Lattice Materials, Mechanical Metamaterials, and Smart Materials for Future Urban Construction

The rapid urbanization of the 21st century demands next-generation construction materials and structural systems that are not only lightweight and load-bearing but also capable of providing advanced functionalities such as vibration/noise mitigation and impact resistance. Lattice structures, mechanical metamaterials, and smart materials have emerged as revolutionary solutions to meet these multifaceted challenges. Lattices offer unprecedented mechanical efficiency, metamaterials enable the manipulation of elastic waves and mechanical responses (e.g., negative Poisson's ratio), and smart materials add sensing, actuation, and self-healing capabilities. This Research Topic aims to showcase the latest innovations in the design, manufacturing, and characterization of these advanced materials. We particularly welcome studies demonstrating structure-function integration, where materials simultaneously fulfill structural roles (load-bearing) while providing functional performance (energy absorption, damping, or acoustic control) for resilient and sustainable future cities.This Research Topic aims to address this gap by bringing together state-of-the-art research on lattice materials, mechanical metamaterials, and smart materials. We seek to showcase recent advances in computational design (e.g., topology optimization, AI-driven design), advanced manufacturing (e.g., metal additive manufacturing, 4D printing), and multi-physics characterization. The ultimate goal is to promote the development of structure-function integrated solutions that transcend conventional material limitations. By uniting theoretical insights with practical engineering applications, this collection aspires to provide a roadmap for the implementation of these next-generation materials in the construction of resilient, quiet, and sustainable future cities.This Research Topic focuses on the design, fabrication, and multifunctional applications of lattice structures, mechanical metamaterials, and smart materials in the built environment. We welcome original research and review articles that address the integration of structural performance (load-bearing, stiffness) with functional capabilities (energy absorption, vibration isolation, acoustic damping, and impact resistance). Topic editors: Xiaojun Tan, Bo Cao, Xueyan Chen, Hualiang Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77750/lattice-materials-mechanical-metamaterials-and-smart-materials-for-future-urban-construction