| Abstract: |
The study investigates the mechanical behavior, structural performance, and durability of conventional and modern construction materials, including steel, concrete, timber, fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), and self-healing concrete. Experimental testing and comparative analysis were conducted to assess tensile strength, compressive strength, ductility, toughness, and environmental durability under standard and extreme loading conditions. Results indicate that steel exhibits superior tensile capacity and ductility, while concrete demonstrates high compressive strength but limited tensile resistance. FRP-reinforced concrete and self-healing concrete offer enhanced durability, energy absorption, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for resilient and long-lasting structures. Hybrid systems combining traditional and advanced materials demonstrated improved load-bearing capacity and reduced crack propagation. The findings highlight the potential of integrating modern composites and smart materials with conventional systems to achieve safer, more sustainable, and high-performance infrastructure. The study also identifies key research gaps, including long-term performance, multi-hazard resilience, large-scale implementation, and standardization of innovative materials, suggesting directions for future research in structural engineering. |