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Sustainable Construction Materials and Technology
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Sustainable Construction Materials and Technology

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 22408

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sayanthan Ramakrishnan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure, FSET, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Interests: sustainable construction materials; advanced concrete technology; building energy efficiency; 3D concrete printing; sustainable built environment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sathees Nava

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Interests: timber-framed construction; mass timber construction; structural and fire testing; prefabricated building
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kirubajiny Pasupathy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering, Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Digital Construction, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
Interests: sustainable construction materials; fire-resistant materials; construction 3D printing; non-contact inspection and non-destructive testing; structural engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability—as a broader perspective—has received a significant attention among researchers, engineers, academics and policy makers in the last few decades. This is mainly due to the alarming rates of resource consumption and the fact that the Earth’s resources are limited. The consumption of resources at a higher rate than they are replenishing can lead to the unavailability of those resources for future generations. In particular, the construction sector is a major contributor to resource consumption due to the increasing demand for the construction of buildings and infrastructure. To effectively increase the efficiency of resource use and to reduce negative environmental impacts, the materials and methods of the construction sector should be sustainably sourced and operated in order to reduce negative impacts during the lifecycle of the construction projects. This includes reducing the energy use and carbon emissions of processing materials, efficient construction methods to minimize energy consumption, the utilization of renewable energy technologies and waste minimization in construction.

The present Special Issue will explore the recent progress, current thinking and challenges in sustainable materials and technologies towards the development of a sustainable construction industry. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • New technologies to reduce, reuse and recycle construction materials;
  • Other recycled materials for construction materials;
  • Construction materials with low embodied energy;
  • Low carbon construction materials technology;
  • Enhancing the efficiency and circularity of construction materials;
  • Innovative construction methods to reduce waste;
  • Advanced construction materials for enhancing building energy efficiency;
  • Life cycle assessment of construction materials.

Dr. Sayanthan Ramakrishnan
Dr. Sathees Nava
Dr. Kirubajiny Pasupathy
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • sustainable construction materials
  • supplementary cementitious materials
  • low-carbon construction technology
  • digital construction
  • life cycle assessment
  • recycled construction materials
  • sustainable waste management

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 8278 KiB  
Article
Shear, Consolidation Characteristics and Carbon Footprint Analysis of Clayey Soil Blended with Calcium Lignosulphonate and Granite Sand for Earthen Dam Application
by Bonagiri Varsha, Arif Ali Baig Moghal, Ateekh Ur Rehman and Bhaskar C. S. Chittoori
Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6117; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076117 - 1 Apr 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2269
Abstract
Soil is a composite material of great interest to civil engineers. When the quality of such composite soils is poor, ground improvement techniques must be adopted to withstand the design load of superstructure. Existing soil stabilizers include lime and cement; however, their environmental [...] Read more.
Soil is a composite material of great interest to civil engineers. When the quality of such composite soils is poor, ground improvement techniques must be adopted to withstand the design load of superstructure. Existing soil stabilizers include lime and cement; however, their environmental safety and sustainable use during stabilization have been receiving increasing attention in recent years. This study investigated the use of granite sand (GS) and calcium lignosulphonate (CLS) as sustainable stabilizers that could be blended with clayey soils. The considered dosages of GS were 30%, 40% and 50%, and those of the CLS were 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Direct shear and consolidation tests were performed on the GS–CLS blended soil samples that were cured for 7 and 14 days. The amended stabilizers improved the shear parameters and consolidation characteristics at an optimum dosage of 30% GS and 0.5% CLS. Maximum improvements of 84% and 163% were observed in the cohesion and angles of internal friction, respectively. A significant change was also observed in the consolidation characteristics, making them practically applicable. The soil hydraulic conductivity was reduced by 14%, and the coefficient of consolidation increased by 203% for 30% GS and 05% CLS. Carbon footprint analyses were performed on the soil composition that would be best-suited for a typical homogenous earthen dam section. The results showed that the use of GS and CLS together reduced the carbon emissions by 6.57 and 7.7 times, compared to traditional stabilizers, such as cement and lime. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials and Technology)
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17 pages, 2511 KiB  
Article
Selecting a Suitable Sustainable Construction Method for Australian High-Rise Building: A Multi-Criteria Analysis
by Satheeskumar Navaratnam
Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7435; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127435 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4545
Abstract
The evolution of innovative construction technology and automation has rapidly transformed the construction industry over the last few decades. However, selecting the most efficient and sustainable construction technology for high-rise building construction is a critical factor in completing the project successfully. This requires [...] Read more.
The evolution of innovative construction technology and automation has rapidly transformed the construction industry over the last few decades. However, selecting the most efficient and sustainable construction technology for high-rise building construction is a critical factor in completing the project successfully. This requires a multiple-judgment-decision process relevant to cost, time, environment, sustainability, quality, etc. Thus, this research aims to identify the most suitable sustainable construction method for high-rise building construction in Australia. Three construction methods (i.e., automated building construction, aluminium formwork construction, and off-site construction) and robotic construction technology are reviewed in terms of economic, equity and environmental performance. A detailed multi-criteria analysis is conducted concerning the weighting calculated for each construction method, which aids in recommending a sustainable and cost-effective method. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used as a multi-attribute decision-making tool to determine the weighting factors. The results show that the off-site construction method and robotic construction technique significantly improve the construction performance of high-rise construction in Australia. However, the finding is based on data obtained from a limited number of experts. Thus, a detailed case study with a greater number of expert opinions is needed to ensure the significance of the finding. However, the AHP-based approach method can be used to select sustainable construction alternatives for high-rise buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials and Technology)
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Review

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20 pages, 2393 KiB  
Review
Environmental Sustainability of Industrial Waste-Based Cementitious Materials: A Review, Experimental Investigation and Life-Cycle Assessment
by Satheeskumar Navaratnam, Quddus Tushar, Israt Jahan and Guomin Zhang
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031873 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2859
Abstract
Wall plaster production induces significant environmental impacts during its entire life as it consumes a high amount of cement and natural resources. Therefore, in sustainable development, industrial wastes are partially replaced to produce cementitious material to reduce environmental impacts. This study aims to [...] Read more.
Wall plaster production induces significant environmental impacts during its entire life as it consumes a high amount of cement and natural resources. Therefore, in sustainable development, industrial wastes are partially replaced to produce cementitious material to reduce environmental impacts. This study aims to identify the optimal environmental benefits from the waste-based cementitious materials that are used to produce wall plaster. Thus, this study involved conducting a comprehensive review of the mechanical and sustainable performance of industrial waste-based cementitious materials focused on wall construction. Then, an experimental test was conducted to ensure the appropriate mix design to enable the required compressive strength. A comparative analysis of mortar showed that it contained 15% (by weight) of fly ash, blast furnace slag, bottom ash, recycled glass, ferronickel slag, expanded polystyrene and wood ash using life-cycle assessment. The results show that mortar containing fly ash has lower environmental impacts in almost all impact categories (i.e., human health, the ecosystem and natural resources). Endpoint damage assessment of mortar mixtures expresses resource extraction cost as the most affected impact criteria. The replacement of globally consumed cement with 15% fly ash can contribute to monetary savings of up to USD 87.74 billion. The assessment clarifies the advantage of incorporating waste products in cement mortar, which allows policymakers to interpret the analysis for decision making. This study also found that the production of industrial wastes for mortar mixes has a significant impact on the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials and Technology)
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30 pages, 5297 KiB  
Review
Application of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials as a Reinforcement to Concrete Pavements
by Darshana Jayasooriya, Pathmanathan Rajeev and Jay Sanjayan
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11282; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811282 - 8 Sep 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2665
Abstract
Nanomaterials are considered to be one of the game-changing features in the modern world and nanotechnology is mostly reputed as the next-generation industrial revolution due to the extraordinary characteristics possessed by them at their very small scale. Graphene and graphene oxide are two [...] Read more.
Nanomaterials are considered to be one of the game-changing features in the modern world and nanotechnology is mostly reputed as the next-generation industrial revolution due to the extraordinary characteristics possessed by them at their very small scale. Graphene and graphene oxide are two main nanoscale materials that have seen a drastic increase in their use in cement-based composites due to exemptional enhancements in terms of strength and durability that can be imparted to compromise the inherent flaws of concrete and other cementitious composites. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of graphene and graphene oxide on improving the performance of cement-based composites and, particularly, of continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP), which is one of the emerging trends in the transport sector due to various advantages they bring in over conventional flexible pavements and unreinforced concrete pavements. Fresh, hardened and durability properties of concrete with graphene-based nanomaterials were studied and the past experimental data were used to predict statistical interferences between different parameters attributed to concrete. According to the review, graphene-based nanomaterials seem to be promising to overcome the various CRCP distresses. Simultaneously, the possibilities and hinderances of using graphene and graphene oxide in cement-based composites as a reinforcement are discussed. Finally, the potential of using graphene in continuously reinforced concrete pavements is explored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials and Technology)
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26 pages, 2777 KiB  
Review
Circular Economy of Construction and Demolition Wood Waste—A Theoretical Framework Approach
by Israt Jahan, Guomin Zhang, Muhammed Bhuiyan and Satheeskumar Navaratnam
Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10478; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710478 - 23 Aug 2022
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8703
Abstract
A considerable amount of construction and demolition wood waste (CDWW) is generated, mostly landfilled, contributing to severe environmental effects. The management of CDWW is a significant challenge as it is a hazardous contaminated waste. In this context, the circular economy (CE) concept is [...] Read more.
A considerable amount of construction and demolition wood waste (CDWW) is generated, mostly landfilled, contributing to severe environmental effects. The management of CDWW is a significant challenge as it is a hazardous contaminated waste. In this context, the circular economy (CE) concept is a solution as it comprises waste minimisation and efficient recovery of resources. Although much research is found in the literature on CDWW end-of-life management, research on CE implementation considering every life cycle stage is still scarce. In this review, we endeavour to integrate CE in CDWW to identify the waste management strategies involved in the life cycle phases. The databases were searched from 2009 to 2020 and were analysed using CiteSpace version 5.7.R1 software. Forty-nine articles were identified, and the six life cycle stages were explored. The analysis shows that CE for wood waste is essential and has greater growth potential. While the LCA studies are limited to environmental viewpoints, combining economic and social perspectives is necessary for sustainable development. Overall, based on the research findings, a theoretical framework was proposed. This study, as a consequence, promotes the application of recycled wood into multiple valuable products and thus encourages waste management to boost CE and sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials and Technology)
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