Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.5
2.7
Journals
Applied Sciences
Special Issues
Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials
share announcement

Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 5583

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mouhamadou Amar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Centre for Materials and Processes, Institut Mines-Télécom, IMT Nord Europe, F-59508 Douai, France
2. Laboratoire de Génie Civil et Géo-Environnement, ULR 4515—LGCgE, Institut Mines-Télécom, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
Interests: materials; cement; waste; durability; concrete; binders; SCM; geopolymers; sediments, clays; treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Nor Edine Abriak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Centre for Materials and Processes, Institut Mines-Télécom, IMT Nord Europe, F-59508 Douai, France
2. Laboratoire de Génie Civil et Géo-Environnement, ULR 4515—LGCgE, Institut Mines-Télécom, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
Interests: cement; sediments; granular materials; strain localization; earth blocks stabilized; glass waste; concrete; numerical modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the ever-evolving realm of materials science and engineering, innovation and sustainability continue to be the driving forces. As we witness increasing challenges related to environmental concerns and the need for resource optimization, this Special Issue aims to serve as a platform for the dissemination of groundbreaking research and experimental findings in the multifaceted domain of materials, cement, and waste reuse.

This Special Issue covers a broad spectrum of keywords and topics that are pertinent to the future of materials engineering and sustainable construction practices. We invite submissions in the following areas:

  • Formulation and design of sustainable materials: investigating innovative formulations and recipes for eco-friendly construction materials, including concrete and binders.
  • Materials characterization techniques: exploring advanced methodologies and technologies for characterizing materials, providing insights into their properties and behavior.
  • Durability and longevity of materials: assessing the resilience and service life of materials under various environmental conditions and mechanical stresses. It could include numerical modelling.
  • Concrete alternative binders and earth-based materials: examining traditional concrete as well as emerging binders or earth based materials and their applications in construction.
  • Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs): investigating the role of SCMs in enhancing the properties of cementitious systems and reducing environmental impacts.
  • Geopolymers: advancements in geopolymer research, focusing on sustainable alternatives to traditional cement-based materials.
  • Utilization of sediments and clays: exploring the potential of sediments and clays in material production and waste reduction.
  • Waste treatment and reuse: innovative approaches to treating waste materials and incorporating them into construction practices.

This Special Issue welcomes high-quality, original research contributions that span the entire materials science spectrum, from novel characterization techniques to the development of sustainable, durable materials. We are eager to publish research that advances our understanding of materials while promoting environmentally conscious practices within the field.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and believe that this Special Issue will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners committed to the future of sustainable materials and construction.

Dr. Mouhamadou Amar
Prof. Dr. Nor Edine Abriak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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

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

Keywords

  • materials
  • cement
  • waste reuse
  • characterization techniques
  • formulation
  • durability
  • concrete
  • binders
  • SCMs
  • geopolymers
  • sediments, clays
  • treatment

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

15 pages, 13098 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Effect of Moisture on CO2 Diffusion and Particle Cementation in Carbonated Steel Slag
by Shenqiu Lin, Ping Chen, Weiheng Xiang, Cheng Hu, Fangbin Li, Jun Liu and Yu Ding
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3631; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093631 - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 196
Abstract
The study of the mechanisms affecting the preparation parameters of carbonated steel slag is of great significance for the development of carbon sequestration materials. In order to elucidate the mechanism of the influence of moisture on CO2 diffusion and particle cementation in [...] Read more.
The study of the mechanisms affecting the preparation parameters of carbonated steel slag is of great significance for the development of carbon sequestration materials. In order to elucidate the mechanism of the influence of moisture on CO2 diffusion and particle cementation in steel slag, the effects of different water–solid ratios and water contents on the mechanical properties, carbonation products, and pore structure of steel slag after carbonation were investigated. The results show that increasing the water–solid ratio of steel slag can control the larger initial porosity and improve the carbon sequestration capacity of steel slag, but it will reduce the mechanical properties. The carbonation process relies on pores for CO2 diffusion and also requires a certain level of moisture for Ca2+ dissolution and diffusion. Increasing the water content enhances particle cementation and carbonation capacity in steel slag specimens; however, excessive water hinders CO2 diffusion. Reducing the water content can increase the carbonation depth but may compromise gelling and carbon sequestration ability. Therefore, achieving a balance is crucial in controlling the water content. The compressive strength of the steel slag with suitable moisture and initial porosity can reach 118.7 MPa, and 217.2 kg CO2 eq./t steel slag can be sequestered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 8535 KiB  
Article
A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Moisture Content of Recycled Concrete Aggregate on the Compressive Strength of Concrete
by Sung-Won Cho, Sung Eun Cho and Alexander S. Brand
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3512; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083512 - 22 Apr 2024
Viewed by 307
Abstract
To reduce the environmental impact of concrete, recycled aggregates are of significant interest. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) presents a significant resource opportunity, although its performance as an aggregate in concrete is variable. This study presents a meta-analysis of the published literature to refine [...] Read more.
To reduce the environmental impact of concrete, recycled aggregates are of significant interest. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) presents a significant resource opportunity, although its performance as an aggregate in concrete is variable. This study presents a meta-analysis of the published literature to refine the understanding of how the moisture content of RCA, as well as other parameters, affects the compressive strength of concrete. Seven machine learning models were used to predict the compressive strength of concrete with RCA, including linear regression, support vector regression (SVR), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) as single models, and decision tree, random forest, XGBoost, and LightGBM as ensemble models. The results of this study demonstrate that ensemble models, particularly the LightGBM model, exhibited superior prediction accuracy compared to single models. The LightGBM model yielded the highest prediction accuracy with R2 = 0.94, RMSE = 4.16 MPa, MAE = 3.03 MPa, and Delta RMSE = 1.4 MPa, making it the selected final model. The study, employing feature importance with LightGBM as the final model, identified age, water/cement ratio, and fine RCA aggregate content as key factors influencing compressive strength in concrete with RCA. In an interaction plot analysis using the final model, lowering the water–cement ratio consistently improved compressive strength, especially between 0.3 and 0.4, while increasing the fine RCA ratio decreased compressive strength, particularly in the range of 0.4 to 0.6. Additionally, it was found that maintaining moisture conditions of RCA typically between 0.0 and 0.8 was crucial for maximizing strength, whereas extreme moisture conditions, like fully saturated surface dry (SSD) state, negatively impacted strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6752 KiB  
Article
The Synthesis and Characterization of Geopolymers Based on Metakaolin and on Automotive Glass Waste
by Ivana Perná, Martina Havelcová, Monika Šupová, Margit Žaloudková and Olga Bičáková
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3439; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083439 - 18 Apr 2024
Viewed by 391
Abstract
The presented article studies a metakaolin-based geopolymer matrix for which two types of non-recyclable automotive glass waste (AGW) have been used as an alternative aggregate. Their composition and character, as well as their influence on the properties and structure of geopolymer composites (AGW-Gs), [...] Read more.
The presented article studies a metakaolin-based geopolymer matrix for which two types of non-recyclable automotive glass waste (AGW) have been used as an alternative aggregate. Their composition and character, as well as their influence on the properties and structure of geopolymer composites (AGW-Gs), have been investigated by means of X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction analyses, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Infrared analysis has proven that the use of AGW does not affect the formation of geopolymer bonds. GC/MS analysis has revealed the presence of triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) in AGW and geopolymers, whose concentration varied according to the size of the fractions used. Preliminary compressive-strength tests have shown the promising potential of AGW-Gs. From the presented results, based on the study of two types of automotive glass waste, it is possible to assume that automotive glass will generally behave in the same or a similar manner in metakaolin-based geopolymer matrices and can be considered as potential alternative aggregates. The result is promising for the current search for new sources of raw materials, for ensuring resource security, for the promotion of sustainability and innovation and for meeting the needs of the growing world population while reducing dependence on limited resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 4393 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Effects of External Sulfate Attack on Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials at Early Age
by François El Inaty, Bugra Aydin, Maryam Houhou, Mario Marchetti, Marc Quiertant and Othman Omikrine Metalssi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2831; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072831 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 472
Abstract
Placed in a sulfate-rich environment, concrete reacts with sulfate ions, influencing the long-term durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This external sulfate attack (ESA) degrades the cement paste through complex and coupled physicochemical mechanisms that can lead to severe mechanical damage. In common [...] Read more.
Placed in a sulfate-rich environment, concrete reacts with sulfate ions, influencing the long-term durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This external sulfate attack (ESA) degrades the cement paste through complex and coupled physicochemical mechanisms that can lead to severe mechanical damage. In common practice, RC structures are generally exposed to sulfate at an early age. This early exposition can affect ESA mechanisms that are generally studied on pre-cured specimens. Moreover, current efforts for sustainable concrete construction focus on replacing clinker with supplementary cementitious materials, requiring a 90-day curing period, which contradicts real-life scenarios. Considering all these factors, the objective of this study is to explore ESA effects at an early age on cement-blended paste samples using various low-carbon formulations. The characterization techniques used demonstrated that the reference mix (100% CEM I) exhibits the weakest resistance to sulfate, leading to complete deterioration after 90 weeks of exposure. This is evident through the highest mass gain, expansion, cracking, formation of ettringite and gypsum, and sulfate consumption from the attacking solution. Conversely, the ternary mix, consisting of CEM I, slag, and metakaolin, demonstrates the highest resistance throughout the entire 120 weeks of exposure. All the blended pastes performed well in the sulfate environment despite being exposed at an early age. It can be recommended to substitute clinker with a limited quantity of metakaolin, along with blast furnace slag, as it is the most effective substitute for clinker, outperforming other combinations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 7486 KiB  
Article
Mortars with Polypropylene Fibers Modified with Tannic Acid to Increase Their Adhesion to Cement Matrices
by Joanna Julia Sokołowska, Paweł Łukowski and Alicja Bączek
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2677; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072677 - 22 Mar 2024
Viewed by 562
Abstract
The presented research’s main objective was to evaluate the possibility of improving the adhesion between polypropylene fibers and mineral matrices in cementitious composites by modifying the fibers’ surface with tannic acid (TA). This modifier was previously used for polyethylene fibers only. Cement mortar [...] Read more.
The presented research’s main objective was to evaluate the possibility of improving the adhesion between polypropylene fibers and mineral matrices in cementitious composites by modifying the fibers’ surface with tannic acid (TA). This modifier was previously used for polyethylene fibers only. Cement mortar containing modified polypropylene fibers and mortar containing unmodified fibers were tested. The physical and mechanical properties (apparent density, compressive strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity) were determined, and the fibers’ morphology after the specimens’ destruction was observed. No adverse effect of the modification was found. The elastic modulus was 6% lower after 28 days, enabling the formation of a less stiff composite material. The integrity of the specimens after mechanical damage was improved, confirming the increased adhesion between the polypropylene fibers and the hardened cement paste. The results of the introductory tests are promising; however, further research is needed in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 6166 KiB  
Article
Resistance of Concrete with Crystalline Hydrophilic Additives to Freeze–Thaw Cycles
by Anita Gojević, Ivanka Netinger Grubeša, Sandra Juradin and Ivana Banjad Pečur
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2303; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062303 - 09 Mar 2024
Viewed by 484
Abstract
The study explores the hypothesis that crystalline hydrophilic additives (CA) can enhance concrete’s resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, crucial for assessing building durability. Employing EU standards, the research evaluates concrete resistance through standardized European freeze/thaw procedures. Monitoring concrete slabs exposed to freezing in the [...] Read more.
The study explores the hypothesis that crystalline hydrophilic additives (CA) can enhance concrete’s resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, crucial for assessing building durability. Employing EU standards, the research evaluates concrete resistance through standardized European freeze/thaw procedures. Monitoring concrete slabs exposed to freezing in the presence of deionized water and in the presence of 3% sodium chloride solution, the study measures surface damage and relative dynamic modulus of elasticity. Additionally, it assesses internal damage through monitoring of relative dynamic modulus of elasticity on cubes and prisms submerged in water and exposed to freezing/thawing. The pore spacing factor measured here aids in predicting concrete behavior in freeze/thaw conditions. Results suggest that the standard air-entraining agent offers effective protection against surface and internal damage due to freeze/thaw cycles. However, the CA displays potential in enhancing resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, primarily in reducing internal damage at a 1% cement weight dosage. Notably, a 3% replacement of cement with CA adversely affects concrete resistance, leading to increased surface and internal damage. The findings contribute to understanding materials that can bolster concrete durability against freeze–thaw cycles, crucial for ensuring the longevity of buildings and infrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 7824 KiB  
Article
Properties and Durability of Cementitious Composites Incorporating Solid-Solid Phase Change Materials
by Yosra Rmili, Khadim Ndiaye, Lionel Plancher, Zine El Abidine Tahar, Annelise Cousture and Yannick Melinge
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2040; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052040 - 29 Feb 2024
Viewed by 426
Abstract
This paper investigates the properties and durability of cementitious composites incorporating solid-solid phase change materials (SS-PCM), an innovative heat storage material. Mortars with varying SS-PCM contents (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%) were formulated and characterized for rheological, structural, mechanical, and thermal properties. Durability assessment [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the properties and durability of cementitious composites incorporating solid-solid phase change materials (SS-PCM), an innovative heat storage material. Mortars with varying SS-PCM contents (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%) were formulated and characterized for rheological, structural, mechanical, and thermal properties. Durability assessment focused on volume stability (shrinkage), chemical stability (carbonation), and mechanical stability (over thermal cycles). Mortars with SS-PCM exhibited significant porosity and decreased mechanical strength with higher SS-PCM content. However, thermal insulation capacity increased proportionally. Notably, the material’s shrinkage resistance rose with SS-PCM content, mitigating cracking issues. Despite faster carbonation kinetics in SS-PCM mortars, attributed to high porosity, carbonation appeared to enhance long-term mechanical performance by increasing compressive strength. Additionally, SS-PCM composites demonstrated superior stability over thermal cycles compared to reference mortars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4466 KiB  
Article
Recycling 3D Printed Concrete Waste for Normal Strength Concrete Production
by Girum Mindaye Mengistu and Rita Nemes
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031142 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 791
Abstract
As the use of 3D-printed concrete becomes more prevalent, the need for effective recycling methods becomes paramount. This study addresses this concern by exploring the repurposing of 3D-printed concrete waste as an aggregate in normal-strength concrete for C30/37 and C40/50 classes, covering both [...] Read more.
As the use of 3D-printed concrete becomes more prevalent, the need for effective recycling methods becomes paramount. This study addresses this concern by exploring the repurposing of 3D-printed concrete waste as an aggregate in normal-strength concrete for C30/37 and C40/50 classes, covering both fine and coarse aggregates in its particle size distribution. The extent of recycled aggregate (RA) replacement was determined through sieve analysis. A two-stage investigation assessed the compressive strength performance of the concrete specimens. The initial stage produced reference specimens with no replacement, representing conventional concrete. In the second stage, variable specimens incorporated 50% and 67% recycled aggregate (RA) from 3D-printed concrete waste. Results revealed that in C40/50, both the 50% and 67% replacements consistently exhibited a higher strength than 0%. In C30/37, the 50% replacement displayed decreased strength compared to the 0% and 67%, while the 67% replacement consistently showed superior strength. Adjusting the water content impacted strength; at 67%, slight variations occurred, while at 50%, extra water led to a significant decrease. An overarching discovery is that the efficacy of the 67% replacement level holds regardless of the concrete strength class. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6299 KiB  
Article
Shear Performance of the Interface of Sandwich Specimens with Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix Vegetal Fabric Skins
by Lluís Gil, Luis Mercedes, Virginia Mendizabal and Ernest Bernat-Maso
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020883 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 514
Abstract
The utilization of the vegetal fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) represents an innovative approach to composite materials, offering distinct sustainable advantages when compared to traditional steel-reinforced concrete and conventional FRCM composites employing synthetic fibers. This article introduces a design for sandwich solutions based on [...] Read more.
The utilization of the vegetal fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) represents an innovative approach to composite materials, offering distinct sustainable advantages when compared to traditional steel-reinforced concrete and conventional FRCM composites employing synthetic fibers. This article introduces a design for sandwich solutions based on a core of extruded polystyrene and composite skins combining mortar as a matrix and diverse vegetal fabrics as fabrics such as hemp and sisal. The structural behavior of the resulting sandwich panel is predominantly driven by the interaction between materials (mortar and polyurethane) and the influence of shear connectors penetrating the insulation layer. This study encompasses an experimental campaign involving double-shear tests, accompanied by heuristic bond-slip models for the potential design of sandwich solutions. The analysis extends to the examination of various connector types, including hemp, sisal, and steel, and their impact on the shear performance of the sandwich specimens. The results obtained emphasize the competitiveness of vegetal fabrics in achieving an effective composite strength comparable to other synthetic fabrics like glass fiber. Nevertheless, this study reveals that the stiffness of steel connectors outperforms vegetal connectors, contributing to an enhanced improvement in both stiffness and shear strength of the sandwich solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3096 KiB  
Article
Prediction Models for Mechanical Properties of Cement-Bound Aggregate with Waste Rubber
by Matija Zvonarić, Mirta Benšić, Ivana Barišić and Tihomir Dokšanović
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(1), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14010470 - 04 Jan 2024
Viewed by 775
Abstract
The high stiffness of cement-bound aggregate (CBA) is recognized as its main drawback. The stiffness is described by the modulus of elasticity, which is difficult to determine precisely in CBA. Incorporating rubber in these mixtures reduces their stiffness, but mathematical models of the [...] Read more.
The high stiffness of cement-bound aggregate (CBA) is recognized as its main drawback. The stiffness is described by the modulus of elasticity, which is difficult to determine precisely in CBA. Incorporating rubber in these mixtures reduces their stiffness, but mathematical models of the influence of rubber on the mechanical characteristics have not previously been defined. The scope of this research was to define a prediction model for the compressive strength (fc), dynamic modulus of elasticity (Edyn) and static modulus of elasticity (Est) based on the measured ultrasonic pulse velocity as a non-destructive test method. The difference between these two modules is based on the measurement method. Within this research, the cement and waste rubber content were varied, and the mechanical properties were determined for three curing periods. The Edyn was measured using the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), while the Est was determined using three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D DIC). The influence of the amount of cement and rubber and the curing period on the UPV was determined. The development of prediction models for estimating the fc and Est of CBA modified with waste rubber based on the non-destructive test results is highlighted as the most significant contribution of this work. The curing period was statistically significant for the prediction of the Est, which points to the development of CBA elastic properties through different stages during the cement-hydration process. By contrast, the curing period was not statistically significant when estimating the fc, resulting in a simplified, practical and usable prediction model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Characterization, Application and Recycling of Novel Construction Materials)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-10
Back to TopTop