Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic, "Sustainability in Buildings: New trends in the management of construction and demolition waste", aims to collect works related to the use of new sustainable building materials, new trends in the recycling of materials for their application in construction, and the application of new techniques and measurement processes that favor the development of sustainable construction.

Contributions related to the proposed lines of research and that allow improving the management of construction and demolition waste for its application in the building sector are appreciated. The main idea is to promote the development of new construction materials and new measurement techniques from different perspectives such as sustainability, materials science, measurement techniques, and the development of novel sensors and data collection equipment. However, there is also room for other contributions related to construction and that is in line with the scope of the Sustainable Development Goals included in the 2030 agenda.

Therefore, this Topic can help complement the existing literature on construction and demolition waste management from a multidisciplinary perspective that encourages the exchange of ideas and points of view. For this reason, we encourage all researchers working in areas of knowledge related to construction materials and green buildings to submit their research.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Morón Fernández
Dr. Daniel Ferrández Vega
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Sustainability sustainability	3.9	5.8	2009	18.8 Days	CHF 2400
Materials materials	3.4	5.2	2008	13.9 Days	CHF 2600
Sensors sensors	3.9	6.8	2001	17 Days	CHF 2600
Applied Sciences applsci	2.7	4.5	2011	16.9 Days	CHF 2400
Processes processes	3.5	4.7	2013	13.7 Days	CHF 2400

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Published Papers (49 papers)

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18 pages, 4231 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A New Hybrid Monitoring Model for Displacement of the Concrete Dam

by Chongshi Gu, Xinran Cui, Hao Gu and Meng Yang

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9609; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15129609 - 15 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 821

Abstract

For the structural health diagnostic of concrete dams, the mathematical monitoring model based on the measured deformation values is of great significance. The main purpose of this paper is to reconstruct the ageing component and the temperature component in the traditional Hydraulic-Seasonal-Time (HST) [...] Read more.

For the structural health diagnostic of concrete dams, the mathematical monitoring model based on the measured deformation values is of great significance. The main purpose of this paper is to reconstruct the ageing component and the temperature component in the traditional Hydraulic-Seasonal-Time (HST) hybrid model by combining the measured values. On the one hand, a better mathematical model for the ageing displacement of concrete dams is proposed combined with the Burgers model to separate the instantaneous elastic hydraulic deformation and the hysteretic hydraulic deformation, and then it subsumes the latter into the ageing deformation to describe its reversible component. According to the Burgers model, the inverted elastic modulus of the Jinping-Ⅰ concrete dam is 46.5 GPa, which is closer to the true value compared with the HST model. On the other hand, the kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) method is used to extract the principal components of the dam thermometers for replacing the period harmonic thermal factor. A multiple linear regression (MLR) model is established to fit the measured displacement of the concrete arch dam and to verify the accuracy of the proposed hybrid model. The results show that the proposed model reaches higher accuracy than the traditional HST hybrid model and is helpful to improve the interpretation of the separated displacement components of the concrete dams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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20 pages, 4963 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Evolution of Research on C&D Waste and Sustainable Development of Resources: A Bibliometric Study

by Li Wang, Yanhong Lv, Siyu Huang, Yu Liu and Xinrong Li

Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9141; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15129141 - 06 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2226

Abstract

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is steadily increasing as both urbanization and the construction industry advance. Therefore, numerous studies on C&D waste have been conducted. In this paper, the literature published in the field of C&D waste and sustainable development from 2002 to [...] Read more.

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is steadily increasing as both urbanization and the construction industry advance. Therefore, numerous studies on C&D waste have been conducted. In this paper, the literature published in the field of C&D waste and sustainable development from 2002 to 2022 was utilized to examine the current state of research and potential future research hotspots via the bibliometric method. Herein, 3550 studies found in the literature were analyzed using Citespace and VOSviewer, two efficient visual analysis programs, for the annual quantitative distribution, contribution and cooperation of authors, influential and productive countries/regions and institutions, keyword co-occurrence analysis, literature co-citation analysis and identification of research frontiers. The findings show an exponential rise in publications on construction waste and sustainable resource development, while the research focus has clearly shifted from recycling and reduction of C&D waste to harmless and resourceful treatment in the last five years. The keywords “optimization”, “implementation” and “strategy” also indicate that more emphasis is being placed on the research of management method realization mechanisms, technological optimization schemes and policy strategies. The research results of this paper will help participants in the construction industry to grasp the current research hotspots and development trend in the field of C&D waste and the sustainable development of resources. It also plays a positive role in formulating relevant regulations and policies, reducing resource waste and construction project costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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19 pages, 1859 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Ecological and Economic Assessment of the Reuse of Steel Halls in Terms of LCA

by Piotr Sobierajewicz, Janusz Adamczyk and Robert Dylewski

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1597; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13031597 - 26 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1473

Abstract

In engineering practice, investment activities related to the construction of a building are still limited to the idea of a linear cradle to grave (C2G) economy. The aim of the study is to determine the ecological and economic benefits inherent in the reuse [...] Read more.

In engineering practice, investment activities related to the construction of a building are still limited to the idea of a linear cradle to grave (C2G) economy. The aim of the study is to determine the ecological and economic benefits inherent in the reuse of structural elements of a hall building using the idea of a Cradle to Cradle (C2C) looped circular economy and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). As a rule, a multiple circulation of materials from which model buildings are made was assumed through successive life cycles: creation, use, demolition and then further use of the elements. This approach is distinguished by minimizing negative impacts as a result of optimizing the mass of the structure—striving to relieve the environment, thus improving economic efficiency and leaving a positive ecological footprint. The assessment of cumulative ecological, economic and technical parameters (EET) methodology of generalized ecological indicator (WE) for quick and practical assessment of the ecological effect of multi-use steel halls, based on LCA, was proposed. The authors of the work attempted to assess the usefulness of such a structure with the example of four types of halls commonly used in the construction industry. The linear stream of C2G (cradle to grave) and then C2C (cradle to cradle) flows was calculated by introducing ecological parameters for comparative assessment. Finally, a methodology for calculating the ecological amortization of buildings (EAB) was proposed. The authors hope that the proposed integrated assessment of technical, economic and ecological parameters, which are components of the design process, will contribute to a new approach, the so-called fast-track pro-environmental project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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15 pages, 5068 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Object Detection for Construction Waste Based on an Improved YOLOv5 Model

by Qinghui Zhou, Haoshi Liu, Yuhang Qiu and Wuchao Zheng

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 681; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15010681 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4278

Abstract

An object detection method based on an improved YOLOv5 model was proposed to enhance the accuracy of sorting construction waste. A construction waste image sample set was established by collecting construction waste images on site. These construction waste images were preprocessed using the [...] Read more.

An object detection method based on an improved YOLOv5 model was proposed to enhance the accuracy of sorting construction waste. A construction waste image sample set was established by collecting construction waste images on site. These construction waste images were preprocessed using the random brightness method. A YOLOv5 object detection model was improved in terms of the convolutional block attention module (CBAM), simplified SPPF (SimSPPF) and multi-scale detection. Then, the improved YOLOv5 model was trained, validated and tested using the established construction waste image dataset and compared with other conventional models such as Faster-RCNN, YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and YOLOv7. The results show that: based on the improved YOLOv5 model, the mean average precision (mAP) on the test dataset can reach 0.9480. The overall performance of this model is better than that of other conventional models in object detection, which verifies the accuracy and availability of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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17 pages, 2883 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties of Concrete Produced by Light Cement-Based Aggregates

by Mais Abdulrazzaq Ibrahim, Nihat Atmaca, Ahmed Assim Abdullah and Adem Atmaca

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15991; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142315991 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1406

Abstract

There is great growing concern regarding the environmental impact of the building and construction industry. Aggregate, one of the most crucial ingredients of concrete, is among the concerns in this regard. There will be a steady increase in demand for aggregates in the [...] Read more.

There is great growing concern regarding the environmental impact of the building and construction industry. Aggregate, one of the most crucial ingredients of concrete, is among the concerns in this regard. There will be a steady increase in demand for aggregates in the near future, but limited natural reserves will not be able to respond to this demand due to the risk of depletion. This current situation is forcing researchers to conduct new and artificial material production techniques that keep the resources within the allowed boundaries. Artificial aggregate production is one of the new methods for sustainable, environmentally friendly material production. The mechanical and environmental properties of lightweight concrete produced via artificial aggregates in different ratios were investigated in this study. Fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and quartz powder (QP) were utilized in the production of artificial lightweight aggregate (LWA) by using a special technique known as cold-bonding pelletization. The prepared concrete samples with the artificial aggregates were subjected to compressive, tensile, flexural, and bonding tests. The test results demonstrated that the bonding, tensile, and compressive strength values of lightweight concrete with a 20% GGBFS coarse aggregate replacement ratio of lightweight aggregates increased by 11%, 12%, and 30%, respectively. Moreover, it has been observed that a 41% increase in compressive strength is possible with a 40% QP coarse aggregate replacement ratio of lightweight aggregates. Finally, in addition to significantly impacting the mechanical properties of the lightweight concrete produced via artificial lightweight aggregates, we demonstrated that it is possible to control and reduce the harmful environmental effects of waste materials, such as FA, GGBFS, and QP in the present study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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20 pages, 4072 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study and Characterization of Special Gypsum-Based Pastes for Their Use as a Replacement Material in Architectural Restoration and Construction

by María Paz Sáez-Pérez, Jorge A. Durán-Suárez, Amparo Verdú-Vázquez and Tomás Gil-López

Materials 2022, 15(17), 5877; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15175877 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1453

Abstract

Within the construction sector, the use of gypsum-based pastes features in the majority of monuments, giving this material significant relevance in conservation and restoration projects affecting the world’s cultural heritage. In this research, we evaluated special gypsum-based colored pastes mixed with air lime, [...] Read more.

Within the construction sector, the use of gypsum-based pastes features in the majority of monuments, giving this material significant relevance in conservation and restoration projects affecting the world’s cultural heritage. In this research, we evaluated special gypsum-based colored pastes mixed with air lime, hydraulic lime and sodium silicate, and eight different pigments for their use as replacement materials in architectural restoration and construction. We analyzed the suitability of their physical and chemical properties and their hydric characteristics, mechanics and colorimetric implications in two different studies after 28 days and 120 days. The characterization of the products has mainly confirmed the suitability of the pastes containing pigments for use in the most common applications for these kinds of mixes, highlighting that their specific capacities are worth leveraging. The crystallization of gypsum minerals, observed in all of the mixes, helps to consolidate the shrinkage cracks which appear inside the pastes, improving their mechanical strength values. Another observation of the pastes is related to the amorphous silica precipitates in the mixes which contained sodium silicate: the latter provided to them good mechanical behavior. The improvement observed in the pastes containing the green earth pigment is substantial, due to the inclusion of aluminum silicates and Mg, which is partly responsible for the increased compressive strength of the pastes. Finally, the colorimetric analysis is of vital importance in determining the loss of intensity of the colors of the pastes used, since subjective observation leads to serious errors of interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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16 pages, 3362 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Performance of Polyacrylamide-Modified Compacted Clay as a Gas Barrier: Water Retention and Gas Permeability and Diffusion Characteristics

by Yu-Zhang Bi, Jia-Ming Wen, Hao-Liang Wu and Yan-Jun Du

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(16), 8379; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12168379 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1679

Abstract

In this paper, the performance of a gas barrier that consisted of polyacrylamide (PAM)-modified compacted clayey soil was experimentally explored. The moisture content and water loss characteristics of the tested soils were adopted as indicative indices of water retention capacity (WRC). The gas [...] Read more.

In this paper, the performance of a gas barrier that consisted of polyacrylamide (PAM)-modified compacted clayey soil was experimentally explored. The moisture content and water loss characteristics of the tested soils were adopted as indicative indices of water retention capacity (WRC). The gas permeability (K_p) and gas diffusion coefficient (D_p) of the modified compacted clays were evaluated via gas permeability and gas diffusion tests. The test results showed that the moisture content of the modified compacted clay samples subjected to drying tests increased with increasing polyacrylamide content. K_p and D_p decreased with increasing PAM content. Compared with 0.2% PAM content, the K_p of the sample with 1.0% PAM was reduced by ten times, and the D_p was reduced to ~35%. Compared to the unmodified clay, the liquid limit of the PAM-modified clay increased by 45~55%. Comparison of the liquid limit tests between this study and previous studies revealed that the liquid limit ratio of the zwitterionic polyacrylamide (ZP)-modified soil was much higher than the other material-modified soils. The results of this study are useful to facilitate the application of modified compacted clays as gas barrier materials at industrial contaminated sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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17 pages, 7054 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Uniaxial Compressive Stress–Strain Relation of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete with Different Carbonation Depths

by Kun Tu, Jin Wu, Yiyuan Wang, Huachao Deng and Rui Zhang

Materials 2022, 15(15), 5429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15155429 - 07 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1466

Abstract

The stress–strain relation of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) after carbonation is very important to the assessment of the durability of RAC. The objective of this study is to investigate the uniaxial compressive stress–strain curves of RAC after carbonation. In this study, the specimens [...] Read more.

The stress–strain relation of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) after carbonation is very important to the assessment of the durability of RAC. The objective of this study is to investigate the uniaxial compressive stress–strain curves of RAC after carbonation. In this study, the specimens were prepared with 70-mm diameter and 140-mm height cylinders, and the carbonation of the specimens was accelerated after curing 28 days. Then a uniaxial compressive loading test on the specimens was performed by using a mechanical testing machine. The results show that the peak stress (${\sigma }_0$) and elastic modulus ($E_c$) of all specimens increase with the increase of carbonation depth. The ratio of ultimate strain to peak strain (${\epsilon }_{\mathrm{u}}/{\epsilon }_0$) and relative toughness of the specimens decrease with the increase of carbonation depth. Furthermore, carbonation has a stronger effect on natural coarse aggregate concrete (NAC) than the 50% replacement rate of RAC with similar compressive strength. Stress–strain models of recycled aggregate concrete with different carbonation depths were established according to experimental results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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24 pages, 11093 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Use of Carbonated Water as Kneading in Mortars Made with Recycled Aggregates

by David Suescum-Morales, José Ramón Jiménez and José María Fernández-Rodríguez

Materials 2022, 15(14), 4876; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15144876 - 13 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1693

Abstract

The increased concern about climate change is revolutionising the building materials sector, making sustainability and environmental friendliness increasingly important. This study evaluates the feasibility of incorporating recycled masonry aggregate (construction and demolition waste) in porous cement-based materials using carbonated water in mixing followed [...] Read more.

The increased concern about climate change is revolutionising the building materials sector, making sustainability and environmental friendliness increasingly important. This study evaluates the feasibility of incorporating recycled masonry aggregate (construction and demolition waste) in porous cement-based materials using carbonated water in mixing followed (or not) by curing in a CO₂ atmosphere. The use of carbonated water can be very revolutionary in cement-based materials, as it allows hydration and carbonation to occur simultaneously. Calcite and portlandite in the recycled masonry aggregate and act as a buffer for the low-pH carbonated water. Carbonated water produced better mechanical properties and increased accessible water porosity and dry bulk density. The same behaviour was observed with natural aggregates. Carbonated water results in an interlaced shape of carbonate ettringite (needles) and fills the microcracks in the recycled masonry aggregate. Curing in CO₂ together with the use of carbonated water (concomitantly) is not beneficial. This study provides innovative solutions for a circular economy in the construction sector using carbonated water in mixing (adsorbing CO₂), which is very revolutionary as it allows carbonation to be applied to in-situ products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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17 pages, 1767 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Barriers to Sustainable Management of Construction and Demolition Waste in Developed and Developing Countries

by Ali Al-Otaibi, Patrick Aaniamenga Bowan, Mahmoud M. Abdel daiem, Noha Said, John Obas Ebohon, Aasem Alabdullatief, Essa Al-Enazi and Greg Watts

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7532; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14137532 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3978

Abstract

The construction industry is a vital part of every nation’s economy. Construction activities influence the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability. There are so many barriers to sustainable construction and demolition waste management (C&DWM). This study aims to identify barriers for effective [...] Read more.

The construction industry is a vital part of every nation’s economy. Construction activities influence the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability. There are so many barriers to sustainable construction and demolition waste management (C&DWM). This study aims to identify barriers for effective sustainable C&DWM in developed and developing countries. To achieve the objective, 11 barriers have been selected and identified based on an excessive and comprehensive literature review, and then reviewed by experts. These reviewed barriers were further examined by various experts within different organizations using a questionnaire survey. Ranking of the barriers was carried out using the Relative Importance Index (RI), and the results were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Practical solutions were proposed to overcome the identified barriers. The overall ranking of barriers by RI indicates that insufficient attention paid to C&DWM, lack of law enforcement, lack of regulation, and financial constraints represent the four major barriers to sustainable C&DWM in these countries. The findings of this study and the proposed solutions are enablers for decision-makers to develop effective strategies to tackle construction and demolition wastes in sustainable manners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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27 pages, 1430 KiB  

Open AccessReview

A Review on the Effect of Mechanical Properties and Durability of Concrete with Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) and Fly Ash in the Production of New Cement Concrete

by Sérgio Roberto Da Silva and Jairo José de Oliveira Andrade

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6740; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14116740 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3046

Abstract

The search for new alternative materials for employment in the construction industry is necessary for more sustainable development. The construction demolition waste (CDW), as well as by-products generated by initiatives, such as slag, fly ash (FA), palm oil fuel ash (POFA), metakaolin (MK), [...] Read more.

The search for new alternative materials for employment in the construction industry is necessary for more sustainable development. The construction demolition waste (CDW), as well as by-products generated by initiatives, such as slag, fly ash (FA), palm oil fuel ash (POFA), metakaolin (MK), silica fume (SF), and rice husk ash (RHA), are objects of studies in several segments of the civil construction sector. The addition of these wastes to the materials currently used to produce concrete and mortar can be one of the significant efforts to achieve more sustainable construction. The use of these wastes in the construction sector can bring considerable benefits in terms of costs, energy efficiency, and environmental and ecological benefits. Over the years, many types of research have been developed aiming at the possibility of a practical use of CDW as an aggregate and industrial by-product (FA, POFA, MK, SF, RHA) as pozzolans. Based on recent studies, this paper reviews the current state of knowledge about the production of concrete with partial replacement of natural aggregates by recycled aggregates from CDW and the use of fly ash (FA) as pozzolan in partial replacement with Portland cement. This work discussed the following concrete properties: compressive strength, water absorption, chloride penetration, carbonation, and modulus of elasticity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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20 pages, 2139 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evolutionary Game Analysis of Energy-Saving Renovations of Existing Rural Residential Buildings from the Perspective of Stakeholders

by Ming-Qiang Huang and Rui-Juan Lin

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5723; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14095723 - 09 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1822

Abstract

To promote the orderly development of energy-saving renovations of existing rural residential buildings, it is necessary to coordinate the interests of various stakeholders. This study selects three key stakeholders—the government, energy-saving service enterprises and rural residents—as the research subjects and analyzes their interests [...] Read more.

To promote the orderly development of energy-saving renovations of existing rural residential buildings, it is necessary to coordinate the interests of various stakeholders. This study selects three key stakeholders—the government, energy-saving service enterprises and rural residents—as the research subjects and analyzes their interests and rights. In the meantime, a tripartite evolutionary game model is constructed to analyze the evolutionary rules and evolutionary stable strategies of tripartite behaviors, on the basis of which the influencing factors are analyzed. The research results show that: (1) as the supervisor and advocate of energy-saving renovations in existing rural residential buildings, the government, by adopting subsidies and fines, effectively fosters enthusiasm about energy-saving service enterprises among rural residents, encouraging them to participate in energy-saving renovations of existing rural residential buildings; (2) when the income of energy-saving renovations exceeds their cost, changes in the initial willingness ratio of the stakeholders, the government subsidies and fines only affect the evolution of the system so that it reaches a balanced and stable state, without changing the three parties’ behavioral strategy choices in the game; (3) when the income from energy-saving renovations is lower than the cost, the behavioral strategies of the three parties in the game are all uncooperative; (4) key factors affecting tripartite cooperation in the game are as follows: government subsidies and fines, the overall interests of society, government supervision costs, loss of corporate image, standardization of the skills and services provided by enterprises, and willingness of rural residents to participate in the transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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13 pages, 2109 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Geopolymerization Potential of a Waste Silica-Rich Diabase Mud

by Maria Spanou, Sokrates Ioannou, Konstantina Oikonomopoulou, Pericles Savva, Konstantinos Sakkas, Michael F. Petrou and Demetris Nicolaides

Materials 2022, 15(9), 3189; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15093189 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1470

Abstract

Diabase mud (DM) is a silica-rich residue yielding from aggregate crushing and washing operations in quarries. This work focuses on identifying the geopolymerization potential of a diabase mud through characterization of its mineralogical composition, investigation of its reactivity, and assessment of the early [...] Read more.

Diabase mud (DM) is a silica-rich residue yielding from aggregate crushing and washing operations in quarries. This work focuses on identifying the geopolymerization potential of a diabase mud through characterization of its mineralogical composition, investigation of its reactivity, and assessment of the early compressive strengths of alkali activated mixtures formulated based on the mud’s dissolution results. The findings suggest that considerably low amounts of Al and Si metals were dissolved following the dissolution tests conducted on DM, however, the incorporation of small quantities of CEM I, gypsum, and metakaolin (MK) moderately at a Na₂SiO₃:NaOH ratio of 50:50 and with a molarity of NaOH of 4 M enhanced the geopolymerization compared to low L/S ratio mixtures cured at different conditions. When M was increasing, the high L/S ratio mixtures exhibited fluctuations in strengths, especially beyond a 10 M NaOH molarity. Maximum strengths of mixtures at equivalent molarity of 10 were achieved when the Na₂SiO₃:NaOH ratio reached 30:70, regardless of the ambient conditions and the presence of CEM I. The curing conditions, the ratio of Na₂SO₃:NaOH, and the presence of CEM I in the DM-based mixtures did not appear to significantly affect the mixture when NaOH concentration was between 2 M and 4 M; at higher molarities, however, these enhanced the strengths of the geopolymerized DM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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13 pages, 3108 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Chongqing Industrial Zone Transformation Based on Sustainable Development

by Xiaoyan Zhang, Yuehao Cao, Mingfang Tang, Enyi Yu, Yiqun Zhang and Gang Wu

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5122; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14095122 - 24 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1971

Abstract

With rapid urban expansion and the increasing demand of industrial development, the existing industrial zones require transformation and upgrading to achieve the sustainable development of society, economy, and environment. The green transformation of industrial zones lacks overall theoretical guidance and a systematic evaluation [...] Read more.

With rapid urban expansion and the increasing demand of industrial development, the existing industrial zones require transformation and upgrading to achieve the sustainable development of society, economy, and environment. The green transformation of industrial zones lacks overall theoretical guidance and a systematic evaluation system. This research aims at developing effective methods to integrate the elements of existing industrial zones within the same framework for the purpose of optimizing the sustainability of the whole system. In this study, the connotation of a composite ecosystem in existing industrial zones was analyzed using the theory of sustainable development, and an evaluation model of existing industrial zone was constructed. Taking the green transformation of Chongqing Gepai Wire and Cable Co., Ltd. as an example, the sustainability of land, architecture, industry, ecology, landscape, culture, and other elements has been fully considered in the transformation process. Through the evaluation results, it can be seen that the sustainability of all aspects of the industrial zone have been effectively improved, which is 16% to 40% higher than that before the transformation. The research results illustrate that, in the process of the green transformation of industrial zones, using interdisciplinary methods to select indicators and dynamically evaluate the sustainable development of industrial zones can systematically and comprehensively consider the elements of industrial zones and promote the role of various majors in the transformation of industrial zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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21 pages, 9931 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of Construction Waste Recycling under Construction Sustainability Incentives: A Multi-Agent Stochastic Evolutionary Game Approach

by Ying Sun and Zhaolin Gu

Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3702; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14063702 - 21 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2358

Abstract

Because of the rapid development of the economy and the process of urbanization, construction waste recycling is becoming increasingly important and should be considered. Motivated by effectively managing the construction waste recycling under sustainability incentives, the multi-agent stochastic game model is used to [...] Read more.

Because of the rapid development of the economy and the process of urbanization, construction waste recycling is becoming increasingly important and should be considered. Motivated by effectively managing the construction waste recycling under sustainability incentives, the multi-agent stochastic game model is used to evaluate the evolutionary behavior of the government agencies, waste recyclers, and waste producers. To capture the uncertainty existing in the external environment, the replicator dynamic formula is integrated with Gaussian noise, and the Lyapunov exponent diagram is analyzed to illustrate the nonlinear dynamic behavior. The numerical approximations are then solved by utilizing the random Taylor expansion formula. Finally, a numerical simulation is performed to evaluate the evolutionary trajectories of the participants involved. The findings revealed that: (1) the government agency should adopt a positive supervision approach, which can encourage waste producers and recyclers to collaborate around each other; (2) lower sorting and disposal costs can enhance construction waste recycling; and (3) the existence of uncertainty in the environment around different participants will influence one’s strategy selection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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18 pages, 5889 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Defect Detection of Subway Tunnels Using Advanced U-Net Network

by An Wang, Ren Togo, Takahiro Ogawa and Miki Haseyama

Sensors 2022, 22(6), 2330; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s22062330 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3619

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel defect detection model based on an improved U-Net architecture. As a semantic segmentation task, the defect detection task has the problems of background–foreground imbalance, multi-scale targets, and feature similarity between the background and defects in the [...] Read more.

In this paper, we present a novel defect detection model based on an improved U-Net architecture. As a semantic segmentation task, the defect detection task has the problems of background–foreground imbalance, multi-scale targets, and feature similarity between the background and defects in the real-world data. Conventionally, general convolutional neural network (CNN)-based networks mainly focus on natural image tasks, which are insensitive to the problems in our task. The proposed method has a network design for multi-scale segmentation based on the U-Net architecture including an atrous spatial pyramid pooling (ASPP) module and an inception module, and can detect various types of defects compared to conventional simple CNN-based methods. Through the experiments using a real-world subway tunnel image dataset, the proposed method showed a better performance than that of general semantic segmentation including state-of-the-art methods. Additionally, we showed that our method can achieve excellent detection balance among multi-scale defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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13 pages, 2247 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

¹³C, ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si NMR Investigation of the Hydration Kinetics of Portland-Limestone Cement Pastes Containing CH₃-COO⁻-R⁺ (R=H or Na) Additives

by Anton Mazur, Peter Tolstoy and Konstantinos Sotiriadis

Materials 2022, 15(6), 2004; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15062004 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

The hydration kinetics of Portland-limestone cement pastes with organic additives in the form of acetic acid and sodium acetate were studied by using solid-state ¹³C, ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy. The evolution of the relative content of various phases was [...] Read more.

The hydration kinetics of Portland-limestone cement pastes with organic additives in the form of acetic acid and sodium acetate were studied by using solid-state ¹³C, ²⁷Al and ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopy. The evolution of the relative content of various phases was monitored over the period of one month: amorphous and crystalline calcite (in ¹³C spectra), ettringite, aluminum in C-S-H gel, calcium aluminates and calcium hydroaluminates (in ²⁷Al spectra), as well as alite, belite and silicon in C-S-H gel (in ²⁹Si spectra). The retarding effect of the additives on cement hydration at early age was demonstrated. We show that the kinetics of phase assemblage formation is influenced by the acetate ion adsorption on the surface of the anhydrous cement components and hydrated phases. The kinetics of formation of ettringite in the cement paste, depending on the addition of acetic and or sodium acetate, is discussed in the context of potential thaumasite sulfate attack. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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14 pages, 4322 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Chloride Penetration Behavior of Concrete Made from Various Types of Recycled Concrete Aggregate

by Wanchai Yodsudjai and Kirati Nitichote

Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2768; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14052768 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the link between the chloride penetration behavior of concrete made from various types of recycled aggregate from three main sources—building demolition waste (B-RCA), laboratory waste (L-RCA), and precast concrete waste (P-RCA)—and the 28-days compressive strength of natural aggregate [...] Read more.

This research aimed to identify the link between the chloride penetration behavior of concrete made from various types of recycled aggregate from three main sources—building demolition waste (B-RCA), laboratory waste (L-RCA), and precast concrete waste (P-RCA)—and the 28-days compressive strength of natural aggregate concrete with the replacement ration 30%, 60% and 100% respectively. The results of the study revealed that the quality of recycled aggregate waste significantly impacted concrete behavior. To elaborate, finer aggregate potentially increased the inter-facial transition zone (ITZ), which is the weakness part of concrete, resulting in the concrete having less compressive strength as well as increasing amount of chloride ion penetration thought rapid test. In this research, an image processing technique, which is a simple method, was used to quantify the ITZ area of concrete. It was found that concrete with low compressive strength and high permeability values had an ITZ area significantly more than other types of concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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12 pages, 1997 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties and Durability Performance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Containing Crumb Rubber

by Robert B. Ataria and Yong C. Wang

Materials 2022, 15(5), 1776; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15051776 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3018

Abstract

Despite extensive research studies, recycled aggregates and worn-out tyres of motor vehicles are still not fully reused and are hence disposed of in ways that are damaging to the environment. Several studies have been carried out on recycled aggregate and rubberized concrete, but [...] Read more.

Despite extensive research studies, recycled aggregates and worn-out tyres of motor vehicles are still not fully reused and are hence disposed of in ways that are damaging to the environment. Several studies have been carried out on recycled aggregate and rubberized concrete, but very limited studies are conducted on rubber recycled aggregate concrete. This study focuses on the workability, mechanical properties and durability performance of concrete made with 100% recycled aggregates and crumb rubber at different replacement level (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). The first stage of the study covers the effect of incorporating crumb rubber at different concentration on the workability and mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete. The results revealed that the workability and mechanical properties of the recycled aggregate concrete can be used for structural applications when 5% of crumb rubber are used to replace recycled aggregates. The 28-days compressive strength of the rubberized recycled aggregate concrete with 5% crumb rubber concentration is reduced by 21.1% and 32.8% when compared to recycled aggregate concrete and control concrete, respectively. The second stage of the study assesses the durability performance of the recycled aggregate concrete with 5% crumb rubber concentration. The 5% crumb rubber content for durability tests was considered because the ultrasonic pulse velocity tests revealed that the quality of the recycled aggregate concrete is questionable if the concentration of crumb rubber particles is beyond 5%. The durability performance using the surface resistivity test also shows that the chloride ion penetration of recycled aggregates concrete with 5% crumb rubber replacement is moderate using air dried curing technique and high using the water bath curing method. Hence the study suggests the use of rubber recycled aggregate concrete for applications were the exposure condition is not extreme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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20 pages, 4517 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Industrial Ferronickel Slags as Recycled Concrete Aggregates

by Petros Petrounias, Aikaterini Rogkala, Panagiota P. Giannakopoulou, Angeliki Christogerou, Paraskevi Lampropoulou, Spyridon Liogris, Petros Koutsovitis and Nikolaos Koukouzas

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 2231; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12042231 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2424

Abstract

The scope of this study focuses on the use of two different types of industrial byproducts such as slags (FeNi and Electric Arc Furnace slag) combined with natural sand as concrete aggregates as well as the evaluation of their suitability on the final [...] Read more.

The scope of this study focuses on the use of two different types of industrial byproducts such as slags (FeNi and Electric Arc Furnace slag) combined with natural sand as concrete aggregates as well as the evaluation of their suitability on the final physicomechanical behavior of the produced concrete specimens. For this reason, twelve concrete specimens were prepared using variable concentrations of these slags which were compared to concrete specimens made by natural rocks as aggregates (limestones). The mineralogical, petrographic, chemical and morphological characteristics of these raw materials were related to the physicomechanical characteristics of the produced concrete specimens. Those concrete specimens containing aggregates of higher amount of Electric Arc Furnace slags seems to present better mechanical strength both in 7 and in 28 days of curing regarding the other mixtures and regarding the specimens made by natural rocks as aggregates (limestones). This is due to the mineralogical, textural and morphological characteristics of the tested slags, which lead to a better bonding between them and the cement paste making them at the same time a promising alternative in the production of green concrete for construction applications. The compact texture of slags is responsible for the stronger bonding with the aggregates in relation to the unevenly distributed porosity of the natural aggregates. Wüstite presents negative effect on the final mechanical strength of concrete specimens which is documented both by the microscope images and by the three-dimensional study of the produced concretes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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17 pages, 3478 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study with Plaster Mortars Made with Recycled Aggregate and Thermal Insulation Residues for Application in Building

by Daniel Ferrández, Manuel Álvarez, Pablo Saiz and Alicia Zaragoza

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2386; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14042386 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2571

Abstract

The high demand for natural resources and increased industrial activity is driving the construction sector to search for new, more environmentally friendly materials. This research aims to analyse plaster mortars with the incorporation of construction and demolition waste (CDW) to move towards a [...] Read more.

The high demand for natural resources and increased industrial activity is driving the construction sector to search for new, more environmentally friendly materials. This research aims to analyse plaster mortars with the incorporation of construction and demolition waste (CDW) to move towards a more sustainable building sector. Three types of aggregates (natural, recycled concrete and recycled from ceramic walls) and two types of insulation waste (expanded polystyrene with graphite and mineral wool) have been added to the plaster matrix to evaluate its mechanical and physical properties and its suitability in the elaboration of prefabricated materials. The results show how plaster mortars made with recycled aggregates have higher mechanical resistance than conventional plaster without incorporating sand. The incorporation of crushed mineral wool residues improves the flexural strength of plaster mortars and their application in the execution of prefabricated panels. Likewise, the expanded polystyrene residues reduce the final density of mortars, improving their behaviour against water absorption and reducing the final thermal conductivity of plaster material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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17 pages, 5713 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Corn Cob Ash versus Sunflower Stalk Ash, Two Sustainable Raw Materials in an Analysis of Their Effects on the Concrete Properties

by Adrian Alexandru Șerbănoiu, Cătălina Mihaela Grădinaru, Radu Muntean, Nicanor Cimpoeșu and Bogdan Vasile Șerbănoiu

Materials 2022, 15(3), 868; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15030868 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3932

Abstract

The increased CO₂ emissions determined by the cement industry led to continuous and intensive research on the discovery of sustainable raw materials with cementitious properties. One such raw material category is agricultural waste. This study involved research on the effects of corn [...] Read more.

The increased CO₂ emissions determined by the cement industry led to continuous and intensive research on the discovery of sustainable raw materials with cementitious properties. One such raw material category is agricultural waste. This study involved research on the effects of corn cob ash and sunflower stalk ash, respectively, on compressive strength measured after 28 days and 3 months, the flexural and splitting tensile strengths, the resistance to repeated freeze–thaw cycles, and on the resistance to chemical attack of hydrochloric acid of the concrete. A 2.5% and 5% replacement of the cement volume with corn cob ash (CCA) of A and B quality was applied, and with sunflower stalk ash (SSA) at A and B quality, respectively. The obtained results revealed that CCA and SSA decreased the compressive and tensile strength, but led to higher resistance of the concrete on repeated freeze–thaw cycles and to hydrochloric acid. The mixes with 2.5% SSA at A quality obtained the best results regarding splitting the tensile strength and resistance to repeated freeze–thaw cycles, the mixes with 2.5% SSA at B quality led to the highest resistance to hydrochloric acid, and those with 2.5% CCA at A quality led to the best values of compressive strength and flexural tensile strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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18 pages, 8251 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Effect of Regeneration Agent on the Viscosity Properties of Aged Asphalt

by Jiangang Yang, Luhua Luo, Jie Gao, Jing Xu and Chengping He

Materials 2022, 15(1), 380; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15010380 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

China’s highway asphalt pavement has entered the stage of major repair, and improving the utilization rate of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is the main issue. The key link affecting the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures is the regeneration of aged asphalt, and the [...] Read more.

China’s highway asphalt pavement has entered the stage of major repair, and improving the utilization rate of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is the main issue. The key link affecting the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures is the regeneration of aged asphalt, and the effect of the regenerant dosing on the high-temperature performance and viscosity of aged asphalt is the main content to be studied in this research. The aging behavior of asphalt seriously affects the roadworthiness of asphalt mixtures. In this study, we investigated the effect of changes in the microscopic properties of the aged asphalt on its viscosity properties during regeneration using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as Brinell viscosity tests. This study simulated asphalt aging by the RTFOT test, and then we obtained an aged asphalt with a needle penetration of 30. We prepared different regenerated asphalts by adding regeneration agent with doses of 2%, 4%, and 6% to the aged asphalt. The results showed that the regeneration agent could effectively reduce the viscosity of the aged asphalt, which can play a positive role in improving the construction and ease of the aged asphalt. Rejuvenation agents affected the aging asphalt sulfoxide and carbon group indices. Moreover, rejuvenation agents can also significantly reduce the intensities of their characteristic functional group indices. The results of the AFM test showed that the increase in the dose of regeneration agent increased the number of the asphalt bee-like structures and decreased the area of individual bee-like structures. The results of the GPC test were consistent with the results of the AFM test, and the increase in the dose of regeneration agent reduced the asphalt macromolecule content. The viscosity properties and microstructure of the aged asphalt changed positively after the addition of the regeneration agent, indicating that the regeneration agent had a degrading and diluting effect on macromolecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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17 pages, 27915 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Discharging Surplus Soils for Relative Stirred Deep Mixing Methods by MPS-CAE Analysis

by Koki Nakao, Shinya Inazumi, Toshiaki Takaue, Shigeaki Tanaka and Takayuki Shinoi

Sustainability 2022, 14(1), 58; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14010058 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2544

Abstract

Most of the ground in Japan is soft, leading to great damage in the event of liquefaction. Various ground-improvement measures are being taken to suppress such damage. However, it is difficult to carry out ground-improvement work while checking the internal conditions of the [...] Read more.

Most of the ground in Japan is soft, leading to great damage in the event of liquefaction. Various ground-improvement measures are being taken to suppress such damage. However, it is difficult to carry out ground-improvement work while checking the internal conditions of the ground during the construction. Therefore, a visible and measurable evaluation of the performance of the ground-improvement work was conducted in this study. The authors performed a simulation analysis of the relative stirred deep mixing method (RS-DMM), a kind of ground-improvement method, using a computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis based on particle-based methods (PBMs). In the RS-DMM, the “displacement reduction type (DRT)” suppresses displacement during construction. Both the DRT and the normal type (NT) were simulated, and a visible and measurable evaluation was performed on the internal conditions during each construction, the quality of the improved body, and the displacement reduction performance. As an example of these results, it was possible to visually evaluate the discharge of surplus soil by the spiral rod attached to the stirring wing of the DRT. In addition, the authors succeeded in quantitatively showing that more surplus soil was discharged when the stirring wing of the DRT was used than when the stirring wing of the NT was used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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21 pages, 380 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Experience Transforming the Protective Environment of Office Buildings and Spaces

by Panupant Phapant, Abhishek Dutta and Orathai Chavalparit

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 13636; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132413636 - 09 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3315

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected human life in every possible way and, alongside this, the need has been felt that office buildings and workplaces must have protective and preventive layers against COVID-19 transmission so that a smooth transition from ‘work from home’ to [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected human life in every possible way and, alongside this, the need has been felt that office buildings and workplaces must have protective and preventive layers against COVID-19 transmission so that a smooth transition from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from office’ is possible. However, a comprehensive understanding of how the protective environment can be built around office buildings and workspaces, based on the year-long experience of living with COVID-19, is largely absent. The present study reviews international agency regulation, country regulation, updated journal articles, etc., to critically understand lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the expected changes in sustainability requirements of office buildings and workplaces. The built environment, control environment, and regulatory environment around office buildings and workplaces have been put under test on safety grounds during the pandemic. Workers switched over to safely work from home. Our findings bring out the changes required to be affected in the three broad environmental dimensions to limit their vulnerability status experienced during the pandemic. Office building designs should be fundamentally oriented to provide certain safety protective measures to the workers, such as touch-free technologies, open working layouts, and workplace flexibilities to diminish the probability of getting infected. Engineering and administrative control mechanisms should work in a complementary way to eliminate the risk of disease spread. Country regulation, agency regulations, and operational guidelines need to bring behavioral changes required to protect workers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

19 pages, 5688 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Cement Performance Using Industrial Byproducts Such as Nano MgO and Fly Ash from Greece

by Panagiota P. Giannakopoulou, Aikaterini Rogkala, Paraskevi Lampropoulou, Maria Kalpogiannaki and Petros Petrounias

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11601; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112411601 - 07 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2096

Abstract

The need for environmentally friendly construction materials is growing more and more these days. This paper investigates byproducts from Greece, such as magnesite tailings from Evoia and fly ash from Kardia (Ptolemais), in order to evaluate their suitability as cement additives. For this [...] Read more.

The need for environmentally friendly construction materials is growing more and more these days. This paper investigates byproducts from Greece, such as magnesite tailings from Evoia and fly ash from Kardia (Ptolemais), in order to evaluate their suitability as cement additives. For this purpose, the raw materials were tested and studied regarding their mineralogical and chemical components for their morphological characteristics. Different cement specimens of various mixtures of raw materials were produced and tested. These raw materials are considered suitable for cement additives. The effect of nano MgO content seems to have played a more critical role in the physicomechanical performance of produced cement compared to that of the fly ash content. Furthermore, more satisfactory results in the physicomechanical properties of the produced cement gave samples of group II containing 3–4% of nano MgO. Nano MgO content up to 4% seems to have negative influence on the compressive strength of the produced cement, simultaneously reducing its durability. The increase of nano MgO content leads to the increase of the expansion of the produced cement specimens. In the early stage, the expansion rate was intensively larger. With the consumption of nano MgO, the expansion in the later stage gradually slowed down and tended to stabilize. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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17 pages, 4203 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Manufactured Sand with Different Quality on Chloride Penetration Resistance of High–Strength Recycled Concrete

by Jincai Feng, Chaoqun Dong, Chunhong Chen, Xinjie Wang and Zhongqiu Qian

Materials 2021, 14(22), 7101; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14227101 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1782

Abstract

High–strength manufactured sand recycled aggregate concrete (MSRAC) prepared with manufactured sand (MS) and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) is an effective way to reduce the consumption of natural aggregate resources and environmental impact of concrete industry. In this study, high–, medium– and low–quality MS, [...] Read more.

High–strength manufactured sand recycled aggregate concrete (MSRAC) prepared with manufactured sand (MS) and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) is an effective way to reduce the consumption of natural aggregate resources and environmental impact of concrete industry. In this study, high–, medium– and low–quality MS, which were commercial MS local to Changzhou and 100% by volume of recycled coarse aggregate, were used to prepare MSRAC. The quality of MS was determined based on stone powder content, methylene blue value (MBV), crushing value and soundness as quality characteristic parameters. The variation laws of compressive strength and chloride penetration resistance of high–strength MSRAC with different rates of replacement and different qualities of MS were explored. The results showed that for medium– and low–quality MS, the compressive strength of the MSRAC increased first and then decreased with increasing rate of replacement. Conversely, for high–quality MS, the compressive strength gradually increased with increasing rate of replacement. The chloride diffusion coefficient of MSRAC increased with decreasing MS quality and increasing rate of replacement. The chloride diffusion coefficient of MSRAC basically met the specifications for 50–year and 100–year design working life when the chloride environmental action was D and E. To prepare high–strength MSRAC, high–quality MS can 100% replace RS (river sand), while rates of replacement of 50–75% for medium–quality MS or 25–50% for low–quality MS are proposed. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images indicated that an appropriate amount of stone powder is able to improve the compressive strength of RAC, but excessive stone powder content and MBV are unfavorable to the compressive strength and chloride penetration resistance of RAC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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24 pages, 1403 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Critical Barriers to the Implementation of Renewable Technologies in Existing University Buildings

by Joaquín Fuentes-del-Burgo, Elena Navarro-Astor, Nuno M. M. Ramos and João Poças Martins

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12662; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132212662 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2258

Abstract

For more than a decade, the European Union has been implementing an ambitious energy policy focused on reducing CO₂ emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. This paper investigates the factors that hinder the application of renewable energy [...] Read more.

For more than a decade, the European Union has been implementing an ambitious energy policy focused on reducing CO₂ emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. This paper investigates the factors that hinder the application of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in existing university buildings in Spain and Portugal. Following a qualitative methodology, 33 technicians working in the infrastructure management offices of 24 universities have been interviewed. The factors identified have been classified into economic-financial, administrative and legislative barriers, architectural, urban planning, technological, networking, social acceptance, institutional and others. It is concluded that there have not been sufficient economic incentives to carry out RETs projects in this type of building. Conditioning factors can act individually or jointly, generating a greater effect. Most participants consider that there are no social acceptance barriers. Knowledge of these determinants can facilitate actions that help implement this technology on university campuses in both countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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13 pages, 5609 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Study of Clean and Pre-Corroded Reinforcements Embedded in Mortar Samples with Variable Amounts of Chloride Ions

by María de las Nieves González, María Isabel Prieto, Alfonso Cobo and Fernando Israel Olmedo

Materials 2021, 14(22), 6883; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14226883 - 15 Nov 2021

Viewed by 1278

Abstract

The present study investigates the possibility of re-surfacing previously corroded reinforcements and the suitability of the two electrochemical techniques that are widely used to determine the state of corrosion of steel (the corrosion potential E_corr and the corrosion rate i_corr). [...] Read more.

The present study investigates the possibility of re-surfacing previously corroded reinforcements and the suitability of the two electrochemical techniques that are widely used to determine the state of corrosion of steel (the corrosion potential E_corr and the corrosion rate i_corr). In order to test this, 32 pre-corroded B500SD reinforcing steel bars have been used for one year, where half of the bars have been cleaned to eliminate corrosion products. The other half have been maintained with the generated corrosion products. Subsequently, the bars have been embedded in cement mortar samples with variable amounts of chloride ion, and E_corr and i_corr have been measured for 250 days. The results showed that it is not possible to rework the reinforcement without removing corrosion products and that it is not possible to predict the passive or active state of steel by measuring E_corr only. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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12 pages, 3243 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Solidification of Pb²⁺ in Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers

by Fang Liu, Ran Tang, Baomin Wang and Xiaosa Yuan

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12621; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132212621 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2012

Abstract

Fly ash from the incineration of domestic waste contains heavy metals, which is harmful to the environment. To reduce and prevent their contamination, heavy metal ions need to be sequestered. In this study, the geopolymer prepared by fly ash, a kind of power [...] Read more.

Fly ash from the incineration of domestic waste contains heavy metals, which is harmful to the environment. To reduce and prevent their contamination, heavy metal ions need to be sequestered. In this study, the geopolymer prepared by fly ash, a kind of power plant waste, is used to cure the heavy metal Pb²⁺, and to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Pb²⁺ on the compressive strength of the solidified body at different ages; the curing effect is judged by the toxic leaching concentration of heavy metals; the resistance of the solidified body to immersion is evaluated by comparing the change in strength before and after leaching; the fly ash-based geopolymer solidified body is compared with the cement solidified body in terms of curing effectiveness; the properties of the geopolymer and its mechanism of curing heavy metals are explored by microscopic tests. The results show that the fly ash-based geopolymer solidified body has good resistance to immersion; the optimum curing concentration of Pb²⁺ in fly ash-based geopolymers is 2.0%; compared to pure geopolymers, the strength of the solidified body at 28 d decreases by only 13.0%, and the leaching concentration of Pb²⁺ is 4.73 mg·L⁻¹, which meets the specification requirements; the curing effect of the fly ash-based geopolymer is better than the cement solidified body; the microscopic test results indicate that the curing of Pb²⁺ by the fly ash-based geopolymer is a combination of both chemical bonding and physical fixation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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13 pages, 44772 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effects of HPMC on Workability and Mechanical Properties of Concrete Using Iron Tailings as Aggregates

by Xiaowei Gu, Xiaohui Li, Weifeng Zhang, Yuxin Gao, Yaning Kong, Jianping Liu and Xinlong Zhang

Materials 2021, 14(21), 6451; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14216451 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2231

Abstract

Iron ore tailings (IOTs) are gradually used as building materials to solve the severe ecological and environmental problems caused by their massive accumulation. However, the bulk density of IOT as aggregate is too large, which seriously affects the concrete properties. Therefore, in this [...] Read more.

Iron ore tailings (IOTs) are gradually used as building materials to solve the severe ecological and environmental problems caused by their massive accumulation. However, the bulk density of IOT as aggregate is too large, which seriously affects the concrete properties. Therefore, in this paper, the effect of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of concrete prepared from IOT recycled aggregate was studied. The action mechanism of HPMC on the workability and the mechanical properties of the IOT concrete was analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that HPMC can effectively improve the segregation problem caused by the sinking and air entrainment of IOT aggregate and improve the crack resistance of concrete with little effect on its compressive strength and electric flux. These results are due to the air-entraining thickening effect of HPMC, which improves the slurry viscosity, hinders the sinking of aggregate, and improves the workability. At the same time, HPMC film, after concrete hardening, will bridge the slurry and aggregate through physical and chemical effects, hinder the propagation of microcracks, and improve the crack resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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19 pages, 7022 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Strength and Acid Resistance of Ceramic-Based Self-Compacting Alkali-Activated Concrete: Optimizing and Predicting Assessment

by Hassan Amer Algaifi, Mohammad Iqbal Khan, Shahiron Shahidan, Galal Fares, Yassir M. Abbas, Ghasan Fahim Huseien, Babatunde Abiodun Salami and Hisham Alabduljabbar

Materials 2021, 14(20), 6208; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14206208 - 19 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

The development of self-compacting alkali-activated concrete (SCAAC) has become a hot topic in the scientific community; however, most of the existing literature focuses on the utilization of fly ash (FA), ground blast furnace slag (GBFS), silica fume (SF), and rice husk ash (RHA) [...] Read more.

The development of self-compacting alkali-activated concrete (SCAAC) has become a hot topic in the scientific community; however, most of the existing literature focuses on the utilization of fly ash (FA), ground blast furnace slag (GBFS), silica fume (SF), and rice husk ash (RHA) as the binder. In this study, both the experimental and theoretical assessments using response surface methodology (RSM) were taken into account to optimize and predict the optimal content of ceramic waste powder (CWP) in GBFS-based self-compacting alkali-activated concrete, thus promoting the utilization of ceramic waste in construction engineering. Based on the suggested design array from the RSM model, experimental tests were first carried out to determine the optimum CWP content to achieve reasonable compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths in the SCAAC when exposed to ambient conditions, as well as to minimize its strength loss, weight loss, and UPVL upon exposure to acid attack. Based on the results, the optimum content of CWP that satisfied both the strength and durability aspects was 31%. In particular, a reasonable reduction in the compressive strength of 16% was recorded compared to that of the control specimen (without ceramic). Meanwhile, the compressive strength loss of SCAAC when exposed to acid attack minimized to 59.17%, which was lower than that of the control specimen (74.2%). Furthermore, the developed RSM models were found to be reliable and accurate, with minimum errors (RMSE < 1.337). In addition, a strong correlation (R > 0.99, R² < 0.99, adj. R² < 0.98) was observed between the predicted and actual data. Moreover, the significance of the models was also proven via ANOVA, in which p-values of less than 0.001 and high F-values were recorded for all equations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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17 pages, 6591 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Development of Condition Assessment Index of Ballast Track Using Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

by Fiseha Nega Birhane, Yeong Tae Choi and Sung Jin Lee

Sensors 2021, 21(20), 6875; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21206875 - 16 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6332

Abstract

The condition of the ballast is a critical factor affecting the riding quality and the performance of a track. Fouled ballast can accelerate track irregularities, which results in frequent ballast maintenance requirements. Severe fouling of the ballast can lead to track instability, an [...] Read more.

The condition of the ballast is a critical factor affecting the riding quality and the performance of a track. Fouled ballast can accelerate track irregularities, which results in frequent ballast maintenance requirements. Severe fouling of the ballast can lead to track instability, an uncomfortable ride and, in the worst case, a derailment. In this regard, maintenance engineers perform routine track inspections to assess current and future ballast conditions. GPR has been used to assess the thickness and fouling levels of ballast. However, there are no potent procedures or specifications with which to determine the level of fouling. This research aims to develop a GPR analysis method capable of evaluating ballast fouling levels. Four ballast boxes were constructed with various levels of fouling. GPR testing was conducted using a GSSI (Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.) device (400, 900, 1600 MHz), and a KRRI (Korea Railroad Research Institute) GPR device (500 MHz), which was developed for ballast tracks. The dielectric permittivity, scattering of the depth (thickness) values, signal strength at the ballast boundary, and area of the frequency spectrum were compared against the fouling level. The results show that as the fouling level increases, the former two variables increase while the latter two decrease. On the basis of these observations, a new integrated parameter, called a ballast condition scoring index (BCSI), is suggested. The BCSI was verified using field data. The results show that the BCSI has a strong correlation with the fouling level of the ballast and can be used as a fouling-level-indicating parameter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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15 pages, 3059 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Operational Energy Efficiency: A Balanced Sustainability Index from a Life Cycle Consideration

by Ming Hu

Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11263; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132011263 - 13 Oct 2021

Viewed by 4635

Abstract

Most deep energy renovation projects focus only on an operating energy reduction and disregard the added embodied energy derived from adding insulation, window/door replacement, and mechanical system replacement or upgrades. It is important to study and address the balance and trade-offs between reduced [...] Read more.

Most deep energy renovation projects focus only on an operating energy reduction and disregard the added embodied energy derived from adding insulation, window/door replacement, and mechanical system replacement or upgrades. It is important to study and address the balance and trade-offs between reduced operating energy and added embodied energy from a whole life cycle perspective to reduce the overall building carbon footprint. However, the added embodied energy and related environmental impact have not been studied extensively. In response to this need, this paper proposes a holistic sustainability index that balances the trade-off between reduced operating energy and added embodied energy. Eight case projects are used to validate the proposed method and calculation. The findings demonstrate that using a balanced sustainability index can reveal results different from a conventional operating energy-centric approach: (a) operating energy savings can be offset by the embodied energy gain, (b) the operating energy savings do not always result in a life cycle emissions reduction, and (c) the sustainability index can vary depending on the priorities the decision makers give to operating carbon, embodied carbon, and operating cost. Overall, the proposed sustainability score can provide us with a more comprehensive understanding of how sustainable the renovation works are from a life cycle carbon emissions perspective, providing a more robust estimation of global warming potential related to building renovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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16 pages, 1044 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Waste Mineral Wool and Its Opportunities—A Review

by Zhen Shyong Yap, Nur Hafizah A. Khalid, Zaiton Haron, Azman Mohamed, Mahmood Md Tahir, Saloma Hasyim and Anis Saggaff

Materials 2021, 14(19), 5777; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14195777 - 02 Oct 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5825

Abstract

Massive waste rock wool was generated globally and it caused substantial environmental issues such as landfill and leaching. However, reviews on the recyclability of waste rock wool are scarce. Therefore, this study presents an in-depth review of the characterization and potential usability of [...] Read more.

Massive waste rock wool was generated globally and it caused substantial environmental issues such as landfill and leaching. However, reviews on the recyclability of waste rock wool are scarce. Therefore, this study presents an in-depth review of the characterization and potential usability of waste rock wool. Waste rock wool can be characterized based on its physical properties, chemical composition, and types of contaminants. The review showed that waste rock wool from the manufacturing process is more workable to be recycled for further application than the post-consumer due to its high purity. It also revealed that the pre-treatment method—comminution is vital for achieving mixture homogeneity and enhancing the properties of recycled products. The potential application of waste rock wool is reviewed with key results emphasized to demonstrate the practicality and commercial viability of each option. With a high content of chemically inert compounds such as silicon dioxide (SiO₂), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) that improve fire resistance properties, waste rock wool is mainly repurposed as fillers in composite material for construction and building materials. Furthermore, waste rock wool is potentially utilized as an oil, water pollutant, and gas absorbent. To sum up, waste rock wool could be feasibly recycled as a composite material enhancer and utilized as an absorbent for a greener environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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19 pages, 5964 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study of Pavement Micro- and Macro-Texture Evolution Due to Traffic Polishing Using 3D Areal Parameters

by Yiwen Zou, Guangwei Yang, Wanqing Huang, Yang Lu, Yanjun Qiu and Kelvin C. P. Wang

Materials 2021, 14(19), 5769; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14195769 - 02 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1936

Abstract

Pavement micro- and macro-texture have significant effects on roadway friction and driving safety. The influence of traffic polish on pavement texture has been investigated in many laboratory studies. This paper conducts field evaluation of pavement micro- and macro-texture under actual traffic polishing using [...] Read more.

Pavement micro- and macro-texture have significant effects on roadway friction and driving safety. The influence of traffic polish on pavement texture has been investigated in many laboratory studies. This paper conducts field evaluation of pavement micro- and macro-texture under actual traffic polishing using three-dimensional (3D) areal parameters. A portable high-resolution 3D laser scanner measured pavement texture from a field site in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Then, the 3D texture data was decomposed to micro- and macro-texture using Fourier transform and Butterworth filter methods. Twenty 3D areal parameters from five categories, including height, spatial, hybrid, function, and feature parameters, were calculated to characterize pavement micro- and macro-texture. The results demonstrate that the 3D areal parameters provide an alternative to comprehensively characterize the evolution of pavement texture under traffic polish from different aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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26 pages, 3476 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Research Trends of Human–Computer Interaction Studies in Construction Hazard Recognition: A Bibliometric Review

by Jiaming Wang, Rui Cheng, Mei Liu and Pin-Chao Liao

Sensors 2021, 21(18), 6172; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/s21186172 - 15 Sep 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5835

Abstract

Human–computer interaction, an interdisciplinary discipline, has become a frontier research topic in recent years. In the fourth industrial revolution, human–computer interaction has been increasingly applied to construction safety management, which has significantly promoted the progress of hazard recognition in the construction industry. However, [...] Read more.

Human–computer interaction, an interdisciplinary discipline, has become a frontier research topic in recent years. In the fourth industrial revolution, human–computer interaction has been increasingly applied to construction safety management, which has significantly promoted the progress of hazard recognition in the construction industry. However, limited scholars have yet systematically reviewed the development of human–computer interaction in construction hazard recognition. In this study, we analyzed 274 related papers published in ACM Digital Library, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus between 2000 and 2021 using bibliometric methods, systematically identified the research progress, key topics, and future research directions in this field, and proposed a research framework for human–computer interaction in construction hazard recognition (CHR-HCI). The results showed that, in the past 20 years, the application of human–computer interaction not only made significant contributions to the development of hazard recognition, but also generated a series of new research subjects, such as multimodal physiological data analysis in hazard recognition experiments, development of intuitive devices and sensors, and the human–computer interaction safety management platform based on big data. Future research modules include computer vision, computer simulation, virtual reality, and ergonomics. In this study, we drew a theoretical map reflecting the existing research results and the relationship between them, and provided suggestions for the future development of human–computer interaction in the field of hazard recognition from a practical perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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20 pages, 5445 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation of the Physical and Chemical Stability of Dry Bottom Ash as a Concrete Light Weight Aggregate

by Jinman Kim, Haseog Kim and Sangchul Shin

Materials 2021, 14(18), 5291; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14185291 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2104

Abstract

Compared to the bottom ash obtained by a water-cooling system (wBA), dry process bottom ash (dBA) makes hardly any unburnt carbon because of its stay time at the bottom of the boiler and contains less chloride because there is no contact with seawater. [...] Read more.

Compared to the bottom ash obtained by a water-cooling system (wBA), dry process bottom ash (dBA) makes hardly any unburnt carbon because of its stay time at the bottom of the boiler and contains less chloride because there is no contact with seawater. Accordingly, to identify the chemical stability of dBA as a lightweight aggregate for construction purposes, the chemical properties of dBA were evaluated through the following process of the reviewing engineering properties of a lightweight aggregate (LWA). Typically, river gravel and crushed gravel have been used as coarse aggregates due to their physical and chemical stability. The coal ash and LWA, however, have a variety of chemical compositions, and they have specific chemical properties including SO₃, unburnt coal and heavy metal content. As the minimum requirement to use the coal ash and lightweight aggregate with various chemical properties for concrete aggregate, the loss on ignition, the SO₃ content and the amount of chloride should be examined, and it is also necessary to examine heavy metal leaching even though it is not included in the standard specifications in Korea. Based on the results, it is believed that there are no significant physical and chemical problems using dBA as a lightweight aggregate for concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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25 pages, 8200 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Modal Analysis in Addition Percentage Differentiation, and Mechanical Properties of Ordinary Concretes with the Addition of Fly Ash from Sewage Sludge

by Gabriela Rutkowska, Mariusz Żółtowski and Michał Liss

Materials 2021, 14(17), 5039; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14175039 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1947

Abstract

Production cost reduction and constraints on natural resources cause the use of waste materials as substitutes of traditional raw materials to become increasingly important. The dynamic development of sewerage systems and sewage treatment plants leads to increases in the produced sewage sludge. According [...] Read more.

Production cost reduction and constraints on natural resources cause the use of waste materials as substitutes of traditional raw materials to become increasingly important. The dynamic development of sewerage systems and sewage treatment plants leads to increases in the produced sewage sludge. According to the Waste Law, municipal sewage sludge can be used if it is properly stabilized. This process results in significant quantities of fly ash that must be utilized. This paper presents investigation results of partial cement replacement influence by the fly ash from sewage sludge on concrete parameters. The results confirm the possibility of fly ash waste applications as a cement substitute in concrete manufacturing. In the later parts of the publication, a pilot study was conducted using the modal analysis methodology and aimed at checking the hypothesis of whether vibration methods can be used in the assessment of the amount of the admixture used in concrete and the effect it has on concrete properties. This is the first time that vibration tests have been used to determine the diversity of the concrete mix composition and to distinguish the percentage of ash added. There are no studies using modal analysis to distinguish the composition of a concrete mix in the scientific literature. The article shows that the vibration test results show the differentiation of concrete composition and can be further improved as a method for determining the composition of mixtures and for distinguishing their mechanical properties. These are only pilot studies, which, in order to develop the target cognitive inference, should be performed in the future on a significantly enlarged number of the studied samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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13 pages, 1680 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Methods of Reducing Construction Waste in Construction Enterprises Based on Surveys

by Marta Białko and Bożena Hoła

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9888; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179888 - 02 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1825

Abstract

The article presents the analysis of the dependence between methods of reducing construction waste and the size of the construction enterprise. The analysis was carried out for the following construction products: steel, concrete, wood, and small-sized (ceramic, concrete) and finishing (ceramic and stone [...] Read more.

The article presents the analysis of the dependence between methods of reducing construction waste and the size of the construction enterprise. The analysis was carried out for the following construction products: steel, concrete, wood, and small-sized (ceramic, concrete) and finishing (ceramic and stone tiles) products. Based on the literature review, the 13 most frequently used methods of reducing construction waste were identified. Surveys were then conducted among 140 construction enterprises. The research was conducted in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. In order to test whether there is a relationship between the used waste-reduction method for a given construction product and the size of the enterprise, the Pearson chi-square test of independence was used. The null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis were formulated, and the critical level of significance α = 0.05 was adopted. The results were statistically significant for 7 methods of reducing construction waste. The identified methods include appropriate storage, the training of employees in the field of waste management, the use of monitoring systems, the appropriate transport and unloading of products, the appropriate involvement of subcontractors, the use of prefabricated elements, and the reuse of products on the construction site. Based on the conducted research, it was found that these methods are more often used with an increase in the size of the enterprise. The presented analysis emphasizes the urgent need to improve, integrate, and adjust the promotion of both the reduction of construction waste and the benefits of this reduction in construction enterprises, especially those of the smallest size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

12 pages, 11151 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Investigation on Control Burned of Bagasse Ash on the Properties of Bagasse Ash-Blended Mortars

by Redeat Seyoum, Belay Brehane Tesfamariam, Dinsefa Mensur Andoshe, Ali Algahtani, Gulam Mohammed Sayeed Ahmed and Vineet Tirth

Materials 2021, 14(17), 4991; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14174991 - 01 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2801

Abstract

In recent years, partial replacement of cement with bagasse ash has been given attention for construction application due to its pozzolanic characteristics. Sugarcane bagasse ash and fine bagasse particles are abundant byproducts of the sugar industries and are disposed of in landfills. Our [...] Read more.

In recent years, partial replacement of cement with bagasse ash has been given attention for construction application due to its pozzolanic characteristics. Sugarcane bagasse ash and fine bagasse particles are abundant byproducts of the sugar industries and are disposed of in landfills. Our study presents the effect of burning bagasse at different temperatures (300 °C and 600 °C) on the compressive strength and physical properties of bagasse ash-blended mortars. Experimental results have revealed that bagasse produced more amorphous silica with very low carbon contents when it was burned at 600 °C/2 h. The compressive strength of mortar was improved when 5% bagasse ash replaced ordinary portland cement (OPC) at early curing ages. The addition of 10% bagasse ash cement also increased the compressive strength of mortars at 14 and 28 days of curing. However, none of the bagasse ash-blended portland pozzolana cement (PPC) mortars have shown improvement on compressive strength with the addition of bagasse ash. Characterization of bagasse ash was done using XRD, DTA-TGA, SEM, and atomic absorption spectrometry. Moreover, durability of mortars was checked by measuring water absorption and apparent porosity for bagasse ash-blended mortars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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22 pages, 3696 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Cycles for Urban Biomass as a Strategy to Promote a CO₂-Neutral Society—A Feasibility Study

by Nicole Meinusch, Susanne Kramer, Oliver Körner, Jürgen Wiese, Ingolf Seick, Anita Beblek, Regine Berges, Bernhard Illenberger, Marco Illenberger, Jennifer Uebbing, Maximilian Wolf, Gunter Saake, Dirk Benndorf, Udo Reichl and Robert Heyer

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9505; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13179505 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2999

Abstract

The integration of closed biomass cycles into residential buildings enables efficient resource utilization and avoids the transport of biowaste. In our scenario called Integrated Cycles for Urban Biomass (ICU), biowaste is degraded on-site into biogas that is converted into heat and electricity. Nitrification [...] Read more.

The integration of closed biomass cycles into residential buildings enables efficient resource utilization and avoids the transport of biowaste. In our scenario called Integrated Cycles for Urban Biomass (ICU), biowaste is degraded on-site into biogas that is converted into heat and electricity. Nitrification processes upgrade the liquid fermentation residues to refined fertilizer, which can be used subsequently in house-internal gardens to produce fresh food for residents. Our research aims to assess the ICU scenario regarding produced amounts of biogas and food, saved CO₂ emissions and costs, and social–cultural aspects. Therefore, a model-based feasibility study was performed assuming a building with 100 residents. The calculations show that the ICU concept produces 21% of the annual power (electrical and heat) consumption from the accumulated biowaste and up to 7.6 t of the fresh mass of lettuce per year in a 70 m² professional hydroponic production area. Furthermore, it saves 6468 kg CO₂-equivalent (CO₂-eq) per year. While the ICU concept is technically feasible, it becomes economically feasible for large-scale implementations and higher food prices. Overall, this study demonstrates that the ICU implementation can be a worthwhile contribution towards a sustainable CO₂-neutral society and decrease the demand for agricultural land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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16 pages, 4077 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Hydration Mechanism of Ammonia Soda Residue and Portland Cement Composite Cementitious Material

by Dong Xu, Pingfeng Fu, Wen Ni, Qunhui Wang and Keqing Li

Materials 2021, 14(17), 4794; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14174794 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1764

Abstract

The use of ammonia soda residue (ASR) to prepare building materials is an effective way to dispose of ASR on a large scale, but this process suffers from a lack of data and theoretical basis. In this paper, a composite cementitious material was [...] Read more.

The use of ammonia soda residue (ASR) to prepare building materials is an effective way to dispose of ASR on a large scale, but this process suffers from a lack of data and theoretical basis. In this paper, a composite cementitious material was prepared using ASR and cement, and the hydration mechanism of cementitious materials with 5%, 10%, and 20% ASR was studied. The XRD and SEM results showed that the main hydration products of ASR-cement composite cementitious materials were an amorphous C-S-H gel, hexagonal plate-like Ca(OH)₂ (CH), and regular hexagonal plate-like Friedel’s salt (FS). The addition of ASR increased the heat of hydration of the cementitious material, which increased upon increasing the ASR content. The addition of ASR also reduced the cumulative pore volume of the hardened paste, which displayed the optimal pore structure when the ASR content was 5%. In addition, ASR shortened the setting time compared with the cement group, and the final setting times of the pastes with 5%, 10%, and 20% ASR were 30 min, 45 min, and 70 min shorter, respectively. When the ASR content did not exceed 10%, the 3-day compressive strength of the mortar was significantly improved, but the 28-day compressive strength was worse. Finally, the hydration mechanism and potential applications of the cementitious material are discussed. The results of this paper promote the use of ASR in building materials to reduce CO₂ emissions in the cement industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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22 pages, 3938 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Design and Development of Recycled Concretes in a Circular Economy Using Mixed Construction and Demolition Waste

by Marcos Díaz González, Pablo Plaza Caballero, David Blanco Fernández, Manuel Miguel Jordán Vidal, Isabel Fuencisla Sáez del Bosque and César Medina Martínez

Materials 2021, 14(16), 4762; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14164762 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2729

Abstract

This research study analysed the effect of adding fine—fMRA (0.25% and 50%)—and coarse—cMRA (0%, 25% and 50%)—mixed recycled aggregate both individually and simultaneously in the development of sustainable recycled concretes that require a lower consumption of natural resources. For this purpose, we first [...] Read more.

This research study analysed the effect of adding fine—fMRA (0.25% and 50%)—and coarse—cMRA (0%, 25% and 50%)—mixed recycled aggregate both individually and simultaneously in the development of sustainable recycled concretes that require a lower consumption of natural resources. For this purpose, we first conducted a physical and mechanical characterisation of the new recycled raw materials and then analysed the effect of its addition on fresh and hardened new concretes. The results highlight that the addition of fMRA and/or cMRA does not cause a loss of workability in the new concrete but does increase the amount of entrained air. Regarding compressive strength, we observed that fMRA and/or cMRA cause a maximum increase of +12.4% compared with conventional concrete. Tensile strength increases with the addition of fMRA (between 8.7% and 5.5%) and decreases with the use of either cMRA or fMRA + cMRA (between 4.6% and 7%). The addition of fMRA mitigates the adverse effect that using cMRA has on tensile strength. Regarding watertightness, all designed concretes have a structure that is impermeable to water. Lastly, the results show the feasibility of using these concretes to design elements with a characteristic strength of 25 MPa and that the optimal percentage of fMRA replacement is 25%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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15 pages, 4142 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Breathable Cellulose Based Polymeric Membranes with Enhanced Water Resistance for the Building Industry

by Atif Hussain and Pierre Blanchet

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4310; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14154310 - 01 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3517

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of advanced water-resistant bio-based membranes with enhanced vapour permeability for use within building envelopes. Building walls are vulnerable to moisture damage and mold growth due to water penetration, built-in moisture, and interstitial condensation. In this work, breathable [...] Read more.

This study focuses on the development of advanced water-resistant bio-based membranes with enhanced vapour permeability for use within building envelopes. Building walls are vulnerable to moisture damage and mold growth due to water penetration, built-in moisture, and interstitial condensation. In this work, breathable composite membranes were prepared using micro-fibrillated cellulose fiber (CF) and polylactic acid (PLA). The chemical composition and physical structure of CF is responsible for its hydrophilic nature, which affects its compatibility with polymers and consequently its performance in the presence of excessive moisture conditions. To enhance the dispersibility of CF in the PLA polymer, the fibers were treated with an organic phosphoric acid ester-based surfactant. The hygroscopic properties of the PLA-CF composites were improved after surfactant treatment and the membranes were resistant to water yet permeable to vapor. Morphological examination of the surface showed better interfacial adhesion and enhanced dispersion of CF in the PLA matrix. Thermal analysis revealed that the surfactant treatment of CF enhanced the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the composite samples. These bio-based membranes have immense potential as durable, eco-friendly, weather resistant barriers for the building industry as they can adapt to varying humidity conditions, thus allowing entrapped water vapor to pass through and escape the building, eventually prolonging the building life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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22 pages, 3662 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Forecasting the Energy and Economic Benefits of Photovoltaic Technology in China’s Rural Areas

by Wenjie Zhang, Yuqiang Zhao, Fengcheng Huang, Yongheng Zhong and Jianwei Zhou

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8408; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13158408 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2839

Abstract

In recent years, with the rapid development of China’s economy, China’s energy demand has also been growing rapidly. Promoting the use of renewable energy in China has become an urgent need. This study evaluates the potential of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation on [...] Read more.

In recent years, with the rapid development of China’s economy, China’s energy demand has also been growing rapidly. Promoting the use of renewable energy in China has become an urgent need. This study evaluates the potential of solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation on the roofs of residential buildings in rural areas of mainland China and calculates the area that can used for generating energy, the installed capacity, and the power generation, and conducts a comprehensive analysis of the economic benefits of investing in the construction of distributed PV systems in various provinces. The findings unveiled in this study indicate that China still has more than 6.4 billion m² of rural construction area available for the installation of PV modules. If this is all used for solar power generation, the annual power generation can reach up to 1.55 times the electricity consumption of urban and rural residents for the whole society. Through a comprehensive evaluation of energy efficiency and economic benefits, the Chinese mainland can be divided into three types of resource areas. The three types of resource areas have their own advantages and disadvantages. According to their own characteristics and advantages, we can reasonably formulate relevant policies to accelerate the development of PV system application in rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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20 pages, 9510 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Behavior Investigation of Reclaimed Asphalt Aggregate Concrete in a Cold Region

by Wenyuan Xu, Wei Li and Yongcheng Ji

Materials 2021, 14(15), 4101; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14154101 - 23 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2242

Abstract

Recycled construction and demolition (C&D) waste can reduce the rebuild cost, and is environmentally friendly when recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregate constitutes the main part. This paper investigated the mechanical performance of RAP concrete, and the applicability of RAP in road base layers [...] Read more.

Recycled construction and demolition (C&D) waste can reduce the rebuild cost, and is environmentally friendly when recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregate constitutes the main part. This paper investigated the mechanical performance of RAP concrete, and the applicability of RAP in road base layers also was discussed. Several mechanical laboratory tests were selected, including the unconfined compressive-strength, splitting-strength, and compressive-resilience modulus tests. The RAP concrete had a good road performance in a cold region, which was proved by the temperature-shrinkage test, dry-shrinkage test, freeze–thaw-cycle test, and water-stability test. Based on various cement dosages from 3.5% to 5.5% in RAP concrete mix design, three RAP aggregate replacement ratios (30%, 40%, and 50%) were selected to study the variation of mechanical properties with increasing curing time, and the optimal aggregate substitute ratio was determined. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the inner-structure interface between the asphalt binder and cement stone. A numerical model is presented to simulate the RAP compressive strength with respect to the effect of multiple parameters. The research results can provide a technical reference for RAP use in the reconstruction and expansion of low-grade highway projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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14 pages, 5450 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of C-S-H Nucleating Agent on Cement Hydration

by Wenhao Zhao, Xuping Ji, Yaqing Jiang and Tinghong Pan

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6638; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11146638 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2181

Abstract

This work aims to study the effect of a nucleating agent on cement hydration. Firstly, the C-S-H crystal nucleation early strength agent (CNA) is prepared. Then, the effects of CNA on cement hydration mechanism, early strength enhancement effect, C-S-H content, 28-days hydration degree [...] Read more.

This work aims to study the effect of a nucleating agent on cement hydration. Firstly, the C-S-H crystal nucleation early strength agent (CNA) is prepared. Then, the effects of CNA on cement hydration mechanism, early strength enhancement effect, C-S-H content, 28-days hydration degree and 28-days fractal dimension of hydration products are studied by hydration kinetics calculation, resistivity test, BET specific surface area test and quantitative analysis of backscattered electron (BSE) images, respectively. The results show that CNA significantly improves the hydration degree of cement mixture, which is better than triethanolamine (TEA). CNA shortens the beginning time of the induction period by 49.3 min and the end time of the cement hydration acceleration period by 105.1 min than the blank sample. CNA increases the fractal dimension of hydration products, while TEA decreases the fractal dimension. CNA significantly improves the early strength of cement mortars; the 1-day and 3-days strength of cement mortars with CNA are more than the 3-days and 7-days strength of the blank sample. These results will provide a reference for the practical application of the C-S-H nucleating agent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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14 pages, 2048 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Bond Strength and Durability of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Incorporating High Volume Blast Furnace Slag

by Shu-Ken Lin and Chung-Hao Wu

Materials 2021, 14(13), 3708; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14133708 - 02 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1927

Abstract

This paper aims to experimentally investigate the effects of high volume cement replacement of blast furnace slag (BFS) on the bond, strength and durability of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). Concrete mixtures were prepared containing 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 75% BFS with [...] Read more.

This paper aims to experimentally investigate the effects of high volume cement replacement of blast furnace slag (BFS) on the bond, strength and durability of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). Concrete mixtures were prepared containing 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 75% BFS with each of recycled aggregate and natural aggregate. Measurements of the compressive and bond strength, the resistance to chloride-ion penetration and the water permeability of concrete are reported. In addition, a microhardness test was also performed to evaluate the quality of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in concrete. Test results of the bond strength and the compressive strength of RAC mixtures, in spite of the cement replacement amount with BFS, show that the concretes result in reduced strength when compared to natural aggregate concrete (NAC) mixtures, while the strength gains for the BFS-based concrete are higher than that of the reference mixtures without BFS at long-term ages. Incorporating BFS in concrete can inherently improve the durability properties by increasing higher resistance to chloride-ion penetration and lower water permeability. This improvement in the mechanical and durability properties of the BFS-based RAC mixture may be due to the additional pozzolanic reaction of BFS, which enhances the properties of ITZ in concrete, resulting in an improvement of the strength of concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste)

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