The current general issue of Structures and BuildingsSTBU 179(2) partly comprises: a ground motion prediction equation for strong earthquakes (Chenna, 2026); finite-element analysis on beam–column joints (Zhu and Kuang, 2026); seismic performance of a steel staggered truss framing structure (Liu et al., 2026); and the adhesion strength of fibre-reinforced repair concrete under hot coastal conditions (Dehkhoda Rajabi et al., 2026). This issue also presents: optimal outrigger placement in tall steel frames (Jabbari et al., 2026); the shear behaviour of bed joints in ashlar stone masonry (Chai et al., 2026); the assessment of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) concrete (Sumberia et al., 2026); and the cyclic response and failure mode of a two-segment replaceable shear link (Mu et al., 2026). The papers included in this issue have novel information that will maintain the practice of Structures and Buildings to offer beneficial research to enable readers to expand their skills. The articles in this issue have gone through extensive peer review measures, implemented by Structures and Buildings, which have had an enormous impact on the areas of information brought together in this editorial.The first paper, by Chenna (2026), presents a new ground motion prediction equation. This has been developed to estimate horizontal ground motion generated by shallow earthquakes. This equation is developed through multi-linear regression analysis and is valid across a wide range of hypocentral distances and moment magnitudes for earthquakes in the Iranian plateau. The proposed equation is compared with previous models developed for both Iranian and global datasets, showing strong agreement with recorded data across all distances. Its validity is further confirmed using ground motion records from four major seismic events.The second paper, by Zhu and Kuang (2026), presents a comprehensive analysis of a newly developed dog-bone flange weakened beam–column joint, specifically designed for high-rise construction to enhance seismic resistance and facilitate post-disaster recovery. The joint incorporates replaceable energy-dissipation components and vertical slits, and its design and performance are evaluated through Abaqus simulations. The study focuses on critical aspects such as force transmission, failure modes and energy dissipation under low-cycle loading conditions. Comparative analysis with and without vertical slits reveals that the proposed joint exhibits superior performance, with an enhancement of 19.7% in the equivalent viscous damping coefficient. Moreover, a full-length configuration of vertical slits is advocated.In the third paper, Liu et al. (2026) promote the development of steel staggered truss framing structures in high-intensity seismic areas. Six structural models with different forms of truss arrangement and an ordinary steel frame structural model are established, with the same steel consumption. The seismic performance and seismic demand performance of each model under strong seismic effects are investigated, using the non-linear elastic–plastic dynamic time analysis method based on the energy balance principle, and then the yield damage modes and energy dissipation mechanisms of each structure are compared.The fourth paper, by Dehkhoda Rajabi et al. (2026), discusses harmful environmental conditions in coastal regions. One of the prevalent repair methods for structures in such areas is the placement of repair concrete on damaged concrete layers. In this work, the adhesion of high-strength repair concrete reinforced with steel fibre (SF) and polypropylene fibre (PPF) to bed concrete layers was examined in such an environment. The environmental conditions were simulated using different numbers of wet–dry cycles at ambient temperature and at 408°C. Splitting tensile tests were used to evaluate the adhesion between the repair and bed concrete layers. After 180 days of wet–dry cycles at 408°C, the high-strength concrete mixes with hybrid fibres, PPF and SF provided greater adhesion strength than the high-strength concrete without fibre. The combined conditions of wet–dry cycles and high temperatures were far more destructive than wet–dry cycles at ambient temperature. The lowest shrinkage rates and the highest adhesion strengths were achieved in the mix with hybrid fibres.In the fifth paper, Jabbari et al. (2026) evaluated the electric eel foraging optimisation algorithm and an improved variant (I-Eefo) for optimising outrigger brace placement in full-scale steel frame structures. Two design examples (ten-storey and 20-storey steel frames) demonstrated the algorithms’ ability to enhance structural stability in high-rise buildings. Compared with established metaheuristic methods such as the grey wolf optimiser and the whale optimisation algorithm, the I-Eefo algorithm exhibited superior convergence speed, accuracy and robustness through rigorous evaluations.Chai et al. (2026) investigated the shear behaviour of bed joints in ashlar stone masonry walls by conducting tests on nine groups of ordinary mortar joints and four groups of joints reinforced with polymer mortar. The experimental variables included the normal compressive stress and the mortar strength. The test results showed that the failure process of the joint specimens could be characterised by three distinct stages: the elastic stage, the crack development stage and the slip stage. The slip stage was identified as the primary stage for energy dissipation. The shear strength of the bed joints was found to increase non-linearly with the increment of normal compressive stress.In the seventh paper (Sumberia et al., 2026), the authors acknowledge how external bonding with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates is widely employed for strengthening and retrofitting concrete structures; however, exposure to high temperatures can degrade concrete and adversely affect the bond strength between FRP and the damaged material. Their study investigated the bond behaviour of GFRP laminates adhered to heat-damaged concrete using a double-shear test. Concrete specimens were subjected to temperatures of 200, 400, 600 and 800°C. Subsequently, the specimens were bonded to GFRP sheets with varying lengths (100, 150 and 200 mm) and a constant width of 80 mm. Results indicated a decrease in bond strength with increasing exposure temperature. Conversely, bond strength exhibited a significant increase with longer bond lengths. For specimens heated below 408°C, the thickness of the delaminated concrete layer beneath the GFRP composite was negligible.The last paper, by Mu et al. (2026), introduces a two-segment replaceable shear link using LYP160 steel. The link utilises low-yield-point steel, known for its excellent plastic deformation and energy-dissipation properties. In addition, a mid-plate is designed in the mid-length to minimise residual rotation and enhance energy-dissipation capacity through bolt slip. This design allows for easy disassembly and replacement after seismic events, optimising global seismic energy dissipation by allowing the links to yield before non-energy-consuming structural components. To assess seismic performance, cyclic loading tests and numerical investigations were conducted on a two-segment replaceable shear link featuring two different bolt hole configurations. The observed failure modes included flange buckling, web tearing and flange tearing near the welds of both end plates.I sincerely hope and anticipate that readers will find the papers educational and beneficial to their work. I encourage readers to send their views to the journal and input their role in the discussion. In addition to the printed and electronic versions, the journal prints the most recent manuscripts online ahead of publication on the virtual library of Structures and Buildings: Link to the cited article.
Raja Rizwan Hussain (Sat,) studied this question.