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Innovative Building Materials for Sustainable Built Environment

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 7570

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Construction Technologies Institute (ITC), Italian National Research Council (CNR), 80146 Naples, Italy
Interests: structural engineering; seismic engineering; structural health monitoring; innovative materials and systems; cementitious materials; multi-functional materials

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Construction Technologies Institute (ITC), Italian National Research Council (CNR), 80146 Naples, Italy
Interests: structural health monitoring; operational modal analysis; multi-functional materials; cementitious materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The environmental footprint and lasting functionality of structures are widely recognized as paramount issues in the civil engineering field.

Regarding the first aspect, civil structures play a key role in CO2 emission, energy consumption, and waste production. With this perspective, the reuse of materials, co-products, and by-products of industrial processes to replace primary raw materials for the fabrication of construction products and systems has attracted the interest of many researchers worldwide.

Regarding the second issue, several events have occurred in recent years, highlighting the weakness of outdated structures and infrastructures, which are generally characterized as highly vulnerable against natural or anthropogenic actions, as well as less durability. On this vein, civil Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) represents a useful technology to achieve the efficient, condition-based maintenance of existing structures, thus extending their lifespan.

In this framework, smart composite materials, which quickly respond to various external stimuli, represent an attractive solution for environmentally friendly and intelligent civil structures. One examples of a smart material is self-sensing cementitious composites. Their capability to provide strain measures when embedded in structures makes them highly attractive for civil SHM applications, even if further developments are still needed. Some other smart materials are cement-based self-healing materials, which are able to achieve the partial or total self-closure of cracks, thus restoring the durability of the structure, and alkali-activated materials or geopolymers, which are eventually given functional inclusions for thermal purposes.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish original research and review articles about the recent advances on the following:

  • Sustainable construction materials with special functions;
  • The reuse of waste materials and recycled aggregates for sustainable structures;
  • Innovative materials and systems for combined energy and structural performance improvement;
  • Self-sensing cementitious composites and their applications for SHM;
  • Applications of alkali-activated materials in civil engineering;
  • Self-healing cementitious materials.

Dr. Paolino Cassese
Dr. Carlo Rainieri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • functionalized materials
  • structural health monitoring
  • self-sensing composites
  • cement-based materials
  • alkali-activated materials
  • self-healing
  • energy improvement
  • structural retrofitting

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2818 KiB  
Article
Effects of Laboratory Ageing on the Chemical Composition and High-Temperature Performance of Warm Mix Asphalt Binders
by Krzysztof Maciejewski, Anna Chomicz-Kowalska and Joanna Bartos
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8524; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188524 - 22 Sep 2024
Viewed by 601
Abstract
Warm asphalt mixtures can suffer from decreased short-term high-temperature performance; therefore, introducing additional modifiers can mitigate this risk. This study investigates the effects of a liquid organosilane warm mix additive (WMAd) and grade-bumping polyethylene-based additive added simultaneously to asphalt binders on their chemical [...] Read more.
Warm asphalt mixtures can suffer from decreased short-term high-temperature performance; therefore, introducing additional modifiers can mitigate this risk. This study investigates the effects of a liquid organosilane warm mix additive (WMAd) and grade-bumping polyethylene-based additive added simultaneously to asphalt binders on their chemical composition and its relationship with performance characteristics. Previous studies found relationships between the formation of certain chemical species during bitumen ageing and the increase in their viscosity, stiffness and other performance characteristics—the present work intended to verify these relationships when the two mentioned additives are used. Two asphalt binders were investigated—a paving-grade 50/70 binder and a 45/80-55 polymer-modified bitumen. The chemical analysis was performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode and focused on the quantification of carbonyl, sulfoxide, polybutadiene and polystyrene structures in the asphalt binders subjected to laboratory short- and long-term ageing. Additionally, the relationships between asphalt binder performance and selected FTIR indices were evaluated using a dynamic shear rheometer. It was found that the investigated additives significantly affected the apparent contents of all evaluated chemical structures in the asphalt binders; however, these changes were not reflected in their performance evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Building Materials for Sustainable Built Environment)
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21 pages, 2010 KiB  
Article
The Long-Term Performance of a High-Density Polyethylene Geomembrane with Non-Parametric Statistic Analysis and Its Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
by Beatriz M. C. Urashima, Renato Santos, Lucas D. Ferreira, Toru Inui, Denise C. Urashima and Anderson R. Duarte
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6821; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156821 - 5 Aug 2024
Viewed by 960
Abstract
The tailings from gold beneficiation can cause various negative impacts, necessitating measures to prevent their transport and environmental contamination. Geomembranes serve as hydraulic barriers in mining tailings reservoirs, thereby supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To ensure that the geomembrane effectively mitigates environmental [...] Read more.
The tailings from gold beneficiation can cause various negative impacts, necessitating measures to prevent their transport and environmental contamination. Geomembranes serve as hydraulic barriers in mining tailings reservoirs, thereby supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To ensure that the geomembrane effectively mitigates environmental impact, it is essential to study its durability when applied in the field. This article examines the long-term performance of an HDPE geomembrane exposed for 7 and 11 years at a gold mining tailing site in Brazil. Samples were exhumed from different locations at the dam, and their properties were evaluated. Non-parametric statistics were employed using the Kernel Density Estimator (KDE). For the 11-year-old geomembranes, the probability of the geomembrane reaching nominal failure in terms of tensile strength was 0.4%. The peel separation values exceeded the maximum allowable by the GRI GM13 standard. Although the geomembranes showed significant antioxidant depletion, suggesting they were close to or had already reached their residual stages, they approached nominal failure based on their stress crack resistance but did not rupture. The environmental analysis indicated no significant contamination in the area, corroborating that the geomembrane is fulfilling its function. The non-parametric methodology proved promising for durability analysis and could be applied to other engineering projects with geosynthetics, thereby adding reliability to decision-making in alignment with sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Building Materials for Sustainable Built Environment)
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15 pages, 3556 KiB  
Article
Use of Bottom Ash from a Thermal Power Plant and Lime to Improve Soils in Subgrades and Road Embankments
by Ángel Vega-Zamanillo, Leticia López-López, Esteban López-López and Miguel Ángel Calzada-Pérez
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3197; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083197 - 10 Apr 2024
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Abstract
The present study has focused on stabilizing the soils of the embankments and improving the mechanical properties of gravel in subbases of pavements with different contents of bottom ash from thermal power plants and low percentages of lime. The density, humidity, simple resistance [...] Read more.
The present study has focused on stabilizing the soils of the embankments and improving the mechanical properties of gravel in subbases of pavements with different contents of bottom ash from thermal power plants and low percentages of lime. The density, humidity, simple resistance strength and bearing capacity of the new materials resulting from this combination have been studied. The results indicated that the optimal proportion of bottom ash added to the analyzed soil is 15%, while the optimal addition of lime is 1% for application in embankments and 2% for application in road subgrades. In clay soil that has a low simple resistance strength when 25% of bottom ash is added without lime, it can double the resistance. In the case of the gravel evaluated, it was found that the optimal ratio between the addition of bottom ash and lime is 6.5. In conclusion, it can be noted that soil that does not have any resistance when certain percentages of bottom ash are added, its properties are improved to be used in embankments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Building Materials for Sustainable Built Environment)
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17 pages, 12465 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Cement Paste Properties with Biochar: Mechanical and Rheological Insights
by Daniel Suarez-Riera, Luca Lavagna, Juan Felipe Carvajal, Jean-Marc Tulliani, Devid Falliano and Luciana Restuccia
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2616; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062616 - 20 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1697
Abstract
Biochar, the solid sub-product of biomass pyrolysis, is widely considered an effective water retention material thanks to its porous microstructure and high specific surface area. This study investigates the possibility of improving both mechanical and rheological properties of cement pastes on a micro-scale. [...] Read more.
Biochar, the solid sub-product of biomass pyrolysis, is widely considered an effective water retention material thanks to its porous microstructure and high specific surface area. This study investigates the possibility of improving both mechanical and rheological properties of cement pastes on a micro-scale. The results show that using biochar as a reinforcement at low percentages (1% to 5% by weight of cement) results in an increase in compressive strength of 13% and the flexural strength of 30%. A high fracture energy was demonstrated by the tortuous crack path of the sample at an early age of curing. A preliminary study on the rheological properties has indicated that the yield stress value is in line with that of self-compacting concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Building Materials for Sustainable Built Environment)
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Review

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24 pages, 2833 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Plant-Based Biopolymers as Viscosity-Modifying Admixtures in Cement-Based Materials
by Yousra Boutouam, Mahmoud Hayek, Kamal Bouarab and Ammar Yahia
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4307; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104307 - 19 May 2024
Viewed by 2629
Abstract
As the construction industry is facing the challenge of meeting the ever-increasing demand for environmentally friendly and durable concrete, the role of viscosity-modifying admixtures (VMAs) has become increasingly essential to improve the rheological properties, stability, and mechanical properties of concrete. Additionally, natural polymers [...] Read more.
As the construction industry is facing the challenge of meeting the ever-increasing demand for environmentally friendly and durable concrete, the role of viscosity-modifying admixtures (VMAs) has become increasingly essential to improve the rheological properties, stability, and mechanical properties of concrete. Additionally, natural polymers are ever evolving, offering multiple opportunities for innovative applications and sustainable solutions. This comprehensive review delves into the historical context and classifications of VMAs, accentuating their impact in enhancing the rheological properties, stability, and mechanical properties of concrete. Emphasis is placed on the environmental impact of synthetic VMAs, promoting the exploration of sustainable alternatives derived from plant-based biopolymers. Indeed, biopolymers, such as cellulose, starch, alginate, pectin, and carrageenan are considered in this paper, focusing on understanding their efficacy in improving concrete properties while enhancing the environmental sustainability within the concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Building Materials for Sustainable Built Environment)
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