In this paper, MAGnetizable CONcrete (MagCon) composite materials are introduced and studied thoroughly. MagCon material is obtained by mixing cement with a magnetic material, for example, powdered ferrite or magnetite with different aggregate ratios and sizes, and optionally adding other aggregates to the mixture. Effective relative permeability (μ _{r, eff} ) of MagCon is evaluated as a function of volumetric ratio of the magnetic material in the mixture. Furthermore, the effect of aggregate size of the magnetic materials is examined and the core losses of MagCon are analyzed. Compressive strength of the new material is also discussed. MagCon can be used in the core structure of road-embedded Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) pads for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging applications. MagCon has the benefit of significant design flexibility and reduced cost. This paper investigates how to take advantage of the characteristics of the new composite material to design new pad structures for WPT systems. 3D finite element analysis (FEA) approach is used to simulate and compare the proposed pad design with a properly selected reference pad. The mutual inductance between the aligned primary and secondary coils is adopted as the figure of merit in order to maximize the power transfer capability of WPT pads. Considering the fact that magnetite is significantly less expensive than the ferrite tiles or bars, MagCon with magnetite could be a very cost-effective solution. On the other hand, using MagCon in the road creates a more durable structure comparing with the junction of ferrite bars or tiles in regular concrete. This is important for road-embedded implementation of WPT coils where the pad is permanently under the mechanical stress due to heavy vehicles passing over it.

Insulated concrete sandwich wall panels (ICSWPs) are gaining popularity as energy regulations become stricter worldwide. ICSWPs are now being constructed with thinner wythes and thicker insulation to keep up with the changing market, which is reducing material costs and increasing thermal and structural efficiency. However, there is a need for adequate experimental testing to validate the current design methods for these new panels. This research aims to provide that validation by comparing the predictions of four different methods with experimental data obtained from six large-scale panels. The study found that while current design methods adequately predict the behavior of thin wythe and thick insulation ICSWPs within the elastic region, they do not accurately predict their ultimate capacity.

Concrete sandwich wall panels (CSWPs) have been constructed since the early 1900s using various wythe connectors, panel geometries, and construction methods to create a structurally and thermally efficient system. Initially, thermal bridging hindered thermal efficiency due to the concrete connections and steel bars used to transfer interface forces between the concrete wythes. This issue was mitigated with the advent of polymer connectors, now widely used in the precast and tilt-up industries. As a result, CSWPs now offer buildings an efficient envelope, aiding in energy savings and reducing the need for additional construction materials and therefore contributing to the construction industry’s sustainability goals. This paper examines the current state of the practice in CSWP construction, focusing on CSWP’s construction methods, sustainability, material selection, and design processes. This manuscript delves into the history of CSWPs and showcases projects ranging from housing to industrial applications. Moreover, the materials and hardware popularly used in their construction are reviewed from the practicing engineer and researcher’s point of view and other aspects, such as environmental, architectural, and structural design, are presented. The most popular construction methods and approaches when precasting these panels on- or off-site and their associated challenges are also presented. Lastly, current deficiencies in CSWP design and construction are outlined and future directions for research and practice are suggested to advance this field further.