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Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Building".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 April 2025 | Viewed by 8455

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Gustavo Henrique Nalon

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil
Interests: sustainable construction; concrete structures; structural health monitoring; circular construction; eco-efficient geomaterials; smart materials; sustainable materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The world faces significant challenges in mitigating environmental impacts in the building and infrastructure sectors. In recent years, sourcing building materials has become increasingly difficult due to the continuous depletion of natural resources without substantial regeneration. Hence, scientific research has been developed to identify more efficient and sustainable construction materials. In this context, various types of agricultural, industrial, and municipal wastes have been reused in construction processes from the perspective of a circular economy.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue with research or review papers focused on the sustainable utilization of eco-efficient components and systems in building and infrastructure engineering, contributing to a more productive and sustainable construction industry.

This Special Issue aims to report recent works on the fundamentals and practices of innovative strategies for recycling different types of wastes in the construction field, with emphasis on the design, characterization, simulation, and/or practical application of eco-efficient construction materials.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Incorporation of wastes into building and infrastructure materials;
Storage, treatment, and recycling methodologies in the construction industry;
Low-emission construction materials;
Environmental assessments in the built environment;
Circular built environment;
Sustainable development.

I look forward to receiving valuable contributions.

Dr. Gustavo Henrique Nalon
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

eco-efficient concrete
eco-efficient geomaterials
circular construction
waste recycling
sustainable materials

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 10588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Performance of GFRP-Wrapped Concrete Elements: Sustainable Solution for Coastal Protection

by Seyed Sina Mojabi, Mohammadamin Mirdarsoltany, Claudio Subacchi and Antonio Nanni

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9775; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229775 - 9 Nov 2024

Viewed by 688

Abstract

Protecting coastal regions is crucial due to high population density and significant economic value. While numerous strategies have been proposed to mitigate scouring and protect coastal structures, existing techniques have limitations. This paper introduces a novel approach, SEAHIVE^®, which enhances the performance of engineered structures by utilizing hexagonal, hollow, and perforated concrete elements externally reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP). Unlike conventional steel bars, GFRP offers superior durability and requires less maintenance, making it a sustainable solution for any riverine and coastal environment. SEAHIVE^® aims to provide robust structural capacity, effective energy dissipation, and preservation of natural habitats. Although some research has addressed energy dissipation and performance in riverine and coastal contexts, the structural performance of SEAHIVE^® elements has not been extensively studied. This paper evaluates SEAHIVE^® elements reinforced with externally bonded GFRP longitudinal strips and pretensioned GFRP transverse wraps. Testing full-size specimens under compression and flexure revealed that failure occurred when the pretensioned GFRP wraps failed in compression tests and when longitudinal GFRP strips slipped in flexure tests. Strength capacity was notably improved by anchoring the GFRP strips at both ends. These findings underscore the potential of the SEAHIVE^® system to significantly enhance the durability and performance of coastal and riverine protection structures. FEM simulations provided critical insights into the failure mechanism and validated the experimental findings. In fact, by comparing FEM model results for cases before and after applying GFRP wraps under the same compression load, it was found that maximum stresses at crack locations were significantly reduced due to compression forces resulting from the presence of pretensioned GFRP wraps. Similarly, FEM model analysis on flexure samples showed that the most vulnerable regions corresponded to the locations where cracks started during testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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17 pages, 3688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Masterbatch Natural Rubber—Innovative Asphalt Cement Additive for Sustainable Flexural Pavements

by Chakkrid Yeanyong, Suksun Horpibulsuk, Apichat Suddeepong, Apinun Buritatum, Teerasak Yaowarat, Kongsak Akkharawongwhatthana, Veena Phunpeng, Artit Udomchai and Menglim Hoy

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9676; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229676 - 6 Nov 2024

Viewed by 497

Abstract

The mechanical performance of Masterbatch Natural Rubber (MNR)-modified asphalt concrete (MNR-AC) was investigated and is presented in this paper. When compared to conventional asphalt concrete (AC), MNR-AC exhibits significantly superior performance across key mechanical parameters, including Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength (ITS), resilient modulus (IT Mr), indirect tensile fatigue life (ITFL), and rutting resistance. The most pronounced enhancements are observed at the optimal dry rubber to asphalt cement (r/b) ratio of 3%, at which MNR-AC demonstrates peak performance in all evaluated tests. The fatigue distress models for MNR-AC and AC reveal distinct logarithmic relationships, with an intersection point occurring at an r/b ratio of approximately 3%. This suggests that MNR-AC with an r/b ratio of 3% or less exhibits a markedly superior fatigue life compared to conventional AC under equivalent applied-stress conditions. MNR offers significant practical advantages over liquid natural rubber, including more consistent mixing, and simplified storage and transportation, positioning it as a promising and sustainable advancement in pavement material technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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22 pages, 3101 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Proportioning Techniques and Roadway Performance Evaluation of Colored Asphalt Pavement Materials

by Silin Fan, Shaopeng Zheng, Jian Ma, Liangliang Chen, Xiao Li and Cheng Cheng

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8996; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208996 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 637

Abstract

This study systematically investigated the formulation optimization, performance evaluation, and practical application of epoxy-based composite materials for colored asphalt pavement. By conducting comprehensive experiments, we optimized the composition of epoxy-based composites, verifying their excellent bonding performance, good heat resistance, and UV aging resistance under various temperature conditions. The key optimized component ratios were determined as a 1:1 blend of Type I and Type II epoxy resins, 30 phr of curing agent, 10 phr of toughening agent, 5 phr of diluent, 10% filler, 12% flame retardant, and 10% pigment. At the recommended dosage of 2.0 kg/m² of epoxy binder, the composite structure exhibited the best reinforcement effect, improving low-temperature performance significantly. Compared to ordinary asphalt mixtures, the colored pavement composite structure showed superior mechanical strength, deformation capacity, high-temperature stability (dynamic stability approximately three times higher), and water stability (TSR values up to 95.5%). Furthermore, its fatigue life decay rate was significantly lower, with fatigue limit loading frequencies more than three times those of ordinary asphalt mixtures, demonstrating excellent fatigue resistance. This study provides strong technical support and a theoretical basis for the development and practical application of colored asphalt pavement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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13 pages, 2934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery and Restructuring of Fine and Coarse Soil Fractions as Earthen Construction Materials

by Mazhar Hussain, Ines Lamrous, Antony Provost, Nathalie Leblanc, Hafida Zmamou, Daniel Levacher and Abdoulaye Kane

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8952; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208952 - 16 Oct 2024

Viewed by 679

Abstract

Excessive consumption of natural resources to meet the growing demands of building and infrastructure projects has put enormous stress on these resources. On the other hand, a significant quantity of soil is excavated for development activities across the globe and is usually treated as waste material. This study explores the potential of excavated soils in the Brittany region of France for its reuse as earthen construction materials. Characterization of soil recovered from building sites was carried out to classify the soils and observe their suitability for earthen construction materials. These characteristics include mainly Atterberg limits, granulometry, organic matter and optimum moisture content. Soil samples were separated into fine and coarse particles through wet sieving. The percentage of fines (particles smaller than 0.063 mm) in studied soil samples range from 28% to 65%. The methylene blue value (MBV) for Lorient, Bruz and Polama soils is 1, 1.2 and 1.2 g/100 g, and French classification (Guide de terrassements des remblais et des couches de forme; GTR) of soil samples is A1, B5 and A1, respectively. The washing of soils with lower fine content helps to recover excellent-quality sand and gravel, which are a useful and precious resource. However, residual fine particles are a waste material. In this study, three soil formulations were used for manufacturing earth blocks. These formulations include raw soil, fines and restructured soil. In restructured soil, a fine fraction of soil smaller than 0.063 mm was mixed with 15% recycled sand. Restructuring of soil fine particles helps to improve soil matrix composition and suitability for earth bricks. Compressed-earth blocks of 4 × 4 × 16 cm were manufactured at a laboratory scale for flexural strength testing by using optimum molding moisture content and compaction through Proctor normal energy. Compressive strength tests were performed on cubic blocks of size 4 × 4 × 4 cm. Mechanical testing of bricks showed that bricks with raw soil had higher resistance with a maximum of 3.4 MPa for Lorient soil. Removal of coarse particles from soil decreased the strength of bricks considerably. Restructuring of fines with recycled sand improves their granular skeleton and increases the compressive strength and durability of bricks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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17 pages, 19977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Using Ferronickel Slag as a Sustainable Alternative Aggregate in Hot Mix Asphalt

by Lisley Madeira Coelho, Antônio Carlos Rodrigues Guimarães, Claudio Rafael Cicuto Landim Alves Moreira, Graziella Pereira Pires dos Santos, Sergio Neves Monteiro and Pedro Henrique Poubel Mendonça da Silveira

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8642; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198642 - 6 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1139

Abstract

Ferronickel slag (FNS) is a byproduct produced during ferronickel alloy manufacturing, primarily used in the manufacturing of stainless steel and iron alloys. This material is produced by cooling molten slag with water or air, posing significant disposal challenges, as improper storage in industrial yards can lead to environmental contamination. This study investigates the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of reduction ferronickel slag (RFNS) and its potential use as an alternative aggregate in hot mix asphalt (HMA). The research is based on the practical application of HMA containing RFNS in an experimental area, specifically the parking lot used by buses transporting employees of Anglo American, located at the Codemin Industrial Unit in Niquelândia, Goiás, Central Brazil. Chemical analysis revealed that RFNS primarily consists of MgO, Fe₂O₃, and SiO₂, which are elements with minimal environmental impact. The lack of significant calcium content minimizes concerns about expansion issues commonly associated with calcium-rich slags. The X-ray diffractogram indicates a predominantly crystalline structure with minerals like Laihunite and Magnetite, which enhances wear and abrasion resistance. HMA containing 40% RFNS was tested using the Marshall methodology, and a small experimental area was subsequently constructed. The HMA containing RFNS met regulatory specifications and technological controls, achieving an average resilient modulus value of 6323 MPa. Visual inspections conducted four years later confirmed that the pavement remained in excellent condition, validating RFNS as a durable and effective alternative aggregate for asphalt mixtures. The successful application of RFNS not only demonstrates its potential for local road paving near industrial areas but also underscores the importance of sustainable waste management solutions. This research highlights the value of academia–industry collaboration in advancing environmentally responsible practices and reinforces the contribution of RFNS to enhancing local infrastructure and promoting a more sustainable future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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14 pages, 5797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Biopolymers on the Water Retention Capacity of Stabilized Sand

by Ahmed M. Al-Mahbashi and Abdullah Almajed

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8612; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198612 - 4 Oct 2024

Viewed by 827

Abstract

The application of biopolymers for sand stabilization has recently gained attention due to their natural composition, which makes them both environmentally friendly and of reasonable cost. Measuring the soil–water retention curve (SWRC) of biopolymers-treated sand is essential for the design, modeling, and interpretation of the unsaturated behavior of these materials. Unsaturated shear strength, unsaturated flow, and associated retention capacity are well addressed and evaluated using SWRC. Therefore, this study examined the possible effects of biopolymers—sodium alginate (SA), guar gum (GG), and pectin (P) on the SWRC and retention capacity for stabilized sand. Apart from natural sand, three different concentrations were investigated for each biopolymer. The SWRCs were measured over the entire practical range of suction using a combination of three techniques: hanging column for low suction measurement, axis translation techniques for moderate suction measurement, and vapor equilibrium technique for high suction measurement. The results indicate significant changes in SWRC, and a new series of micropores was developed, this, in turn, extends the desaturation zone of treated sand from a low suction range (i.e., 30 kPa) to moderate to high suction levels (i.e., 10,000 kPa). The saturated water content (w_s) was slightly reduced, air entry values (AEVs), and residual suction (s_r) significantly increased and multiplied up to 200 and 75 times respectively. The retention capacity increased, exhibiting a dependency between the biopolymer type and suction range. The results are of great significance for both practitioner engineers and researchers in predicting the unsaturated soil functions of treated sand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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15 pages, 2940 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems—Past and Future in a Sustainable Urban Environment

by Darja Kubečková, Kateřina Kubenková, Hamed Afsoosbiria, Oskar Kambole Musenda and Khaled Mohamed

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8500; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198500 - 29 Sep 2024

Viewed by 710

Abstract

In recent decades, the sustainable development of the planet has been negatively affected by a number of factors, including the construction industry. The construction industry includes, among other things, the highly topical energy reconstruction of existing prefabricated residential housing, which is implemented to improve their condition from a thermal engineering and energy perspective. Composite materials, known as external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICSs), have come to the fore, bringing a number of undeniable benefits to society. After more than 20 years of experience, it turns out that in addition to the benefits, ETICSs also bring new research challenges to the discussion, which are related to the issue of the biocorrosion of the external envelope of ETICSs, and also to the issue of the indoor microclimate. Based on the literature review and case studies, we aim to show that ecologically friendly building materials require a multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, we want to contribute to the discussion of whether the diversity of microorganisms on ETICS composites is a potential source of health risks and whether the transport of microorganisms to the indoor environment can be ruled out through natural ventilation from the outdoor environment to the interior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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22 pages, 5524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of the Simplex-Centroid Method for Optimization of Mixtures of Soil, Ladle Furnace Slag and Fly Ash Applied in Pavement Construction

by Mateus Henrique Ribeiro Rodrigues, Taciano Oliveira da Silva, Heraldo Nunes Pitanga, Leonardo Gonçalves Pedroti, Klaus Henrique de Paula Rodrigues, Emerson Cordeiro Lopes and Gustavo Henrique Nalon

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7726; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177726 - 5 Sep 2024

Viewed by 702

Abstract

Integrating industrial wastes into soils to enhance their properties is a potential solution to current waste management challenges. Since the current literature lacks systematic studies on the mechanical performance of mixtures of soil, ladle furnace slag (LFS) and fly ash (FA), this research investigated the chemical stabilization of two different soils (clayey or sandy soil) using a concomitant mix of distinct types of industrial wastes: LFS and FA. A design of experiments (DoE) methodology was employed to systematically generate distinct mixtures for each soil sample, utilizing a simplex-centroid design. The mixtures were subjected to unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and resilient modulus (RM) tests. The industrial by-products improved the mechanical properties of the soils, providing UCS, CBR index and RM increases up to 130.5%, 324.4% and 132.6%, respectively. Synergistic and antagonistic effects related to the combination of different wastes were discussed, based on mathematical models with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.760 to 0.998, in addition to response surfaces generated for each response variable. The desirability function was applied to identify the optimal component proportions. The best mixture proportion was 80% soil, 20% LFS and 0% FA, which improved the formation of cemented compounds that contributed to the enhanced mechanical strength. The use of industrial waste for soil stabilization has therefore proven to be technically feasible and environmentally friendly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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28 pages, 19774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Engineered Geopolymer Composites Utilizing Gamma-Irradiated PET and Graphene Nanoplatelets: Optimization and Performance Enhancement

by Muhammad Zahid, Yassir M. Abbas, Nasir Shafiq, Mohammad Iqbal Khan and Fouad Ismail Ismail

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7455; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177455 - 28 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1013

Abstract

Effective waste management is a matter of global concern. The utilization of widely recognized waste materials, such as plastics, rubber, and glass, in the construction industry is being investigated for their cost efficiency, enhanced material properties, and reduced environmental impact, contributing to broader sustainability efforts. This study investigates the development of an engineered geopolymer composite with a focus on sustainability by utilizing industrial waste materials. Gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate was employed as a partial replacement for silica sand, while graphene nanoplatelets were incorporated to enhance composite properties and reduce environmental waste. A statistical technique known as response surface methodology was used to optimize the effects of gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate and graphene nanoplatelets on the properties of the engineered geopolymer composite. Key findings indicate that gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate, with higher crystallinity and robust interfacial bonding with the geopolymer matrix, significantly enhances compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength, and flexural toughness. However, graphene nanoplatelets, while improving mechanical properties, reduce the ductility index. Optimal composite properties were achieved with 26.4% gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate and 0.12% graphene nanoplatelets. This research underscores the potential of gamma-irradiated polyethylene terephthalate in creating high-performance, sustainable construction materials and highlights the trade-offs between mechanical reinforcement and ductility. Future research should explore the chain scission effects of gamma irradiation on polyethylene terephthalate, further optimize composite properties, and investigate mechanisms to enhance ductility, advancing the utilization of polyethylene terephthalate in sustainable construction materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building and Infrastructure Engineering: Sustainable Utilization of Innovative Eco-Efficient Materials)

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