Approaching the Authors Directly

One way to request access to full-text articles from civil engineering journals that are behind paywalls is to approach the authors directly. This method involves contacting the authors of the articles you are interested in and requesting a copy of the full-text. Here's how you can do it:

1. Identify the Authors: Start by identifying the authors of the articles you want to access. This information can usually be found in the abstract or introduction section of the article.

2. Find Contact Information: Look for the contact information of the authors. This can typically be found on their university or organization's website, or through a quick online search. If you can't find their contact information, you can try reaching out to the journal or conference where the article was published and ask for assistance.

3. Draft a Polite Email: Write a polite and professional email to the authors explaining your interest in their research and kindly requesting a copy of the full-text article. Be sure to mention why you need access to the article and how it will be beneficial to you.

4. Include Relevant Details: In your email, include relevant details such as the title of the article, the journal or conference where it was published, and the publication date. This will help the authors locate the specific article you are referring to.

5. Wait for a Response: After sending the email, patiently wait for a response from the authors. Keep in mind that they may receive numerous requests and may take some time to reply. If you don't receive a response after a reasonable amount of time, consider sending a follow-up email as a gentle reminder.

6. Express Gratitude: If the authors provide you with the requested article, be sure to express your gratitude and thank them for their assistance. This will help maintain a positive relationship and may increase the likelihood of them helping you in the future.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can request access to full-text articles from civil engineering journals that are behind paywalls. Remember to always be polite and professional when contacting the authors, and express your gratitude if they provide you with the requested articles.