Chloride-induced corrosion is the dominant cause of durability degradation in concrete structures, and numerical modeling is an effective approach to reveal chloride transport mechanisms and predict structural long-term service performance. Based on standardized literature retrieval from Web of Science, Scopus and CNKI (2000 to early 2026), this review systematically summarizes the numerical modeling progress of chloride transport in cement-based materials from five key aspects: macroscopic theoretical models, meso- and micro-scale simulation techniques, multi-scale and multi-physics coupling theories, environmental erosion mechanisms, and performance optimization of modified concretes, including ultra-high performance concrete, graphene-modified concrete and recycled aggregate concrete. A unified macroscopic/mesoscopic/microscopic classification criterion is explicitly formulated within this review, which defines model scale according to the explicit discretization of heterogeneous mesophases rather than the complexity of chemical reactions, thereby clarifying the macroscopic nature of multi-ion coupling models and resolving the long-standing scale ambiguity in existing studies. This paper thoroughly analyzes the regulatory effects of typical complex environments, including marine exposure, freeze–thaw cycles and wet–dry alternations, on chloride ingress, and summarizes the anti-chloride mechanisms of various modified cementitious materials. Three core bottlenecks limiting the engineering application of current numerical models are identified, namely insufficient adaptability of fully coupled CHTM models under extreme environments, imperfect long-term performance verification systems for emerging modified materials, and unclear quantitative cross-scale correlations restricting model engineering transformation. Accordingly, prospective research directions are proposed, focusing on extreme-environment multi-field coupling models, long-term dynamic evolution simulation frameworks, and engineering-oriented reduced-order cross-scale methods. Particular attention is paid to the application potential of data-physics hybrid modeling based on physics-informed neural networks. Different from existing reviews that merely summarize single-scale models or experimental phenomena, this work establishes a complete logical chain spanning fundamental transport theories, multi-scale computation and material engineering applications. The inherent limitations are also clarified: machine learning methods are only prospected without systematic elaboration, and long-term multi-field experimental data for novel modified concrete remain insufficient. This review provides reliable theoretical support for the durability design and full-life-cycle evaluation of concrete structures.
The seismic performance of precast concrete structures is highly dependent on the behavior of their connections. Hybrid post-tensioned (PT) connections have shown excellent strength, stiffness and self-centering capacity. However, damage is concentrated in the mild steel bars, which cannot be replaced after an earthquake. Recent research has focused on developing replaceable metallic dampers, but most devices require complex fabrication and installation. This limits their application in precast construction. To address these limitations, this study proposes a novel replaceable circular hollow section (CHS) damper with easy installation and replacement. The damper geometry is tailored to provide high tensile strength while limiting compressive strength to improve self-centering capacity. The present study investigates the influence of the damper strength contribution on energy dissipation and self-centering performance using a parametric approach. A finite element (FE) model was developed and validated with results from experimental tests. The model was further validated by the developed analytical procedure. The results show that when the CHS damper contributes 37.5
A large number of existing reinforced concrete (RC) slabs reinforced with smooth steel bars suffer from weak bond characteristics, reduced stiffness, and inadequate flexural capacity, creating a need for effective and sustainable strengthening techniques. This study experimentally, numerically, and analytically investigates the flexural strengthening of one-way RC slabs reinforced with smooth bars using externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) galvanized flat/corrugated steel sheets and near-surface mounted (NSM) galvanized steel bars. Eleven slabs were tested under monotonic loading, including one control slab and ten strengthened slabs. The investigated parameters included the strengthening technique (EBR, NSM, and combined EBR/NSM), sheet profile (flat or corrugated), strengthening configuration, and sheet thickness. The results demonstrated significant improvements in cracking behavior, stiffness, ultimate flexural capacity, and energy absorption. The cracking load increased by more than twice, while the ultimate flexural moment increased by approximately 50
The impermeability of channel linings is essential for optimizing water delivery efficiency and ensuring engineering safety. To investigate the structural performance of rubber concrete used in channel lining under water-loading conditions, this study examined the influence of rubber particle size and treatment on crack development, stress response, and foundation settlement through a combination of in situ testing and numerical simulation. The findings indicate that rubber concrete exhibits superior deformation capabilities compared to ordinary concrete, with modified rubber particles further enhancing its impermeability. Specifically, those incorporating 60-mesh rubber particles exhibited the best crack resistance, whereas those containing 3mm–6mm particles showed the poorest performance. This study concludes that integrating rubber particles into concrete effectively improves crack resistance, presenting a viable solution for mitigating channel leakage issues.
Ground source heat pump (GSHP) energy piles serve dual functions, simultaneously providing structural support and acting as ground-coupled heat exchangers through built-in pipe circuits. This study synthesizes evidence from field monitoring, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations to examine the design methodologies and long-term thermomechanical behavior of such foundation systems. Design parameters, such as heat exchanger layout, pile material, and operational strategy, have considerable influence, yet the primary concern remains the pile response under repeated heating and cooling cycles. With continuous cyclic thermal loading, a set of largely irreversible phenomena tends to occur, including ratcheting settlement, degradation of shaft friction, and the progressive accumulation of thermal stresses. The incorporation of phase-change materials (PCMs), when appropriately utilized, has been shown to boost heat exchange efficiency by approximately 20–30
