This special issue contains selected papers from works presented at the 5th International Conference of engineering Against Failure (ICEAF V), which was held in Chios, Greece, on June 20th - 22th, 2018. More than 150 participants contributed toa high-level scientific gathering providing some of the latest research results on the topic as well as some of the latest relevant technological advancements. Particular attention has been given at offering the opportunity to young researchers, fromGreece and all over the world, to present their work.