Cement-based mortar is recognized as a popular and cost-effective material for the rehabilitation and repair of reinforced concrete structures. However, the development of high-performance cement-based mortar is in high demand in order to not only enhance compressive strength but also to prolong the mortar lifespan and minimize maintenance costs as much as possible. In the current study, high-strength mortars incorporating both silica fume and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were investigated and evaluated based on compressive and flexural strength. The graphene powder was added in amounts ranging from 0.5% to 2%, by cement weight, while silica fume was added as a partial replacement for cement (10%). The optimal content of the graphene was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). In addition, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to assess the proposed mortar at the micro-scale level. The outcome revealed that the graphene-based mortar imparted superior mechanical properties compared to the control mixture. The compressive and flexural strength of the mortars containing 10% silica fume and 1% graphene increased by 33% and 35%, respectively. This positive result was attributed to the refinement of the nanopores and tiny cracks by the inclusion of GNPs, which was supported by microstructure testing. The RSM model was also shown to be capable of optimizing and predicting compressive and flexural strength with less error. It is possible to conclude that graphene-based high-strength mortar will serve as a sustainable material in the near future.

PPVC modular construction building has become one of the most recent construction technologies in the civil engineering sector and has piqued researchers’ interest. Few published studies consider the overall structural response to extreme wind load. As a result, there is a lack of appropriate design for PPVC modular systems under extreme wind standards. However, the existing literature has not yet studied the wind flow dynamic behaviors of PPVC modular steel construction (MSC) systems subjected to extreme wind loads. This paper, therefore, presents a numerical investigation into the structural performance and wind flow dynamic behavior of innovative PPVC modular steel construction (MSC) systems under extreme wind loads. The numerical technique varied in comparison with previous studies. The results showed that the suggested novel (MSC1) modular system is applicable to prevention of extreme wind action up to cyclone ^2nd degree, the high story drift resistance compared with previous research, high stiffness performance, and overall strain energy. Additionally, the actual wind velocity surrounding (MSC2) was 31.5% higher compared to the Saffir–Simpson wind speed scale, and the 1.5 wind speed safety factor was suggested.

Interlocking Inter-Module Connections (IMCs) in Modular Steel Buildings (MSBs) have garnered significant interest from researchers. Despite this, the optimisation of plate thicknesses in such structures has yet to be extensively explored in the existing literature. Therefore, this paper focuses on optimising the thickness of interlocking IMCs in MSBs by leveraging established experimental and numerical simulation methodologies. The study developed various numerical models for IMCs with plate thicknesses of 4 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm, all subjected to compression loading conditions. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive parametric analysis, which evaluates the slip prediction model. A random forest regression model, trained using the ‘TreeBagger’ function, was also implemented to predict slip values based on applied force. Sensitivity analysis and comparisons with alternative methods underscored the reliability and applicability of the findings. The results indicate that a plate thickness of 11.03 mm is optimal for interlocking IMCs in MSBs, achieving up to 8.08% in material cost reductions while increasing deformation resistance by up to 50.75%. The ‘TreeBagger’ random forest regression significantly enhanced slip prediction accuracy by up to 7% at higher force levels.

Modular steel buildings (MSBs) interlocking inter-module connections (IMCs) have piqued researchers’ interest. However, the existing literature has not yet studied the optimisation of its plate thicknesses. This paper, therefore, focuses on optimising interlocking (IMCs) plate thickness in (MSBs), leveraging previous experimental and numerical simulation methodologies. Various numerical models for four MSBs interlocking (IMCs) with plate thicknesses (4 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm) were developed under compression loading conditions. The study’s novelty lay in its comprehensive parametric analysis, which evaluated the slip phenomenon in (MSBs) connections and introduced a slip prediction model validated against empirical data. Further innovative machine learning approach was utilised to predict slip values based on applied force through a random forest regression model trained using the 'Treebagger' function. Sensitivity analysis and comparisons with alternative methods were utilised to underscore the reliability and applicability of the findings. The results showed that 11.03 mm was the optimal plate thickness for interlocking (IMCs) in modular steel buildings, with up to 8.08% reduced material costs. Increasing plate thickness boosts its deformation resistance by up to 50.75%. ‘TreeBagger’ random forest for anomaly detection and machine learning improves slip prediction up to 7% at higher force levels.