Accident Causality Analysis of Steel Structure Collapses During Construction

Accidents in the construction sector are widely studied from the perspective of occupational safety, with emphasis on fatalities and injuries. However, construction accidents also have profound impacts on construction processes, project continuity, and structural integrity. Among these, steel structure collapses during construction represent critical events that require systematic investigation. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the causes of steel structure collapses during construction.

Steel Structure Collapses as Process Failures

Structural collapses during construction are not isolated incidents but complex failures arising from multiple interacting factors. These events often disrupt construction workflows, cause economic losses, and undermine public confidence in engineering practices. Understanding collapses as process-related failures allows for a broader safety perspective beyond individual worker-related incidents.

AcciMap Framework for Causality Analysis

This study employs the AcciMap methodology to identify and analyze causal relationships across six fundamental system levels. AcciMap enables a holistic examination of accidents by linking technical, organizational, managerial, and regulatory factors. Using this framework, the study reveals how decisions and conditions at different system levels interact to produce catastrophic outcomes during construction.

Case Study: Steel Dome Collapse

A steel dome structure that collapsed during construction was analyzed as a representative case. Accident causality factors were identified through structured expert consultations, ensuring domain-specific accuracy and practical relevance. The case study provides a detailed mapping of contributing factors across the construction lifecycle.

Pareto Analysis and Key Contributing Factors

Based on expert evaluations, a Pareto analysis was conducted to determine the most influential causes of the collapse. A total of 33 causal factors were identified, of which 15 were found to have originated before construction commenced. This finding highlights that many construction-stage failures are rooted in pre-construction decisions, such as design deficiencies, planning errors, and organizational shortcomings.

Implications for Prevention and Safety Management

The results demonstrate that chains of errors during construction are often triggered by systemic factors established during the pre-construction phase. By revealing these hidden causal pathways, the study provides a practical framework for preventing steel structure collapses. This contribution supports improved safety management, risk mitigation, and decision-making throughout the lifecycle of steel construction projects.

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#StructuralFailure

#ConstructionManagement

#PreConstructionPlanning

#SystemsEngineering

#WorkplaceSafety

#EngineeringFailures

#CivilEngineeringResearch

#SafetyFramework

#ProjectRisk

#InfrastructureSafety

#BuiltEnvironment

#ConstructionAccidents

Phosphate Biomineralisation for Sustainable Biocementation in Civil and Geoenvironmental Engineering

Over the past two decades, biocementation has emerged as a promising technique for ground improvement, crack healing, and the restoration of building materials and heritage stones. Most existing research has focused on calcite-based biocements produced through urea-hydrolysis pathways. However, the generation of ammonia by-products and limited durability in acidic environments restrict the large-scale and sustainable application of these methods. This review introduces phosphate biomineralisation as a novel and environmentally favorable alternative.

Limitations of Conventional Calcite-Based Biocementation

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and enzymatically induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) rely heavily on urea hydrolysis, which produces ammonia that must be treated or removed. This not only increases environmental risk but also raises operational costs. Additionally, carbonate-based biocements exhibit reduced durability under acidic conditions, limiting their applicability in aggressive soil and environmental settings.

Phosphate Biomineralisation Mechanisms

Phosphate biomineralisation represents an alternative biocementation pathway that avoids ammonia generation. This review examines both microbially induced phosphate precipitation (MIPP) and enzymatically induced phosphate precipitation (EIPP), detailing their biochemical mechanisms, reaction pathways, and mineral formation processes. These mechanisms offer improved chemical stability and environmental compatibility compared to carbonate-based systems.

Applications in Ground Improvement and Soil Stabilisation

Phosphate-based biocements show strong potential for ground improvement, including soil stabilisation and remediation. Their ability to form durable mineral bonds enhances soil strength, reduces permeability, and improves resistance to chemical degradation. These properties make phosphate biomineralisation particularly suitable for challenging geoenvironmental conditions.

Construction Materials and Heritage Conservation

Beyond geotechnical applications, phosphate biocements have promising uses in construction materials and the conservation of heritage stones. Their improved resistance to acidic environments and compatibility with existing materials enable effective crack healing and surface consolidation without compromising material integrity or historical value.

Environmental Sustainability and Future Potential

Phosphate biocementation offers several environmental advantages, including low pH sensitivity, absence of harmful by-products, and alignment with green chemistry principles. Its potential contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals further supports its viability as a sustainable material. Continued research and development are essential to fully realize the potential of phosphate biomineralisation in civil and geoenvironmental engineering.

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#EIPP

#MicrobialEngineering

#EnvironmentalSustainability

#HeritageConservation

#ConstructionMaterials

#LowCarbonMaterials

#CivilEngineeringResearch

#UNSDGs

#Biominerals

#SustainableInfrastructure

#FutureMaterials

 

Numerical Wavefield Simulation Methods for Ultrasonic Analysis in Civil Engineering

Interpreting ultrasonic waveforms in civil engineering structures is inherently complex, particularly when tilted boundaries cause multiple reflections, mode conversions, and overlapping echoes. Wavefield simulations have become an essential tool for analyzing such complex signal behavior and supporting non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. This study focuses on evaluating the accuracy and computational efficiency of commonly used numerical simulation methods for ultrasonic wave propagation in civil engineering contexts.

Challenges in Ultrasonic Waveform Interpretation

Ultrasonic inspections of large civil engineering structures often involve heterogeneous materials and complex geometries that distort waveforms. Tilted interfaces and internal defects introduce signal interference that complicates interpretation. Accurate numerical simulations are therefore critical for understanding wave behavior, validating experimental measurements, and improving defect detection reliability.

Numerical Methods for Wavefield Simulation

This study compares three widely used numerical approaches for ultrasonic wave simulations: the Elastodynamic Finite Integration Technique (EFIT), the Finite Element Method (FEM), and the Spectral Element Method (SEM). EFIT was implemented in Fortran, while FEM and SEM simulations were conducted using COMSOL and Salvus, respectively. These methods differ in their mathematical formulation, numerical accuracy, and computational demands.

Case Study I: Two-Layered Material Validation

In the first case study, simulation results are benchmarked against analytically derived reflection and transmission coefficients for a two-layered material system. The comparison demonstrates that COMSOL and Salvus achieve lower numerical errors than EFIT, although all three methods maintain acceptable relative error levels. This case validates the fundamental accuracy of each numerical approach.

Case Study II: Circular Void Reflection Analysis

The second case study investigates wave reflections from a circular void in a two-dimensional setting, comparing simulated waveforms with analytical solutions. Simulations using progressively refined grids reveal that EFIT and COMSOL require longer computation times to reach the same accuracy level achieved by Salvus. This highlights the superior computational efficiency of the spectral element approach for high-accuracy simulations.

Case Study III: Ultrasonic Echo Array Simulation

The third case study focuses on simulating ultrasonic echo array measurements in a PMMA block containing an internal void. While Salvus and EFIT successfully performed full 3D simulations with comparable accuracy, COMSOL was limited to a 2.5D simulation due to hardware constraints. The results demonstrate that all methods can achieve accurate simulations, but their feasibility depends strongly on computational resources and model dimensionality.

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#UltrasonicWaves

#StructuralHealthMonitoring

#ComputationalEngineering

#SimulationAccuracy

#LargeScaleStructures

#EngineeringAnalysis

#WavePropagation

#InfrastructureInspection

#CivilEngineeringResearch

#AdvancedModeling

 

Sustainable Civil Engineering Applications of Non-Metallic Fractions of Waste Printed Circuit Boards (NMF-WPCBs)

The rapid growth of electronic waste has made the recycling of non-metallic fractions of waste printed circuit boards (NMF-WPCBs) a pressing environmental challenge. Due to their complex composition, NMF-WPCBs are often landfilled or incinerated, leading to secondary pollution and loss of valuable resources. This review addresses the urgent need for sustainable reuse pathways by examining the potential of NMF-WPCBs as functional materials in civil engineering applications.

Multiscale Composition and Material Characteristics

NMF-WPCBs are composed of polymers, glass fibers, and residual fillers arranged in a multiscale structure that governs their mechanical and chemical behavior. Understanding these characteristics is essential for their effective integration into construction materials. The review analyzes their physical, thermal, and microstructural properties, which influence bonding, durability, and overall performance in civil engineering systems.

Enhancement Methods and Theoretical Frameworks

To improve compatibility with construction matrices, various enhancement and modification strategies for NMF-WPCBs are reviewed. Theoretical analyses indicate that NMF-WPCBs can accelerate pozzolanic reactions, inhibit alkali–silica reactions, enhance microstructural densification, and restrict crack initiation and propagation. These mechanisms provide a scientific foundation for their performance-enhancing role in construction materials.

Feasibility, Processability, and Safety Assessment

The feasibility of applying NMF-WPCBs in civil engineering materials is evaluated in terms of processability, economic viability, durability, and toxicity. Studies suggest that with appropriate processing and treatment, NMF-WPCBs can be safely incorporated without compromising material integrity or environmental safety. These assessments are crucial for large-scale implementation and industrial acceptance.

Performance in Cementitious and Road Materials

Experimental evidence demonstrates that NMF-WPCBs can significantly improve strength, toughness, and durability in organic cementitious materials. In inorganic materials such as asphalt and road construction composites, they contribute to enhanced pavement performance, aging resistance, and crack resistance. These findings highlight the versatility of NMF-WPCBs across diverse civil engineering applications.

Sustainability Benefits and Future Outlook

In the context of global carbon reduction and circular economy goals, NMF-WPCB-based construction materials offer substantial environmental, economic, and industrial benefits. By transforming electronic waste into value-added construction resources, these materials support sustainable development and resource efficiency. NMF-WPCBs are poised for widespread adoption, positioning themselves as a key component in advancing future sustainable civil engineering practices.

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#EnvironmentalEngineering

#SustainableMaterials

#CarbonReduction

#EcoFriendlyConstruction

#ConstructionInnovation

#MaterialRecycling

#FutureInfrastructure

#IndustrialSustainability

#CivilEngineeringResearch

#EnvironmentalSustainability

 

Sustainable Civil Engineering Applications of Non-Metallic Fractions of Waste Printed Circuit Boards

 

The rapid growth of electronic waste has intensified the environmental burden associated with improper disposal of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs). In particular, non-metallic fractions of WPCBs (NMF-WPCBs) are frequently discarded or incinerated due to their complex composition, leading to secondary pollution and resource loss. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the potential for incorporating NMF-WPCBs into sustainable civil engineering materials as an effective strategy for waste valorization and environmental protection.

Composition and Characteristics of NMF-WPCBs

NMF-WPCBs consist of a multiscale composite of polymers, glass fibers, and residual fillers, which collectively influence their mechanical, chemical, and thermal behavior. Understanding these characteristics is fundamental for evaluating their compatibility with construction materials. The review examines the microstructural features and material properties that govern performance when NMF-WPCBs are integrated into cementitious and asphalt-based systems.

Enhancement Methods and Theoretical Foundations

Various enhancement and modification methods are reviewed to improve the interfacial bonding and dispersion of NMF-WPCBs in construction matrices. Theoretical frameworks suggest that NMF-WPCBs can accelerate pozzolanic reactions, inhibit alkali–silica reactions, promote microstructural densification, and restrict crack initiation and propagation. These mechanisms form the scientific basis for performance enhancement in civil engineering applications.

Feasibility, Processability, and Environmental Safety

The feasibility analysis addresses processability, economic viability, durability, and toxicity concerns associated with NMF-WPCBs. Evaluations of mixing behavior, long-term performance, and potential leaching effects indicate that, when properly treated, NMF-WPCBs can be safely and effectively used in construction materials. These considerations are critical for large-scale implementation and regulatory acceptance.

Performance in Cementitious and Road Materials

Experimental findings demonstrate that NMF-WPCBs can enhance strength, toughness, and durability in organic cementitious materials. In inorganic road materials, their incorporation improves pavement performance, aging resistance, and crack resistance. These results highlight the versatility of NMF-WPCBs across different civil engineering material systems.

Role in Carbon Reduction and Sustainable Development

In the context of global carbon reduction goals, NMF-WPCB-based construction materials offer significant environmental, economic, and industrial benefits. By recycling electronic waste into value-added civil engineering applications, these materials contribute to circular economy practices and sustainable infrastructure development. The review positions NMF-WPCBs as a promising core component in advancing future-oriented, low-carbon civil engineering solutions.

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#DurableMaterials

#CarbonReduction

#WasteValorization

#EcoFriendlyMaterials

#ConstructionInnovation

#EnvironmentalEngineering

#MaterialRecycling

#LowCarbonInfrastructure

#SustainableMaterials

#FutureEngineering

#IndustrialEcology

#CivilEngineeringResearch

Applications of Geophysical Methods for Subsurface Characterization in Civil Engineering

Subsurface characterization is a critical component of civil engineering projects, directly influencing the safety, design, and longevity of infrastructure systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of geophysical methods applied to civil engineering site investigations, drawing insights from more than 75 peer-reviewed journal publications. The review emphasizes how geophysical techniques contribute to understanding subsurface conditions that are otherwise difficult or costly to assess using conventional intrusive methods.

Geological Conditions in Engineering Site Characterization

Civil engineering projects are often developed over complex geological settings, including fractured rock masses, soft soils, cavities, and heterogeneous strata. The reviewed studies demonstrate how accurate identification of these conditions is essential for foundation design, slope stability, tunneling, and groundwater assessment. Geophysical investigations provide non-destructive and spatially continuous information, making them highly suitable for preliminary and detailed site characterization.

Geophysical Methods Used in Civil Engineering

The review highlights a wide range of geophysical techniques commonly employed in civil engineering, including electrical resistivity tomography, seismic refraction tomography, self-potential, induced polarization, electromagnetic methods, multichannel analysis of surface waves, and magnetic surveys. Each method offers distinct advantages depending on subsurface conditions and project objectives, and their appropriate selection is crucial for reliable interpretation.

Case Studies and Practical Applications

Case studies from 26 peer-reviewed publications demonstrate the successful application of geophysical methods in real-world civil engineering projects. These examples illustrate how geophysical surveys have been used to detect subsurface anomalies, map geological interfaces, assess material properties, and support decision-making in construction and infrastructure development. The case studies validate the effectiveness of geophysical approaches when properly designed and interpreted.

Challenges in Geophysical Data Interpretation

Despite their advantages, geophysical methods face notable challenges in civil engineering applications. These include ambiguity in data interpretation, complex and time-consuming data processing, and high noise-to-signal ratios, particularly in culturally noisy urban environments. Such challenges can limit reliability if geophysical results are used in isolation without supporting data or advanced processing techniques.

Future Directions: Integration and Intelligent Techniques

The paper emphasizes that the integrated use of multiple geophysical methods is a key strategy for overcoming current limitations. Joint inversion and modeling of combined datasets can significantly improve subsurface imaging accuracy. Furthermore, future research should incorporate machine learning and deep learning techniques to enable automated interpretation, anomaly detection, and real-time monitoring, thereby enhancing the role of geophysics in modern civil infrastructure projects.

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Quantum and Quantum-Inspired Computing in Civil Engineering: Foundations, Opportunities, and Future Directions

Quantum computing is anticipated to revolutionize problem-solving by addressing computational challenges that are currently intractable for classical computers. While large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers are still under development, quantum-inspired computing techniques have already demonstrated practical advantages using classical hardware. Despite this potential, applications of both quantum and quantum-inspired computing within civil engineering remain limited. This study aims to establish a foundational understanding and encourage future exploration in this emerging research domain.

Fundamental Principles of Quantum Computing

Quantum computing operates on principles such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum interference, enabling parallel exploration of vast solution spaces. These properties make quantum algorithms particularly suited for optimization, simulation, and combinatorial problems that frequently arise in civil engineering, including structural optimization, traffic flow analysis, and resource allocation. Introducing these fundamentals is essential for civil engineers to assess the feasibility of future quantum-based solutions.

Quantum-Inspired Computing and Near-Term Advantages

Quantum-inspired computing leverages mathematical concepts and algorithmic structures derived from quantum mechanics while running on classical computers. These approaches offer near-term benefits by enhancing performance for complex optimization and decision-making problems without requiring quantum hardware. For civil engineering, this presents an accessible pathway to experiment with advanced computational paradigms in areas such as scheduling, network optimization, and multi-objective design.

Current Research Landscape in Civil Engineering

A multivocal literature review reveals that research on quantum and quantum-inspired computing in civil engineering is still at an early stage. Existing studies are primarily conceptual or exploratory, focusing on optimization, structural analysis, and infrastructure management. This limited but growing body of work highlights both the novelty of the field and the significant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Potential Use Cases and Application Areas

Potential application areas include structural optimization, construction planning, transportation systems, risk analysis, and smart infrastructure management. Quantum and quantum-inspired methods could enable faster solution convergence, improved handling of uncertainty, and more efficient exploration of large design spaces. These capabilities align well with the increasing complexity of modern civil engineering systems.

Future Research Directions and Adoption Pathways

Future research should focus on developing civil engineering–specific quantum algorithms, benchmarking quantum-inspired approaches against classical methods, and building interdisciplinary expertise. As quantum technologies mature, early engagement will position the civil engineering community to adopt these tools effectively. This study provides a reference framework to guide both academic research and future practical deployment of quantum and quantum-inspired computing in civil engineering.

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#MultivocalReview

#EmergingTechnologies

#DigitalTransformation

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#NextGenComputing

#SustainableEngineering

#ResearchFoundations