Call for Papers: AI-driven advances in structural engineering (AIDAISE)

Special Issue on AI-Driven Advances in Structural Engineering (AIDAISE)

Introduction  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we live, work, and interact with the world, and structural engineering is no exception. The discipline, which has long relied on rigorous analysis, optimisation, and design principles, is now being redefined by AI-enabled methods that enhance precision, efficiency, and creativity. From the earliest concept design to construction management, through to operation, monitoring, and education, AI offers powerful new tools that are reshaping how engineers conceive, build, and sustain the built environment. Generative AI in particular is opening unprecedented opportunities.

By harnessing the capacity to generate design alternatives, predict complex behaviours, and streamline decision-making, it allows engineers to explore solutions beyond conventional boundaries. AI-driven optimisation has the potential to accelerate structural design, while machine learning is enabling more accurate analysis and modelling of materials, systems, and behaviours. Data-driven approaches are revolutionising structural health monitoring and predictive maintenance, providing safer, more resilient infrastructure. At the same time, robotics, digital twins, and automated construction systems are being integrated with AI to deliver faster, smarter, and more sustainable project outcomes.

The potential of AI also extends to addressing some of the most pressing societal challenges. With growing urgency around climate change and resource efficiency, AI-enabled tools can facilitate low-carbon design, sustainability assessments, and circular economy approaches in construction. Moreover, as industry practices evolve, so too must education. The integration of AI into structural engineering curricula is essential to prepare future engineers with the skills needed to thrive in a digitally transformed profession. Generative AI, in particular, is beginning to reshape teaching, learning, and assessment practices, offering novel ways of engaging students and supporting lifelong learning.

In recognition of these developments, ICE Proceedings Structures and Buildings is pleased to announce this Special Issue dedicated to the advancement and application of AI in structural engineering. The aim is to showcase cutting-edge research, innovative practice, and critical reflection on how AI is reshaping the field. Contributions to this issue will provide both theoretical insights and practical examples, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and directions for the future.

The Special issue aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructures), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

List of topic areas

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• AI-driven structural design optimisation and generative design methods
• Machine learning applications in structural analysis and modelling
• Data-driven structural health monitoring, inspection, and predictive maintenance
• Robotics, digital twins, and automated construction systems
• AI-enabled sustainability assessment and low-carbon design
• Integration of AI into structural engineering curricula, teaching, learning, and assessment
• Case studies of AI application in real-world projects

By drawing together expertise from academia and industry, this Special Issue seeks to advance knowledge, stimulate innovation, and foster dialogue on the transformative role of AI in structural engineering.

Submissions Information

Authors are invited to submit high-quality original research papers and case studies that present novel findings, methodologies, and practical insights. All submissions will undergo the journal’s standard rigorous peer-review process. 

Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see: ​ https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/jstbu#jlp_author_guidelines

Papers in Structures and Buildings are limited to 5,000 words (main text only, excluding article title, abstract, figures, tables, figure captions and references). Manuscripts should be submitted through the journal’s online submission system. Once you have registered with our Editorial system, ReView (https://ice-review.rivervalley.io/journal/jstbu), choose article type "Special Issue Paper" and then select 'AI-Driven Advances in Structural Engineering’ from the drop-down menu on screen. Please make sure you also mention the name of the Special Issue in the author questionnaire during the submission process.
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Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Please note: The inclusion of the papers submitted under this call to this special publication is contingent on the successful outcome of the peer review process. Depending on the number of submissions and the reviewers’ feedback, the contributions that will eventually not be selected for the special publication may still be considered for publication in a regular issue. The authors will be notified about this outcome after the first round of revision.

Guest Editors

Professor Jianfei CHEN, Southern University of Science and Technology, China.                        
Professor Solomon TESFAMARIAM, Waterloo University, Canada.                                              
Professor David TANN, University of East London, UK.            

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: ​05/01/2026
Closing date for manuscripts submission: ​31/03/2026​​​