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Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 March 2023) | Viewed by 20510

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Quoc Tri Phung

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Guest Editor

Expert Group Waste and Disposal, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium
Interests: Durability of concrete; hydration; microstructure; transport properties; geopolymers; waste immobilization; creep and shrinkage; carbonation; leaching; alkali silica reaction; delayed ettringite formation
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Dr. Nguyen Van Tuan

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Guest Editor

Department of Building Materials, National University of Civil Engineering, 100000 Hanoi, Vietnam
Interests: recycling agricultural/industrial by-products in producing concrete; resource efficiency building materials; recycling construction and demolition waste; research and development of (Ultra) high performance concrete; hydration and microstructure development of cement blended with by-products

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Construction and building materials still significantly influence the environment because of the consumption of energy and raw materials, as well as the CO₂ gas emissions when producing cement, which is the primary binder of concrete. The sustainable use of resources to produce more eco-friendly cementitious materials has become a trend, but it is also very challenging for material engineers. With the awareness of global warming and the optimal use of resources, research on alternative binders including new cement types using secondary raw materials (e.g., composite cements, hybrid cements, and limestone calcined clay cement) and the utilization of novel binders using industrial by-products such as geopolymers or alkali-activated materials, are considered the cornerstone of sustainability in construction materials. The durability and performance of such newly developed binders under various exposed environments during service are considered to be of high interest for many applications, including classical civil engineering structures and special components for nuclear applications such as the encapsulation of radioactive waste and engineered barriers for the disposal of radioactive waste. On the one hand, durability and performance depend on exposed conditions, and on the other hand, the depend on the intrinsic properties of the materials including its chemistry, nano-/micro-structure and transport properties, which are still not fully understood for newly developed materials.

This Special Issue aims to reflect the current state-of-the-art and new developments on the relevant topics in the research field of the durability and performance of classical and new binder systems. We expect a wide range of contributions from interdisciplinary, multiscale, and different approaches to addressing various durability aspects, which will provide a comprehensive background for material engineers, researchers, and experts in the field. We welcome all new ideas on various topics from young researchers as well as leading experts in the field, in the form of experimental or modelling articles, review articles, and case studies to demonstrate the advances in construction and building materials. The topics to be considered in this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

Durability of cement-based materials (carbonation and leaching)
Innovative materials and their durability
Chemical degradation (chloride and sulphate attack, alkali-silica reaction, delayed ettringite formation)
Interface interaction (e.g., cement/clay)
Hydration, polymerization, and microstructure
Transport properties (permeability and diffusion)
Geopolymers and alkali-activated materials
Supplementary cementitious materials
Creep and shrinkage
Coupled THCM
Geochemical/reactive transport modelling
Service life prediction
Life cycle assessment
Special concretes (high performance, high strength concrete, self-compacting concrete, and recycled aggregate concrete)
Nuclear applications of cementitious materials/alkali activated materials (waste immobilization and irradiated concrete)

Dr. Quoc Tri Phung
Dr. Nguyen Van Tuan
Guest Editors

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Keywords

durability of concrete (carbonation and leaching)
chemical degradation (chloride and sulphate attack, alkali-silica reaction, and delayed ettringite formation)
hydration
microstructure
transport properties (permeability and diffusion)
geopolymers and alkali-activated materials
supplementary cementitious materials
life cycle assessment
waste immobilization
creep and shrinkage
coupled THCM
geochemical/reactive transport modelling
high performance, high strength concrete, self-compacting concrete, and recycled aggregate concrete
Irradiation of concrete
sevice life prediction

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Durability Evaluation of Hydraulic Tunnel Lining Structure Based on Set Pair Analysis and Extension Coupling Model

by Qingfu Li, Zhuangzhuang Luo, Guanming Zhao and Mengyuan Wang

Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11326; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411326 - 20 Jul 2023

Viewed by 992

Abstract

A series of water diversion projects to address the uneven distribution of water resources in China have involved the construction of a large number of hydraulic tunnels. As the lining structure is there to maintain the stability and durability of the tunnels, durability damage can easily occur in the operation process, thus affecting the safety of water transmission and water supply capacity. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the durability of hydraulic tunnel lining structure. Considering the randomness and fuzziness of the factors affecting the durability of hydraulic tunnel lining structure, this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation model based on the coupling of set pair analysis and extension. The G1 method and the simple correlation function method are used to determine the subjective and objective weights of the evaluation indexes, respectively, and the combination weight of them is assigned based on the principle of minimum entropy; next, the set pair analysis principle is used to establish the linkage affiliation function, which can calculate the comprehensive linkage affiliation of the object to be evaluated, and then the maximum affiliation principle is used to judge the durability level of the hydraulic tunnel lining structure. Finally, taking a section of hydraulic tunnel as an example, the model proposed in this paper is used to calculate its durability grade as Class III, with the set pair potential SHI(H) = 7.5856, which is consistent with the actual engineering practice, and a comparative study is done in combination with the AHP-Extenics method. It is verified that the evaluation model can scientifically and reasonably evaluate the durability of hydraulic tunnel lining structure, providing a basis for subsequent maintenance and reinforcement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials)

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26 pages, 6085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects between Carbonation and Cracks in the Hardened Cement Paste

by Anna Varzina, Quoc Tri Phung, Janez Perko, Diederik Jacques, Norbert Maes and Özlem Cizer

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8572; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148572 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1941

Abstract

This paper investigates the synergistic interaction between carbonation and microcracks in hardened cement pastes. Ordinary Portland cement pastes with three different water/cement ratios of 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6, hydrated for 28 days with crack apertures ranging from 10 to 150

μ

m were [...] Read more.

μ

m were subjected to accelerated carbonation in a climate chamber that controls the targeted relative humidity (65 and 75%),

C O_{2}

concentration (0.3 vol.% and 1 vol.%) and temperature (20 °C). Mercury intrusion porosimetry,

N_{2}

-adsorption and thermogravimetry analysis were used to quantify the carbonation-induced changes in pore size distribution, porosity and phase assemblages. Additionally, the changes in crack apertures were followed during carbonation. The results indicated that cracks within the investigated range facilitate the carbonation along the crack surface due to a faster gas diffusion process. The cracks with apertures below 50

μ

m increase the carbonation depth at least by a factor of two for all studied w/c and environmental conditions. We observed a constant increase in crack openings during carbonation and its linear relationship with the amount of precipitated calcium carbonate. Due to depletion of CH and decalcification of C-S-H close to the sample surface, the crack aperture increase becomes limited. Therefore, the crack apertures do not increase further after the material around the crack is carbonated. It was also found that the densification of the carbonated cement matrix coexists with large capillary pores (>50 nm) or cracks, especially for the low w/c samples. The shift in pore size distribution from about 100 nm towards smaller pores (4.5–50 nm) and a decrease in gel pore fractions after 28 days of carbonation also indicate a simultaneous calcium carbonate precipitation in meso/capillary pores and decalcification of C-S-H at the nanoscale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials)

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19 pages, 4016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Strength and Durability Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Comprising Alccofine

by Chidambaram Prithiviraj, Jagadeesan Saravanan, Deivasigamani Ramesh Kumar, Gunasekaran Murali, Nikolai Ivanovich Vatin and Packirisamy Swaminathan

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 5895; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14105895 - 12 May 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 2869

Abstract

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), a high-performance concrete with exceptional fluidity and cohesiveness, has gained popularity recently. The consolidation qualities and durability demands of this material require the application of Supplemental Cementitious Materials (SCMs). Alccofine is a type of additive material that has the potential to increase SCC characteristics while lowering the environmental effect of Portland cement manufacturing. In light of these facts, this study focused on the fresh, strength, and durability properties of SCC by partially replacing cement with varying percentages of alccofine such as 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%. The fresh properties are examined using slump flow, T₅₀, V-funnel, and L-box as per ISO 1920-13. The mechanical and durability properties were investigated, such as compressive strength test, modulus of rupture, Young’s modulus of concrete and water absorption, sorptivity, sulphate resistance, and acid resistance, and were compared with conventional SCC. Results indicated that the replacement of 30% alccofine exhibited superior performance in both the strength and durability properties compared to other mixes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials)

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17 pages, 4986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RETRACTED: Durability Enhancement of Sustainable Concrete Composites Comprising Waste Metalized Film Food Packaging Fibers and Palm Oil Fuel Ash

by Rayed Alyousef, Hossein Mohammadhosseini, Ahmed Abdel Khalek Ebid, Hisham Alabduljabbar, Shek Poi Ngian and Abdeliazim Mustafa Mohamed

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5253; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095253 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2781 | Retraction

Abstract

The utilization of waste materials in sustainable and green concrete manufacturing is particularly appealing because of the low cost of waste resources, the saving of landfill space, and the development and enhancement of concrete qualities. This paper investigates the strength and durability of green concrete composites made of waste metalized film food packaging (MFP) fibers and palm oil fuel ash (POFA). Compressive and tensile strengths, carbonation, drying shrinkage, electrical resistivity, and rapid chloride penetration tests in concrete mixtures are among the properties explored. With ordinary Portland cement (OPC), MFP fibers of 20 mm in length and six-volume fractions ranging from 0 to 1.25% were employed. Another six concrete mixes were made with 20% POFA in place of OPC. The results showed that adding MFP fibers to concrete mixes reduced their compressive strength. Despite a minor reduction in compressive strength, the inclusion of MFP fibers significantly increased tensile strength. The findings show that the combination of MFP fibers with POFA substantially impacts concrete durability. The addition of MFP fibers to concrete mixes resulted in a reduction in carbonation and drying shrinkage. The chloride penetration of specimens was also reduced, whereas the electrical resistivity of reinforced samples rose by nearly 80% compared to ordinary concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials)

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14 pages, 4604 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Strength and Microstructure Characteristics of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Mortars with High Water-to-Binder Ratios

by Lander Frederickx, Thi Nhan Nguyen and Quoc Tri Phung

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3141; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063141 - 8 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2433

Abstract

Geopolymers and other alkali-activated materials were investigated in detail as alternatives to ordinary Portland cement because of their reduced CO₂ emissions, high (radionuclide) binding capacities, and low permeabilities. The last two properties make them potential materials for the immobilization of several types of chemical waste. In this context, the direct immobilization of liquid waste streams would be a useful application. This study aimed to develop geopolymers with high water-to-binder ratios, but with good mechanical strengths, while elucidating the parameters that dictate the strengths. Three potential metakaolin geopolymer recipes were cast and cured for 28 days, after which their strengths, mineralogy, and microstructures were determined. The results show that it is possible to attain acceptable mechanical strengths at water-to-binder ratios that vary from 0.75 to 0.95, which is a significant increase from the ratio of 0.55 that is commonly used in the literature. It was found that the most important parameter that governs the mechanical strength is the dilution of the activating solution, which is represented by the H₂O/Na₂O ratio, while the microstructure was found to benefit from a high SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials)

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12 pages, 1391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of Silica Fume on Compressive Strength and Chemical Resistances of High Calcium Fly Ash-Based Alkali-Activated Mortar

by Kantiya Sothornchaiwit, Warayut Dokduea, Weerachart Tangchirapat, Suraparb Keawsawasvong, Chanachai Thongchom and Chai Jaturapitakkul

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2652; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052652 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2707

Abstract

Although elevated temperature curing can increase the compressive strength of alkali-activated mortar, its field applications are still limited. In this study, alkali-activated mortars were prepared using high calcium fly ash (FA) as a precursor. Small amounts of silica fume were used to partially replace high calcium fly ash at 3–9% by weight to increase the strength of alkali-activated mortar. All mixtures had a liquid to binder ratio of 0.60 and sand to binder ratio of 2.75 by weight. A ratio of NaOH to Na₂SiO₃ solution was kept at 2:1 by weight. Mortar flow was also held between 105–115 using a superplasticizer. Compressive strength and durability were investigated in terms of acid and sulfate resistance. The effects of silica fume addition and curing temperature on compressive strength were found to be significant. The optimum content of silica fume was 6%, providing compressive strength as high as that of alkali-activated mortars cured at 45 °C. The weight loss of alkali-activated mortar due to sulfuric acid attack decreased with increasing silica fume content and curing temperature. All alkali-activated mortars were found to have a better performance than (ordinary) Portland cement (OPC) mortars and mortars containing 40% FA. Alkali-activated mortars immersed in magnesium sulfate solutions had compressive strength that decreased with an increase in curing temperature. The expansion of alkali-activated mortar due to sodium sulfate attack increased with increasing silica fume content, and the expansion decreased with increased curing temperature. All alkali-activated mortars performed better than OPC mortars after 98 days of sulfate attack. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials)

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16 pages, 2599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diffusive Transport of Dissolved Gases in Potential Concretes for Nuclear Waste Disposal

by Elke Jacops, Quoc Tri Phung, Lander Frederickx and Séverine Levasseur

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10007; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810007 - 7 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2041

Abstract

In many countries, the preferred option for the long-term management of high- and intermediate level radioactive waste and spent fuel is final disposal in a geological repository. In this geological repository, the generation of gas will be unavoidable. In order to make a correct balance between gas generation and dissipation by diffusion, knowledge of the diffusion coefficients of gases in the host rock and the engineered barriers is essential. Currently, diffusion coefficients for the Boom Clay, a potential Belgian host rock, are available, but the diffusion coefficients for gases in the engineered concrete barriers are still lacking. Therefore, diffusion experiments with dissolved gases were performed on two concrete-based barrier materials considered in the current Belgian disposal concept, by using the double through-diffusion technique for dissolved gases, which was developed in 2008 by SCK CEN. Diffusion measurements were performed with four gases including helium, neon, methane and ethane. Information on the microstructure of the materials (e.g., pore size distribution) was obtained by combining N₂-adsorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water sorptivity measurements. A comparison was made with data obtained from cement-based samples (intact and degraded), and the validity of existing predictive models was investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials)

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18 pages, 4048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climatic Issue in an Advanced Numerical Modeling of Concrete Carbonation

by Viet Duc Ngo, Ngoc Tan Nguyen, Frédéric Duprat, Ngoc Tru Vu and Viet Phuong Nguyen

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5994; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115994 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2444

Abstract

Damage in reinforced concrete structures is frequently caused by reinforcement corrosion due to carbonation. Although a wide range of literature contributed to the concrete carbonation consisting of experimental investigations and numerical simulations, research work on a complete numerical model for concrete carbonation prediction with integrated climatic variables (e.g., temperature, relative humidity) is still a challenge. The present paper aims to propose an advanced numerical model to simulate the penetration of carbon dioxide and moisture, diffusion of calcium ions, heat transfer, and porosity modification in concrete material using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Three coupled mass conservation equations of calcium, water, and carbon dioxide are solved together with additional equations regarding the heat transfer, variation of porosity, and content of portlandite and other hydrates and calcites. In this study, the actual temporal variabilities of temperature and relative humidity in Toulouse, France, are used as a case study. The predicted results of portlandite profiles and carbonation depth are compared with the experimental data and discussed to identify the effect of climatic variables on the concrete carbonation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Durability and Performance of Sustainable Construction and Building Materials)

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