Shaping Tomorrow's Skylines: A Review of Emerging Methods and Technologies in Sustainable Structural Engineering

Girmay Mengesha Azanaw*
Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Periodicity:April - June'2025
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.14.1.21950

Abstract

The race to net-zero emissions and resilient infrastructure has spurred rapid innovation and demands urgent transformation in structural engineering. This review synthesizes recent advances in AI-driven design, modular construction, green materials, 3D concrete printing, and lifecycle/digital tools for sustainable structures. The author surveys state-of-the-art methods and case studies, quantifying environmental benefits and highlighting adoption barriers. In AI-based design, generative and machine-learning algorithms explore vast design spaces, yielding lighter and more efficient structures than traditional methods. Modular and prefabricated systems demonstrate dramatic schedule acceleration (e.g., a Hong Kong modular hospital built in four months) and 10–21% reductions in embodied carbon compared to conventional construction. Wood and other bio-composites (e.g., mass timber, bamboo, mycelium) are shown to sequester carbon and cut global-warming potential by >25% versus concrete materials.While advanced bio-based insulation materials offer low embodied energy. 3D concrete printing enables material and form optimization, reducing waste and formwork needs and showing lower life-cycle GHG emissions for simple structural elements. Finally, integrated life-cycle assessment (LCA) and digital twins/IoT monitoring allow real-time optimization of energy use and maintenance, further curbing carbon footprints. The author discusses cross-cutting challenges (data requirements, codes/regulations, and material durability) and proposes future directions. This comprehensive review underscores how converging technologies can reshape future skylines into greener, more efficient designs and outlines pathways for their wider implementation.

Keywords

Sustainable Structural Engineering, AI Design, Modular Construction, Green Materials, 3D Concrete Printing, Life-Cycle Assessment, Smart Monitoring.

How to Cite this Article?

Azanaw, G. M. (2025). Shaping Tomorrow's Skylines: A Review of Emerging Methods and Technologies in Sustainable Structural Engineering. i-manager’s Journal on Structural Engineering, 14(1), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.14.1.21950

References

[5]. Dang, P., Geng, L., Niu, Z., Chan, M., Yang, W., & Gao, S. (2024). A value-based network analysis for stakeholder engagement through prefabricated construction life cycle: Evidence from China. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 30(1), 49-66
[18]. Nwodo, M. N., Anumba, C. J., & Asadi, S. (2017). BIM-based life cycle assessment and costing of buildings: Current trends and opportunities. In Computing in Civil Engineering 2017 (pp. 51-59).
[20]. Pawłosik, D., Cebrat, K., & Brzezicki, M. (2025). Exploring advancements in bio-based composites for thermal insulation: A systematic review. Sustainability, 17(3), 1-43.
[23]. Sullivan, F. R. (2017). Creativity, Technology, and Learning: Theory for Classroom Practice. Routledge.
[25]. Tavares, V. M. M. (2022). Life Cycle Assessment of Prefabricated Buildings Towards a Building Stock Approach (Doctoral dissertation, Universidade de Coimbra).
[29]. Yaro, N. S. A., Sutanto, M. H., Habib, N. Z., Napiah, M., Usman, A., Muhammad, A., & Jagaba, A. H. (2024). Bioeconomy for sustainable building and construction practices. In Bioeconomy for Sustainability (pp. 163-187). Springer Nature Singapore, Singapore.
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 15 15 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.