Thin-Walled Structures in Structural Engineering: A Comprehensive Review of Design Innovations, Stability Challenges, and Sustainable Frontiers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54060/a2zjournals.jmce.74Keywords:
Thin-Walled Structures, Structural Engineering, Buckling Behavior, Design InnovationsAbstract
Due to their high strength-to-weight ratios and efficiency in material usage, thin-walled structures are a key part of modern structural engineering. Here we present a review of important developments in design innovations, stability issues, and sustainability. Finite element analysis, topology optimization, and AI techniques have revolutionized structural performance enhancement by optimizing load paths and re-distributing geometry for better structural stability. However, these advances do not render thin-walled structures immune to buckling, such as local, global and distortional failure. Complex failure mechanisms resulting from geometric imperfections and material properties require accurate predictive models and experimental validation. Diseased patients are excluded from multi-scale simulations, and their integration with aromatic heuristics to check robustness up to disease progresses are under current research. Sustainability is another crucial frontier, with emphasis on recycled materials, lightweight design, and energy-efficient manufacturing. Life-cycle assessment studies highlight the environmental benefits of these strategies, demonstrating reduced carbon footprints and resource consumption. These approaches not only improve sustainability but also enhance structural durability and cost efficiency. In future works, real-time design optimization using AI, hybrid fabrication processes through integration of additive manufacturing with traditional approaches, as well as smart materials with self-healing properties can be established further. This will be crucial to furthering the next generation of environmentally responsible, thin-walled structures that optimize structural performance. In summary, this review highlights the evolution of synergy between design, stability and sustainable development of thin-walled structures. The results offer some valuable guideposts to researchers and engineers, guiding the development of resilient, efficient, and eco-friendly structural systems.
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