The integration of recycled materials into cementitious systems presents a sustainable path to reducing environmental impact in construction. This study investigates the mechanical and durability performance of self-compacting mortars (SCMs) incorporating finely ground mortar waste powder (MWP) as a partial cement substitute, reinforced with aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃). Eleven mixes were designed with MWP replacing cement at 0–50% by volume. Fresh-state tests showed that slump flow decreased moderately (from 259 mm to 240 mm), while V-funnel times improved (from 10.51 s to 7.01 s), indicating acceptable flowability. The optimum performance was observed in SCM2 (5% MWP + oxides), which achieved 75.62 MPa compressive and 13.74 MPa flexural strength at 28 days, outperforming the control mix. Durability under high temperature and freeze–thaw cycling revealed that oxide-reinforced mixes exhibited superior strength retention, with SCM2 maintaining over 87 MPa after 300 °C exposure and minimal degradation after 100 freeze–thaw cycles. Porosity remained low (16.1%) at optimal replacement levels but increased significantly beyond 25% MWP. The results confirm that low-level MWP replacement, when reinforced with reactive oxides, provides a viable strategy for producing durable, high-performance, and eco-efficient SCMs.

This study develops an integrated framework for applying Circular Economy (CE) strategies in climate-resilient construction, drawing on empirical evidence from four international case studies: the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia. Through Lifecycle Assessment (LCA), Material Flow Analysis (MFA), and Net Present Value (NPV) modeling, the research quantifies CE performance across planning, design, execution, and post-use phases. Key findings show that CE practices—such as modular construction, selective demolition, recycled aggregate use, and geopolymer concrete substitution—achieved carbon reductions of 20–40%, material recovery rates of 45–80%, and lifecycle cost savings between €500,000 and €1.2 million. Additionally, CE-aligned interventions enhanced climate resilience, evidenced by a 25% reduction in flood risk and a 20% increase in infrastructure lifespan. Results indicate that governance capacity, digital tool deployment, and material recovery infrastructure are critical enablers of CE performance. The proposed framework offers a replicable, lifecycle-based approach for aligning environmental and economic goals, enabling construction systems to simultaneously decarbonize and adapt to escalating climate pressures.

The SETSCI Conference Proceedings is an Open Access publication created for the storage and indexing of proceedings | This study proposes a climate-adaptive framework for modular micro-living units as a construction-based response to growing urban challenges related to climate resilience, densification, and housing affordability. The design integrates prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures, phase-change materials (PCMs), double-skin ventilated façades, and green roofs to support passive thermal regulation and circular lifecycle principles, including Design-for-Disassembly (DfD). Parametric environmental simulations were conducted using Ladybug Tools to assess thermal performance across three representative climate zones—Mediterranean, humid subtropical, and cold continental. Results indicate that annual energy demands range from 52 to 70 kWh/m², while embodied carbon footprints vary between 195 and 225 kgCO₂e/m², remaining within global benchmarks such as the Passive House standard. These outcomes demonstrate that micro-units can maintain high energy performance across climatic contexts without compromising modular scalability or construction efficiency. By embedding passive strategies into standardized construction logic, the proposed system enables flexible adaptation to regional environmental pressures, supporting long-term urban regeneration goals. The findings advance the role of engineering-driven micro-living as a viable, scalable, and low-impact typology for future urban housing systems. Further research should explore physical prototyping and post-occupancy evaluations to bridge the gap between simulation-driven design and in-situ performance validation.

This study addresses an alternative use of viscous dampers (VDs) associated with buckling restrained braces (BRBs) as innovative seismic protection devices. For this purpose, 4-, 8- and 12-story steel bare frames were designed with 6.5 m equal span length and 4 m story height. Thereafter, they were seismically improved by mounting the VDs and BRBs in three patterns, namely outer bays, inner bays, and all bays over the frame heights. The structures were modeled using SAP 2000 software and evaluated by the nonlinear time history analyses subjected to the six natural ground motions. The seismic responses of the structures were investigated for the lateral displacement, interstory drift, absolute acceleration, maximum base shear, and time history of roof displacement. The results clearly indicated that the VDs and BRBs reduced seismic demands significantly compared to the bare frame. Moreover, the all-bay pattern performed better than the others.

The SETSCI Conference Proceedings is an Open Access publication created for the storage and indexing of proceedings | This study presents a Hybrid Digital-Physical Risk Management Framework designed to enhance urban climate resilience through the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies. By combining real-time IoT sensor networks, AI-based predictive analytics, and blockchain-secured governance, the framework enables anticipatory risk detection, infrastructure adaptation, and decentralized disaster coordination. Applied to four climate-vulnerable cities in Türkiye Gaziantep, Mardin, Diyarbakır, and Adana the model demonstrated a 20% improvement in risk prediction accuracy, a 67% reduction in emergency response time, and a 35% increase in infrastructure resilience. AI models, including LSTM and CNN, were used for time-series forecasting and hazard classification, while digital twins simulated disaster impacts on urban systems. Results underscore the feasibility of deploying cyber-physical systems in mid-sized cities, despite challenges related to sensor coverage, data interoperability, and regulatory fragmentation. The framework offers a scalable, transferable solution for climate-adaptive urban governance, with significant implications for policy, infrastructure planning, and smart city transformation. Findings support broader application across other at-risk regions and highlight the need for ethical AI deployment, data transparency, and regulatory support. This work contributes a replicable model for future-ready cities seeking to operationalize digital intelligence for climate risk mitigation.