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Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials
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Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 15423

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonio Caggiano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genova, Italy
Interests: sustainability in construction and building materials; recycling; smart materials; smart buildings; energy-saving; green buildings; eco-friendly materials; nearly zero-energy buildings; energy efficiency; energy storage; phase change materials; renewable energy resources; zero CO2 emissions; CO2 storage in materials; modeling; multiscale; multiphysics; micro- and meso-scale
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jorge S. Dolado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Materials Physics Center ‐ Centro de Física de Materiales CSIC‐UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal, 5, 20018 San Sebastian, Spain
Interests: multi-scale modelling; ceramic and cementitious materials; nanophysics; green chemistry; sustainability; energy storage

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The European Green Deal published by the EU Commission in December 2019 aims to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent. Significant amounts of energy and mineral resources (i.e., sand, gravel, binders, steel, etc.) are needed for constructing new buildings and/or retrofitting existing ones. Buildings account for 40% of energy consumption, and the requested annual renovation rate of the existing building stock increased from 0.4% to 1.2% in the EU member states. In this context, innovations in the construction sector and related research efforts on making buildings more energy efficient, eco-friendly, sustainable, and adopting low-carbon materials have become the major challenge for scientists.

This Special Issue entitled “Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials” aims to collect the current state of the art and novel advances on the relevant topics that characterize the research field of sustainability in construction and building materials (CBMs). Thus, it will collect current advances from physical, chemical, biological, life-cycle assessment, engineering, and materials science perspectives on synergistic approaches and research results related to sustainable and carbon-neutral CBMs.

The emphasis of this Special Issue will be on collecting fundamental studies, experimental research, numerical approaches, analytical tools, design guidelines, and review studies dealing with eco-friendly, carbon-neutral, and green materials for constructions and buildings. With this collection, we hope to hugely stimulate and spread the latest knowledge on Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials. It will be a basis for new ideas on the various topics for young investigators and leading experts in the field of materials science and engineering.

Dr. Antonio Caggiano
Dr. Jorge S. Dolado
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

  • air cleaning
  • biomaterials
  • CO2 emission
  • CO2 storage in materials
  • CO2 reduction
  • eco-friendly materials
  • energy harvesting
  • energy efficiency
  • energy reductions
  • energy-saving materials
  • energy storage
  • energy transformations
  • green buildings
  • functional nanocomposites
  • health and thermal comfort
  • heating and cooling
  • heat recovery systems
  • intelligent energy-saving materials
  • life-cycle assessment
  • natural components
  • multi-scale and multi-physics modelling
  • phase change materials
  • piezoelectric materials
  • recycling/reusability
  • renewable energy resources
  • reuse of industrial wastes and by-products
  • self-healing materials
  • smart materials
  • sustainable binders
  • sustainable materials
  • thermal energy storage
  • zero CO2 emissions

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 12029 KiB  
Article
Geopolymer Concrete Performance Study for High-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Applications
by Mohammad Rahjoo, Guido Goracci, Pavel Martauz, Esther Rojas and Jorge S. Dolado
Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1937; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14031937 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2788
Abstract
Solar energy is an energy intermittent source that faces a substantial challenge for its power dispatchability. Hence, concentrating solar power (CSP) plants and solar process heat (SPH) applications employ thermal energy storage (TES) technologies as a link between power generation and optimal load [...] Read more.
Solar energy is an energy intermittent source that faces a substantial challenge for its power dispatchability. Hence, concentrating solar power (CSP) plants and solar process heat (SPH) applications employ thermal energy storage (TES) technologies as a link between power generation and optimal load distribution. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based materials are widely used in sensible TES, but their use is limited to operation temperatures below 400 to 500 °C because of thermal degradation processes. This work proposes a geopolymer (GEO)-based concrete as a suitable alternative to OPC concrete for TES that withstands high running temperatures, higher than 500 °C. To this end, thermophysical properties of a geopolymer-based concrete sample were initially measured experimentally; later, energy storage capacity and thermal behavior of the GEO sample were modeled numerically. In fact, different thermal scenarios were modeled, revealing that GEO-based concrete can be a sound choice due to its thermal energy storage capacity, high thermal diffusivity and capability to work at high temperature regimes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials)
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24 pages, 8370 KiB  
Article
Thermal-Energy Analysis and Life Cycle GHG Emissions Assessments of Innovative Earth-Based Bamboo Plastering Mortars
by Rayane de Lima Moura Paiva, Lucas Rosse Caldas, Adriana Paiva de Souza Martins, Patricia Brandão de Sousa, Giulia Fea de Oliveira and Romildo Dias Toledo Filho
Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131810429 - 18 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1998
Abstract
Biomaterials and raw earth have demonstrated a promising potential for improving various thermal properties of plastering mortars used in buildings. The objective of this research was the evaluation of the thermal-energy performances and life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of different mixtures of [...] Read more.
Biomaterials and raw earth have demonstrated a promising potential for improving various thermal properties of plastering mortars used in buildings. The objective of this research was the evaluation of the thermal-energy performances and life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of different mixtures of engineered, bio-based earth mortars composed of bamboo particles, earth, and different cementitious materials. Four mixtures were assessed: mortars without bamboo particles (matrix), and mortars containing 3%, 6%, or 9% of bamboo particles by volume. The bulk density and thermal conductivity values obtained for the matrix and mortars with the highest percentage of bamboo particles (9%) were 1704.13 and 1471.80 kg/m3, and 0.62 and 0.43 W/M·K, respectively. Based on experimental results, thermal-energy simulations were carried out using a social housing project as a case study. The simulations evaluated different climate conditions and applied life cycle GHG emissions assessment methodology. Compared with typical cement and lime plastering mortars, the proposed bio-based earth mortars presented a superior thermal-energy performance and lower GHG emissions, particularly the 9% bamboo particles mixture. GHG emissions reached a maximum decrease of 28%. The main scientific contribution of this research is the presentation of an engineered, bio-based earth mortar that can be manufactured using local raw materials available in most developing countries with significant housing demands. The method used, based on experimental research, thermal-energy analysis, and life cycle GHG emissions, may be used for evaluating other innovative materials. It was verified that even with thin plastering in buildings, it is possible to achieve energy efficiency gains and to reduce GHG emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials)
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25 pages, 10882 KiB  
Article
Latent Heat Thermal Storage in Non-Uniform Metal Foam Filled with Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material
by Mohammad Ghalambaz, S. A. M. Mehryan, Ahmad Hajjar, Mehdi A. Fteiti, Obai Younis, Pouyan Talebizadeh Sardari and Wahiba Yaïci
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2401; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13042401 - 23 Feb 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2264
Abstract
The melting heat transfer of CuO—coconut oil embedded in a non-uniform copper metal foam—was addressed. Copper foam is placed in a channel-shaped Thermal Energy Storage (TES) unit heated from one side. The foam is non-uniform with a linear porosity gradient in a direction [...] Read more.
The melting heat transfer of CuO—coconut oil embedded in a non-uniform copper metal foam—was addressed. Copper foam is placed in a channel-shaped Thermal Energy Storage (TES) unit heated from one side. The foam is non-uniform with a linear porosity gradient in a direction perpendicular to the heated surface. The finite element method was applied to simulate natural convection flow and phase change heat transfer in the TES unit. The results showed that the porosity gradient could significantly boost the melting rate and stored energy rate in the TES unit. The best non-uniform porosity corresponds to a case in which the maximum porosity is next to a heated surface. The variation of the unit placement’s inclination angle is only important in the final stage of charging, where there is a dominant natural convection flow. The variation of porous pore size induces minimal impact on the phase change rate, except in the case of a large pore size of 30 pore density (PPI). The presence of nanoparticles could increase or decrease the charging time. However, using a 4% volume fraction of nanoparticles could mainly reduce the charging time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials)
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20 pages, 6736 KiB  
Article
Development of Bacterium for Crack Healing and Improving Properties of Concrete under Wet–Dry and Full-Wet Curing
by Arunachalam Sumathi, Gunasekaran Murali, Dharmalingam Gowdhaman, Mugahed Amran, Roman Fediuk, Nikolai Ivanovich Vatin, Ramamurthy Deeba Laxme and Thillai Seenu Gowsika
Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10346; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su122410346 - 11 Dec 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4194
Abstract
Concrete cracking is inevitable, coupled with increased permeability, exacerbating the adverse impacts of atmospheric conditions and chemical attacks. Calcium carbonate precipitation resulting from certain microorganisms’ metabolism is a novel approach that can self-heal the cracks and improve concrete properties. In this study, the [...] Read more.
Concrete cracking is inevitable, coupled with increased permeability, exacerbating the adverse impacts of atmospheric conditions and chemical attacks. Calcium carbonate precipitation resulting from certain microorganisms’ metabolism is a novel approach that can self-heal the cracks and improve concrete properties. In this study, the development and effect of bacteria Bacillus cohnii on crack healing, regained compressive strength after pre-cracking, sorptivity, water absorption, and concrete microstructures were investigated. For this purpose, a Bacillus cohnii bacterial concentration of 105 cells/mL was used as a water replacement in the concrete mixtures. Two methods subsequently cured the prepared concrete specimens: wet–dry (W-D) cycle and full-wet (F-W). In the wet–dry cycle, the cast specimens were immersed in water for 24 h and then kept at room temperature for 24 h, which was considered as one cycle; this process was repeated for 28 days. In the full-wet curing, specimens were immersed in water for 28 days. However, the curing water was changed every 24 h to facilitate the essential oxygen supply for bacterial activity to precipitate calcium carbonate. The results revealed that 90% and 88% surface healing was noticed in full-wet and full-dry pre-cracked specimens at 28 days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials)
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17 pages, 4664 KiB  
Article
Structural Performance of Shear Loaded Precast EPS-Foam Concrete Half-Shaped Slabs
by Sanusi Saheed, Farah N. A. Abd. Aziz, Mugahed Amran, Nikolai Vatin, Roman Fediuk, Togay Ozbakkaloglu, Gunasekaran Murali and Mohammad Ali Mosaberpanah
Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9679; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12229679 - 20 Nov 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2674
Abstract
Precast concrete elements provide a feasible way to expedite on-site construction; however, typical precast components are massive, making their use particularly undesirable at construction sites that suffer from low load-bearing capacity or have swelling soils. This research aims to develop an optimal lightweight [...] Read more.
Precast concrete elements provide a feasible way to expedite on-site construction; however, typical precast components are massive, making their use particularly undesirable at construction sites that suffer from low load-bearing capacity or have swelling soils. This research aims to develop an optimal lightweight expanded polystyrene foam concrete (EPS-foam concrete) slab through a consideration of various parameters. The precast EPS-foam concrete half-shaped slabs were prepared with a density and compressive strength of 1980 kg/m3 and 35 MPa, respectively. Quarry dust (QD) and EPS beads were utilized as substitutions for fine and coarse aggregates with replacement-levels that varied from 5% to 22.5% and 15% to 30%, respectively. The use of EPS beads revealed sufficient early age strength; at the same time, the utilization of quarry dust in EPS-foam concrete led to a more than 30% increase in compressive strength compared to the EPS-based mixtures. Two hundred and fifty-six trial mixes were produced to examine the physical and mechanical characteristics of EPS-foam concrete. Three batches of a total of four EPS-foam concrete half-shaped slabs with spans of 3.5 and 4.5 m and thicknesses of 200 and 250 mm were prepared. Findings showed that the ultimate shear forces for the full-scale EPS-foam concrete half-shaped slabs were approximately 6–12% lower than those of the identical concrete samples with a 2410 kg/m3 average density, and 26–32% higher than the theoretical predictions. Also, it was observed that the self-weight of EPS-foam concrete was reduced by up to 20% compared to the control mixtures. Findings revealed that the prepared precast EPS-foam concrete half-shaped slabs could possibly be applied as flooring elements in today’s modern infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Deal in Construction and Building Materials)
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