A Bibliometric Overview of Current States and Research Trends in Concrete-Filled Tube Columns

Abstract

Concrete-filled tube (CFT) columns have gained prominence in structural
engineering for their exceptional load-bearing capacity and efficiency. This study
conducts a bibliometric analysis of 1,154 publications from 2014 to August 2024,
using data from the Scopus database and VOSviewer, to map research trends and
key developments in CFT studies. Citation, co-citation, and co-authorship
analyses identify influential publications, journals, authors, countries, and
institutions. Findings highlight significant growth in research output and
increasing focus on advanced modelling techniques, including machine learning.
Emerging themes include integrating alternative materials such as FiberReinforced Polymer (FRP), stainless steel, High-Performance Concrete (HPC),
Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC), and Seawater Sea Sand Concrete
(SWSSC), showcasing the potential of multi-material innovations. This analysis
offers insights into current research directions and identifies gaps, suggesting that
future work explore novel material combinations and advanced modelling
approaches to enhance performance and drive innovation in CFT column studies.