting coupled loads?; How can we rapidly assess site-specific uplift and liquefaction risks for emergency deployment decisions? We will perform centrifuge and shake-table tests on modular shelter assemblies in layered soils with controlled pore-pressure generation, develop simplified design charts for coupling effects, and propose modular connection details optimized for rapid installation.
40. Probabilistic life-cycle embodied carbon optimization with resilience constraints for tall timber–concrete hybrid buildings
We propose: How can we formulate an optimization that minimizes probabilistic life-cycle embodied carbon while satisfying resilience constraints (seismic risk, fire performance, moisture durability) for hybrid timber-concrete systems?; What trade-offs arise between embodied carbon reduction and increased operational risk or retrofitting needs over a 100-year horizon?; Which hybrid configurations and material sourcing strategies are Pareto-optimal under uncertainty? We will build a probabilistic optimization framework coupling life-cycle inventory models with performance-based structural and durability models, run stochastic simulations across hazard scenarios, and identify robust hybrid design strategies with sensitivity analyses.
41. Topology-optimized hybrid timber–steel connector systems for seismic energy dissipation in mid-rise buildings
We propose designing connector geometries that combine timber and steel via topology optimization to maximize energy dissipation and limit damage during seismic events.
We pose research questions: 1) How do topology-optimized hybrid connectors change dissipation and failure modes compared with conventional connectors? 2) What manufacturing constraints (wood grain, steel welding, joinery tolerances) critically affect optimized designs? 3) How does connector performance evolve under cyclic loading and moisture/temperature variations?
We will run multiphysics topology optimization with material- and manufacturing-constraints, fabricate prototypes using CNC and additive techniques, and perform cyclic and shaking-table tests to validate models and derive design guidelines.
42. Adaptive acoustic–structural façade panels for wind-load damping and occupant comfort
We propose façades that exploit tuned acoustic resonators embedded in structural panels to passively and actively damp wind-induced vibrations while controlling interior sound.
We pose research questions: 1) Can coupled acoustic–structural resonators measurably reduce aeroelastic response of tall slender façades? 2) What active control laws (feedback from vibration and sound sensors) optimize simultaneous structural damping and acoustic comfort? 3) How do environmental changes (temperature, humidity, wind spectrum) affect tuning and control stability?
We will develop coupled CFD–acoustic–FE models, design embedded resonant cavities and active components, implement control algorithms in hardware-in-the-loop tests, and validate with wind-tunnel and full-scale panel experiments.
43. Self-healing ultra‑high‑performance concrete (UHPC) with microcapsules triggered by chloride ingress
We propose embedding chloride-responsive microcapsules in UHPC matrices that release healing agents when chlorides reach critical thresholds to extend service life in marine and de-icing environments.
We pose research questions: 1) What encapsulation chemistries reliably rupture or react in response to chloride ion concentration without premature activation? 2) How much mechanical and durability recovery can be achieved per activation event in UHPC? 3) What are long-term interactions between capsules, UHPC microstructure, and transport properties?
We will synthesize chloride-sensitive microcapsules, characterize release kinetics in diffusion experiments, perform mechanical recovery tests on cracked specimens, and model long-term performance under realistic chloride exposure cycles.
44. AI-guided retrofit prioritization of heritage masonry using probabilistic cultural‑value loss metrics
We propose a decision-support framework that integrates structural vulnerability, probabilistic collapse scenarios, and quantified cultural-value loss to prioritize retrofits of heritage masonry portfolios under budget constraints.
We pose research questions: 1) How can we quantify cultural-value loss in probabilistic terms compatible with structural risk metrics? 2) How does the inclusion of stakeholder-weighted cultural utility change retrofit prioritization compared with pure risk- or cost-based approaches? 3) What sampling strategies reduce epistemic uncertainty in asset-level fragility models for masonry?
We will construct Bayesian networks linking hazard, fragility, and cultural-value loss, collect expert and stakeholder weightings, apply multi-objective optimization for retrofit portfolios, and test sensitivity via case studies and Monte Carlo analyses.
45. Magnetorheological dampers integrated into modular bridge expansion joints for adaptive motion control
We propose embedding compact magnetorheological (MR) dampers within modular expansion-joint assemblies to provide adaptive damping of thermal and traffic-induced movements while maintaining joint serviceability.
We pose research questions: 1) How much reduction in joint-induced dynamic amplification and stress cycles is achievable with MR-integrated joints under realistic temperature and traffic sequences? 2) What control algorithms balance energy use, temperature dependence of MR fluids, and fail-safe passive behavior? 3) How do long-term abrasion, contamination, and maintenance affect MR performance in joints?
We will design MR damper–joint prototypes, model thermo-mechanical behavior, implement closed-loop control strategies, and perform accelerated durability and field trials on a demonstrator span.
46. Bio‑inspired lattice infill patterns to minimize vibration and material use in pedestrian footbridges
We propose deriving lattice infill geometries from biological transport and load-distribution patterns (e.g., leaf venation, trabecular bone) to reduce modal response while minimizing material and fabrication cost.
We pose research questions: 1) Which bio-inspired morphologies yield the best trade-off between modal stiffness, mass, and constructability for typical pedestrian spans? 2) How sensitive are dynamic improvements to scaling, fabrication tolerances, and material anisotropy? 3) Can additive-manufacturing constraints be encoded into topology design to produce directly printable bridge deck modules?
We will parameterize bio-inspired patterns, run modal and pedestrian-induced vibration simulations, fabricate scaled AM specimens for vibration testing, and evaluate life-cycle and constructability implications.
47. Progressive collapse vulnerability of tall timber buildings with hybrid metal‑node connections under partial fires
We propose investigating progressive collapse scenarios in tall mass timber structures where hybrid metal-node connections have differing fire-resistance and degradation paths, focusing on partial localized fires.
We pose research questions: 1) How do asymmetric connection failures due to non-uniform fire exposure propagate through load paths in tall timber frames? 2) What role do metal-node stiffness degradation and timber charring play in alternative load redistribution and collapse potential? 3) Which resilient connection designs or compartmentation strategies most effectively reduce progressive-collapse risk?
We will perform nonlinear dynamic collapse modeling with temperature-dependent material laws, conduct full-scale connection fire and post-fire load tests, and develop simplified assessment tools for designers and code development.
48. Nanotube‑reinforced mortar for electromagnetic shielding of critical infrastructure elements
We propose creating mortar mixes with controlled concentrations and orientations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to provide mechanical performance while imparting electromagnetic shielding to sensitive infrastructure (control rooms, substations).
We pose research questions: 1) What CNT concentrations and dispersion strategies achieve target shielding effectiveness across relevant frequencies without compromising mortar workability and strength? 2) How durable is electromagnetic performance under freeze–thaw, carbonation, and mechanical loading? 3) What health, safety, and lifecycle implications arise from CNT-containing construction materials?
We will optimize mix design and dispersion methods, measure shielding and mechanical properties across environmental exposures, and perform risk and life-cycle assessments including worker-exposure mitigation strategies.
49. Detecting pre‑failure settlement patterns in aging retaining structures using satellite SAR interferometry and physics‑informed ML
We propose combining time-series InSAR with physics-informed machine learning to detect subtle spatial-temporal settlement signatures that precede structural failure in retaining walls and earth-retaining systems.
We pose research questions: 1) Which InSAR-derived deformation features reliably precede failure modes like sliding or overturning in different soil and wall types? 2) How can physics constraints (soil mechanics, hydrology) be embedded into ML models to reduce false alarms and improve interpretability? 3) What spatio-temporal resolution and revisit cadence are minimally required for actionable early warning?
We will assemble multi-year InSAR datasets and ground-truth instrumentation, develop hybrid physics-informed ML algorithms, validate early-warning performance on historical failure cases, and propose operational thresholds for monitoring systems.
50. Circular‑economy metrics integrated in structural design optimization for reuse of demolition concrete aggregates
We propose embedding probabilistic material-property models for recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) into optimization frameworks to produce structural designs that maximize reuse and minimize life‑cycle environmental impacts while satisfying reliability constraints.
We pose research questions: 1) How does uncertainty in RCA mechanical and durability properties affect optimal cross-section, reinforcement, and redundancy decisions? 2) What multi-objective trade-offs exist between embodied carbon reduction, cost, and structural reliability when using RCA at different replacement levels? 3) Which procurement and quality-control strategies most improve viability of RCA in primary structural elements?
We will compile an RCA property database, develop stochastic multi-objective design optimization algorithms, run case studies comparing conventional and circular designs, and derive specification and QC recommendations for practitioners.