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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2024) | Viewed by 21839

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Prof. Dr. Zhuguo Li

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Department of Architectural Design and Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube 755-8611, Japan
Interests: rheology of fresh concrete; numerical flow simulation of fresh concrete; geopolymer; waste utilization in cement and concrete; environmental performance assessment methodology of concrete and computer-aided assessment tools; CO₂ sequestration cement and concrete; restoration technology of fire-damaged concrete
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, investigations focusing on nonconventional materials have been gaining attention in research, development and innovation. Aiming to bring together contributions from the more active international groups in this field, we are organizing this Special Issue on "Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials”. The main envisaged topics for the Special Issue are as follows: engineered vegetable and other natural fibers as reinforcing elements; alternative inorganic binders based on agricultural and industrial wastes; new secondary materials from waste in the manufacture of eco-concretes; processing and characterization of nonconventional cementitious composites; durable and robust housing solutions; and low-embodied-energy constructive components and systems.

The main envisaged audience includes academic and industrial fellows interested in research, development and innovation in inorganic/organic bonded composites, efficient processing and eco-design of constructive solutions, contributing to the implementation of circular economy concepts in the construction sector. This Special Issue can be used in graduate and undergraduate courses in subjects such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, material science, biosystems engineering and architecture.

Many innovative solutions (such as bamboo-based components, additive manufacturing and the development of constructive systems for the optimization of construction/deconstruction operations) are increasingly being used both in developing and industrialized regions of the planet. There are key aspects to be understood for the correct preparation of residual or recycled materials before they are put into real-scale utilization. Binders and concretes are considered an important source of research for this kind of application as they can be designed for partial or even total substitution of conventional ones such as ordinary Portland cement or natural aggregates. Other important topics involve processing, characterization, durability studies and proper utilization of those new categories of materials. The papers will bring a complete overview of the main concepts and information needed for the development of innovative construction and the design of building components based on alternative materials and techniques.

Prof. Dr. Zhuguo Li
Guest Editor

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Keywords

clinker-free concrete
alkali-activated materials
mineral additions for cement-based materials
new secondary materials from waste for eco-concretes
phase-change materials and fibre-reinforced composites
vegetable fibres for civil construction applications
durability assessment of nonconventional materials
engineered bamboo-, particleboard- and wood-related materials
life cycle assessment applied to civil construction
eco-design approach and 3D-printing-related technologies
new processes for construction and deconstruction
earth-based construction materials

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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19 pages, 4641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Consumer Carpet Fibers in Concrete: Fiber Behavior in Alkaline Environments and Concrete Durability

by Aswathy Simon, Barzin Mobasher and Narayanan Neithalath

Materials 2024, 17(5), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17050977 - 20 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1239

Abstract

The widespread use of carpets in residential and commercial buildings and their relatively short life span result in large volumes of carpet being landfilled. A potential solution to this problem is the use of post-consumer carpet fibers in concrete. To this end, this paper systematically identifies the common fiber types in a typical post-consumer carpet fiber bale and evaluates their durability under exposure to varying levels of alkalinity. The tensile strengths and toughness of the fibers belonging to the nylon and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) families (the dominant fibers in most post-consumer carpets) are reduced by up to 50% following exposure to extreme alkalinity, the reasons for which are determined using spectroscopic and microscopic evaluations. The chloride ion transport resistance of concretes (~40 MPa strength) containing 2.5% carpet fibers by volume (~25 kg of fibers per cubic meter of concrete) is comparable to that of the control mixture, while mortar mixtures containing the same volume fraction of carpet fibers demonstrate negligible enhancement in expansion and loss of strength when exposed to 1 N NaOH. This study shows that moderate-strength concretes (~40 MPa) for conventional building and infrastructure applications can be proportioned using the chosen volume of carpet fibers without an appreciable loss of performance. Consideration of low volume fractions of carpet fibers in low-to-moderate-strength concretes thus provides a sustainable avenue for the use of these otherwise landfilled materials in construction applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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17 pages, 6690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of a Stabilized Subgrade Type Soil under a Sustainable Approach for Construction

by Pedro Gallego-Quintana, Omar Farid Ojeda-Farias, Alexander Alvarez-Rosario, Ervin Jesús Alvarez-Sánchez, Laura Landa-Ruiz, Bernardo T. Terán-Torres, José Manuel Mendoza-Rangel and Miguel Ángel Baltazar-Zamora

Materials 2023, 16(19), 6395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16196395 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1587

Abstract

This article presents an experimental study to analyze the mechanical properties of a soil stabilized with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) under a sustainable approach consisting of a significant substitution of OPC for sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) to reduce the quantity of cement used in the stabilization, reaching the necessary mechanical requirements for its use as a subgrade layer. Soil specimens were elaborated with 3%, 5%, and 7% OPC as a stabilizing agent by weight of the soil. These mixtures were then partially substituted with 25%, 50%, and 75% SCBA, with these percentages being by weight of the stabilizer (OPC). Compaction, compressive strength, and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the specimens. The results indicate that a 25% substitution of OPC by SCBA shows a similar performance to the mixture with only Portland cement, so a reduction in OPC use can be made. Further, with a substitution of 100% OPC by SCBA, the CBR of natural soil without stabilizers is improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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16 pages, 4622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hungarian Fine-to-Coarse Aggregate, a Possible Constituent of Near-Vessel Structural Concrete of Nuclear Power Plants

by Katalin Gméling, Veronika Szilágyi, Ildikó Harsányi and László Szentmiklósi

Materials 2023, 16(9), 3520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093520 - 4 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1308

Abstract

Significant gravel mines, representative of four regions of Hungary (northeast, central, northwest, and southwest) were systematically sampled to characterize their sand and pebbles as potential constituents of nuclear-grade concrete. The samples were analysed for their elemental compositions as a function of the mining locality and grain size, using two complementary neutron-based analytical techniques, prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) and neutron activation analysis (NAA). The combined analysis resulted in reliable mass fractions for over thirty elements that could be used to assess the radiation shielding and activation properties of the resulting concrete, essential in nuclear applications, by means of computer simulations. The studied aggregates are proven to be appropriate constituents for biological shielding at radiological centres, NPPs, and at nuclear research installations, even in mixed neutron/gamma radiation fields. The elemental compositions also revealed geochemical differences between the sedimentologically different regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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15 pages, 4461 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Influence of Mg-Impurities in Raw Materials on the Synthesis of Rankinite Clinker and the Strength of Mortar Hardening in CO₂ Environment

by Raimundas Siauciunas, Edita Prichockiene and Zenonas Valancius

Materials 2023, 16(7), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16072930 - 6 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1631

Abstract

The idea of this work is to reduce the negative effect of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) manufacture on the environment by decreasing clinker production temperature and developing an alternative rankinite binder that hardens in the CO₂ atmosphere. The common OPC raw materials, limestone and mica clay, if they contain a higher MgO content, have been found to be unsuitable for the synthesis of CO₂-curing low-lime binders. X-ray diffraction analysis (ex-situ and in-situ in the temperature range of 25–1150 °C) showed that akermanite Ca₂Mg(Si₂O₇) begins to form at a temperature of 900 °C. According to Rietveld refinement, the interlayer distances of the resulting curve are more accurately described by the compound, which contains intercalated Fe²⁺ and Al³⁺ ions and has the chemical formula Ca₂(MgO_0.495·FeO_0.202·AlO_0.303)·(FeO_0.248·AlO·Si_1.536·O₇). Stoichiometric calculations showed that FeO and Al₂O₃ have replaced about half of the MgO content in the akermanite structure. All this means that only ~4 wt% MgO content in the raw materials determines that ~60 wt% calcium magnesium silicates are formed in the synthesis product. Moreover, it was found that the formed akermanite practically does not react with CO₂. Within 24 h of interaction with 99.9 wt% of CO₂ gas (15 bar), the intensity of the akermanite peaks does not practically change at 25 °C; no changes are observed at 45 °C, either, which means that the chemical reaction does not take place. As a result, the compressive strength of the samples compressed from the synthesized product and CEN Standard sand EN 196-1 (1:3), and hardened at 15 bar CO₂, 45 °C for 24 h, was only 14.45 MPa, while the analogous samples made from OPC clinker obtained from the same raw materials yielded 67.5 MPa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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17 pages, 2666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acoustic Performance of Floors Made of Composite Panels

by Jacek Nurzyński and Łukasz Nowotny

Materials 2023, 16(5), 2128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052128 - 6 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1878

Abstract

Airborne and impact sound insulation of composite panels arranged in different configurations were investigated in this study. The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) in the building industry is growing; however, poor acoustic performance is a critical issue for their general employment in residential buildings. The study aimed to investigate possible methods of improvement. The principal research question involved the development of a composite floor satisfying acoustic expectations in dwellings. The study was based on the results of laboratory measurements. The airborne sound insulation of single panels was too low to meet any requirements. The double structure improved the sound insulation radically at middle and high frequencies but the single number values were still not satisfactory. Finally, the panel equipped with the suspended ceiling and floating screed achieved adequate level of performance. Regarding impact sound insulation, the lightweight floor coverings were ineffective and they even enhanced sound transmission in the middle frequency range. Heavy floating screeds behaved much better but the improvement was too small to satisfy acoustic requirements in residential buildings. The composite floor with a dry floating screed and a suspended ceiling appeared satisfactory with respect to airborne and impact sound insulation; the single number values were R_w (C; C_tr) = 61 (−2; −7) dB, and L_n,w = 49 dB, respectively. The results and conclusions outline directions for further development of an effective floor structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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19 pages, 14906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recycling of Tire-Derived Fiber: The Contribution of Steel Cord on the Properties of Lightweight Concrete Based on Perlite Aggregate

by Marta Kadela, Marcin Małek, Mateusz Jackowski, Mateusz Kunikowski, Agnieszka Klimek, Daniel Dudek and Marek Rośkowicz

Materials 2023, 16(5), 2124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16052124 - 6 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2604

Abstract

The increasing amount of waste from the vulcanization industry has become a serious environmental challenge. Even the partial reuse of the steel contained in tires as dispersed reinforcement in the production of new building materials may contribute to reducing the environmental impact of this industry while supporting the principle of sustainable development. In this study, the concrete samples were made of Portland cement, tap water, lightweight perlite aggregates, and steel cord fibers. Two different addition of steel cord fibers (1.3% and 2.6% wt. of concrete, respectively) were used. The samples of lightweight concrete based on perlite aggregate with steel cord fiber addition showed a significant increase in compressive (18–48%), tensile (25–52%), and flexural strength (26–41%). Moreover, higher thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were reported after incorporating steel cord fibers into the concrete matrix; however, the specific heat values decreased after these modifications. The highest values of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were obtained for samples modified with a 2.6% addition of steel cord fibers and were equal to 0.912 ± 0.002 W/mK and 0.562 ± 0.002 µm²/s, respectively. Maximum specific heat, on the other hand, was reported for plain concrete (R)—1.678 ± 0.001 MJ/m³ K. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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19 pages, 2896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Impact of Concrete Slab Made of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Based on Limit States of Load-Bearing Capacity and Serviceability—LCA Case Study

by Tereza Pavlů, Jan Pešta, Tomáš Vlach and Kristina Fořtová

Materials 2023, 16(2), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020616 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2152

Abstract

In the case of concrete sustainability, two main ways are generally discussed: (1) the reduction of natural raw materials and (2) the reduction of emissions related to concrete production. Following the second point, there have not yet been reported clear results. This problem is not given enough attention in present publications. This study brings a general view of this issue and a basic comparison with common concrete and traditional reinforcement. This case study deals with the life cycle analysis of a concrete slab made of recycled aggregate concrete with a fine recycled aggregate. The concrete slab was designed according to the limit states of load-bearing capacity and serviceability, which is based on the experimental verification of recycled aggregate concrete properties. Two different reinforcements are compared: (1) ordinary reinforcement by steel bars and (2) glass fibers. Furthermore, scenarios vary due to the slab thickness and reinforcement percentage. The results show the positive environmental impact of replacing natural sand with a fine recycled aggregate. The reduction of climate change potential can be almost 40% in some cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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20 pages, 5421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rapeseed Straw Concrete

by Maya Hajj Obeid, Omar Douzane, Lorena Freitas Dutra, Geoffrey Promis, Boubker Laidoudi, Florent Bordet and Thierry Langlet

Materials 2022, 15(23), 8611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238611 - 2 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2580

Abstract

This paper investigates an innovative building material based on rapeseed concrete. This material is a non-load-bearing insulating concrete, which is intended for use in the construction of wood-frame walls thanks to its thermophysical properties. It is composed of particles of rapeseed straw, lime, and cement. First, this work proposes to characterize rapeseed straw aggregates according to the place of cultivation, the year of harvest, and the size of the straw strands. For this purpose, straws of three different origins and different years of harvest were chosen. Aggregate sizes of 10 mm and 20 mm in length were selected. In a second step, this study focuses on the effect of the type of rapeseed straw aggregates on the mechanical resistance and thermal conductivity of bio-based concrete. The results obtained showed that the influence of the different parameters on the compressive strength was stronger than that on the thermal conductivity. On the one hand, rapeseed concrete made with 10 mm straw exhibited a lower thermal conductivity, averaging at 0.073 W.m⁻¹.K⁻¹. On the other hand, concrete manufactured with the 20 mm size aggregates demonstrated a higher mechanical strength, which remained relatively low and closer to 0.22 MPa. Finally, 20 mm-long aggregates offered the best compromise between mechanical and thermal resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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25 pages, 6597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Characterisation of GFRP Frame and Beam-to-Column Joints Including Steel Plate Fastened Connections

by Giuseppe Ferrara, Olivier Helson, Laurent Michel and Emmanuel Ferrier

Materials 2022, 15(23), 8282; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238282 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1852

Abstract

The study is part of the MOOVABAT project aiming at defining innovative technological buildings with low environmental impact and characterised by the capacity to constantly adapt to the changing of their users’ needs. In this context, the mechanical performance of a fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) frame, chosen as a structural solution for the building assembly, was investigated. Specifically, the research study aims to experimentally define the moment–rotation behaviour of screw-connected joints by using steel plates. For this purpose, two different configurations, a beam-to-column joint and a whole portal frame, were tested to evaluate the strength and the stiffness of the connection. In addition, the beam-to-column element was also subjected to cyclic loads to assess the joint energy dissipation capacity. The experimental results show that the strength of the connection is higher than that required to satisfy both serviceability limit state (SLS) and ultimate limit state (ULS) loading conditions. Moreover, it also provided an accurate characterisation of the semi-rigid connection useful for designing purposes and raising the possibility of considering an optimisation of the system. All in all, with respect to mechanical aspects, the study confirms the suitability of pultrude FRP element assemblies for modular building applications and paves the way for further analysis aimed at enhancing their efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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22 pages, 11509 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the Influence of Copper Slag on the Properties of Cement-Based Materials

by Qiliang Jin and Lihua Chen

Materials 2022, 15(23), 8594; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238594 - 2 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3504

Abstract

Global copper slag (CS) emissions reached 57.2 million tons in 2021. Despite the increasing reuse of CS, the treatment of CS is still dominated by landfill so far, which not only occupies land resources but also causes damage to the environment. The application of CS to cement-based materials (CBMs) is one of the main approaches to its comprehensive utilization and has important economic and social implications. This article reviews the physicochemical properties, activity excitation, and heavy metal leaching properties of CS and summarizes the effect of CS on the working properties, mechanical properties, and durability of CBMs. At the end of the article, the existing problems in the research are analyzed, and the development trend is proposed, which provides technical guidance and reference for further research and application of CS in CBMs in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Civil Engineering Materials)

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