Research

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17 pages, 2112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward Self-Healing Coatings: Bacterial Survival and Calcium Carbonate Precipitation in Acrylic and Styrene–Acrylic Model Paint Films

by Matthew E. Jennings, George J. Breley, Anna Drabik, Chinnapatch Tantisuwanno, Maria A. Dhinojwala, Anuradha Kanaparthi and Hazel A. Barton

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051202 - 24 Apr 2024

Abstract

Engineered living materials (ELMs) incorporate living material to provide a gain of function over existing materials, such as self-repair. The use of bacteria in ELMs has been studied extensively in concrete, where repair can be facilitated by bacterial ureolytic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃ [...] Read more.

Engineered living materials (ELMs) incorporate living material to provide a gain of function over existing materials, such as self-repair. The use of bacteria in ELMs has been studied extensively in concrete, where repair can be facilitated by bacterial ureolytic calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) precipitation; however, the study of bacteria in other construction materials is limited. We examined the ability of bacterial species to survive in common latex binder chemistries, a model paint formulation, and through the film-forming process. The longest survival was by bacterial spores of Bacillus simplex str. GGC-P6A, which survive in latex emulsions, a liquid coating composition, and in a dried film for >28 days. Surprisingly, our data show that non-spore-forming Escherichia coli survive at least 15 days in liquid composition, which appear to be influenced by the composition of the outer membrane, nutrient scavenging, and the ability to metabolize toxic acrylate. Spores of GGC-P6A were shown to grow in solid paint films from sites of damage, resulting in crack filling through carbonate precipitation, demonstrating the potential for self-repair through microbially mediated CaCO₃ precipitation without directed pH modification. These data suggest that a range of bacterial species, in particular members of Bacilli, may facilitate new applications of bio-augmented, self-healing coating systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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27 pages, 7611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Volume Approach to Evaluate Biaxial Bubbled Slabs’ Resistance to Punching Shear

by Nazar Oukaili, Hammad Merie, Abbas Allawi and George Wardeh

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030676 - 03 Mar 2024

Viewed by 612

Abstract

The bubbled slab, a type of reinforced concrete (RC) slab with plastic voids, is an innovative design that employs a biaxial distribution of voiding formers within the slab to reduce the slab’s self-weight while preserving a load-carrying capacity that is approximately comparable to [...] Read more.

The bubbled slab, a type of reinforced concrete (RC) slab with plastic voids, is an innovative design that employs a biaxial distribution of voiding formers within the slab to reduce the slab’s self-weight while preserving a load-carrying capacity that is approximately comparable to that of solid slabs. This paper presents a new approach for figuring out the effective critical shear perimeter of voided slabs using the reduced-volume concept of concrete. This approach aims to reduce the coefficient of variation of the current design standards, namely the ACI 318-19 and Eurocode 2, for assessing the slabs’ resistance to punching shear. Our experimental program investigated the impact of voiding former patterns and the location of an opening near a column on the punching shear resistance of biaxial hollow slabs. The factors under consideration included the opening’s size, location, and distance from the loaded area, as well as the voiding formers’ placement concerning the critical shear boundaries. The results of experiments on 10 full-scale, 2000 × 2000 × 230 mm, reinforced concrete biaxial voided slabs with an opening are presented in this study. Two design expressions were used to estimate the biaxial hollow slabs’ shear strength. These expressions take into account the reduced volume of concrete and the distribution of voiding formers up to the section

4 d

from the periphery of the column. The proposed approach to determine the effective punching shear perimeter has the lowest coefficient of variation among the methods suggested by these standards. This indicates the validity of our proposed expressions. The coefficient of variation of the proposed expressions does not exceed 0.057. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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14 pages, 2558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Efficiency in Mineral Construction Materials Recycling: A Comprehensive Approach Integrating Machine Learning and X-ray Diffraction Analysis

by Markus Wilhelm, Frank Lotter, Christian Scherdel and Jan Schmitt

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020340 - 25 Jan 2024

Viewed by 740

Abstract

In the context of environmental protection, the construction industry plays a key role with significant CO₂ emissions from mineral-based construction materials. Recycling these materials is crucial, but the presence of hazardous substances, i.e., in older building materials, complicates this effort. To be [...] Read more.

In the context of environmental protection, the construction industry plays a key role with significant CO₂ emissions from mineral-based construction materials. Recycling these materials is crucial, but the presence of hazardous substances, i.e., in older building materials, complicates this effort. To be able to legally introduce substances into a circular economy, reliable predictions within minimal possible time are necessary. This work introduces a machine learning approach for detecting trace quantities (≥0.06 wt%) of minerals, exemplified by siderite in calcium carbonate mixtures. The model, trained on 1680 X-ray powder diffraction datasets, provides dependable and fast predictions, eliminating the need for specialized expertise. While limitations exist in transferability to other mineral traces, the approach offers automation without expertise and a potential for real-world applications with minimal prediction time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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17 pages, 14676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengthening Effect of the Fixing Method of Polypropylene Band on Unreinforced Brick Masonry in Flexural, Shear, and Torsion Behaviors

by Ta Quy Hung, Mitsuo Mizoguchi and Yuya Takase

Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2863; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112863 - 15 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1068

Abstract

Every year, Vietnam faces typhoons accompanied by strong winds. Semi-permanent houses are severely damaged by these winds. We researched a strengthening method using a Polypropylen (PP) band to prevent housing damage caused by strong winds. In this study, we have developed a new [...] Read more.

Every year, Vietnam faces typhoons accompanied by strong winds. Semi-permanent houses are severely damaged by these winds. We researched a strengthening method using a Polypropylen (PP) band to prevent housing damage caused by strong winds. In this study, we have developed a new method of fixing PP band to bricks. The PP band is sandwiched between two flat steel washers and fastened with steel screws to a plastic plug embedded in the side of the brick. A total of 49 specimens were used to study the influence of the PP band on the flexural, shear, and torsional behaviors of brick masonry. In the flexural tests, the results show that the average load-carrying capacity at ultimate failure and deflection at first crack of the PP band specimens was 1.7 and 1.62 times, respectively, higher than those of non-PP band specimens. In the shear tests, the tests on the strengthened specimens showed an increase in the shear strength for all pre-compression ranges of 0.2–0.6 N/mm². However, it was not significant. Similarly, the initial stiffness was not significantly affected by the pre-compression level in both the reinforced and unreinforced cases. In the torsion tests, the improvements in the average load-carrying capacity and deformation ability at the first crack were 1.21 times and 1.47 times, respectively. In the reinforced specimens, at ultimate failure, a slight increase in load was observed, but it did not exceed the initial peak load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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14 pages, 2254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Crushing and Grinding on the Porosity of Hardened Cement Paste

by Mohamed ElKarim Bouarroudj, Sébastien Rémond, Bogdan Cazacliu, Guillaume Potier, Luc Courard and David Bulteel

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092319 - 13 Sep 2023

Viewed by 720

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to study the impact of crushing and grinding on the porosity of hardened cement paste, which is responsible for the high values of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) water absorption. Hardened cement pastes with three different water to [...] Read more.

The objective of this paper was to study the impact of crushing and grinding on the porosity of hardened cement paste, which is responsible for the high values of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) water absorption. Hardened cement pastes with three different water to cement ratios have been crushed in one to three steps with a jaw crusher to produce aggregate larger than 2 mm and ground with a disc crusher in order to produce particles lower than 150 µm. Water absorption tests and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) were performed for the different resulting sizes. It was observed that the crushing procedure did not significantly affect the porosity of the aggregate. However, MIP performed on the powders showed differences in the pore size distribution compared with the monolith. This can better be attributed to a modification of the surface roughness of the particles than to a modification of their porosity. In all cases, the water absorption rate was the highest during the first 1 min after soaking in water. It was also observed that the morphology of the particles changed from a step of crushing to another. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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27 pages, 15045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of Soil-Based 3D-Printable Mixtures: A Mix-Design Methodology and a Case Study

by Jana Daher, Joelle Kleib, Mahfoud Benzerzour, Nor-Edine Abriak and Georges Aouad

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1618; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071618 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1971

Abstract

Concrete 3D printing is one of the newest technologies in the field of construction. However, despite the various opportunities that this technique offers today, it still has a high environmental impact, as most 3D-printable materials contain high amounts of cement. On the other [...] Read more.

Concrete 3D printing is one of the newest technologies in the field of construction. However, despite the various opportunities that this technique offers today, it still has a high environmental impact, as most 3D-printable materials contain high amounts of cement. On the other hand, due to the large volumes of soil excavated each year across the world, there is a pressing need for proper management to dispose of it or reuse it efficiently. This study aims to develop sustainable and resistant 3D-printable materials with low environmental impact using excavated soil. Firstly, a series of tests were carried out to find the most appropriate superplasticizer and the amount required to develop the printable mixtures. Next, the extrudability and buildability were evaluated and verified to validate the printability of the developed mixtures. A 3D laboratory printer was also used to validate the printability of the mixtures on a larger scale. Then, the fresh and hardened properties of the printable mixtures were investigated. Three printable mixtures were developed, with the most environmentally friendly mixture having a soil content of 1602 kg/m³ and a cement content of 282 kg/m³. The mixtures demonstrated satisfactory characteristics and properties in both fresh and hardened states. On the one hand, the mixtures were extrudable and buildable at two laboratory scales. On the other hand, the mixtures presented sufficient compressive strengths, ranging from 16 MPa to 34 MPa, despite their high soil content and low cement content. In addition, their compressive strengths were found to be higher than the minimum strength required for structural concrete. Consequently, this study highlights the possibility of developing ecological, sustainable and resistant mixtures that can be used in 3D-printing construction applications using excavated soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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19 pages, 4001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Based Electrospun Nanofiber Membrane for Passive Indoor Moisture Control

by Dong Ding and Menghao Qin

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051192 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2028

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), an emerging class of porous sorbents, have become one of the most promising functional materials for indoor moisture regulation. However, the practical application of MOFs in building environments is challenging. Common shaping forms of MOFs (e.g., pellets, tablets, monoliths, granules, [...] Read more.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), an emerging class of porous sorbents, have become one of the most promising functional materials for indoor moisture regulation. However, the practical application of MOFs in building environments is challenging. Common shaping forms of MOFs (e.g., pellets, tablets, monoliths, granules, coating, etc.) may lead to agglomeration of MOF particles, higher usage costs, low efficiency, and material waste. Here, we report a new MOF-based electrospun nanofiber membrane with high porosity, light weight, and a large surface-area-to-volume ratio. MOF nanoparticles distributed on the fibers can fully contact moisture in the air, thus significantly enhancing MOFs’ utilization and performance. The results of the moisture adsorption test show that the improved MOF membrane has significantly higher water vapor uptake than most conventional hygroscopic materials and textiles in built environments. A building energy model was established to evaluate the MOF membrane’s effect on building energy consumption under different climates worldwide. The simulation results show that the MOF membrane can efficiently moderate indoor moisture fluctuation and has excellent energy-saving potential. The latent heat load reduction rate in summer can be up to 80–90% in arid/semi-arid climates and around 50% in temperate climates in a purely passive manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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16 pages, 4278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Activity and Mechanical Properties of Cement Slurries Containing Titanium Dioxide

by Yasmine Jabali, Joseph Assaad and Georges Aouad

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041046 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 907

Abstract

The effect of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) on the mechanical properties of cement slurries including their benefits on air purification and abatement of pollutants is not well documented. Cementitious-based slurries are typically applied in thin layers as decorative coatings for existing facades, [...] Read more.

The effect of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) on the mechanical properties of cement slurries including their benefits on air purification and abatement of pollutants is not well documented. Cementitious-based slurries are typically applied in thin layers as decorative coatings for existing facades, protection against an ingress of aggressive ions, or rainproof covers to minimize water penetration. Different parameters including the TiO₂ concentration, dispersion time during batching, and applied thickness on top of existing mortar blocks are investigated in this paper. Tested properties included the flow, colorimetry, compressive/flexural strengths, bond to existing substrates, water absorption, and photocatalytic activity evaluated using an ISO 22197-1:2007 reactor. The results showed that the mechanical properties remarkably improved with TiO₂ additions, up to 8% of the cement mass. This was attributed to two concomitant phenomena including a micro-filler effect that enhances the packing density and nucleation sites to promote strength development. The removal of nitrogen oxides from the atmosphere reached 92% when the TiO₂ was added at a rate of 5% of the cement mass. Such data can be of particular interest to consultants and environmental activists searching for innovative materials capable of maintaining better ambient air quality in urban and modern cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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Review

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22 pages, 7575 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of Micro- and Nano-Dispersion Additives for Asphalt and Bitumen for Road Construction

by Kinga Korniejenko, Marek Nykiel, Marta Choinska, Assel Jexembayeva, Marat Konkanov and Lyazat Aruova

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 2948; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13122948 - 26 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1497

Abstract

The main motivations for the development of research in the area of appropriate additives for asphalt and bitumen are the enhancement of their properties and improvement of their production process, including the reduction in environmental burden. Many additives improve the properties of mineral–asphalt [...] Read more.

The main motivations for the development of research in the area of appropriate additives for asphalt and bitumen are the enhancement of their properties and improvement of their production process, including the reduction in environmental burden. Many additives improve the properties of mineral–asphalt mixtures. Traditionally, additives such as the following are applied: elastomers, plastomers, latexes, rubber powder, resins, and others. Currently, the modification of asphalt and bitumen materials by traditional additives can be replaced by nanomaterials that better fit the requirements of modern industry. New solutions are required, which has led to years of studies researching micro- and nano-additives. The main aim of the article is to analyze contemporary research where micro- and nano-additives were applied to asphalt and bitumen and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of these additives for road construction. The article studied the state of the art in this area based on the literature research. It presents the possible materials’ solutions, including their properties, used technology, and featured trends for road construction. The challenges for further projects are discussed, especially environmental issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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34 pages, 13787 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Advances in 3D Printing Technology of Cementitious Materials: Key Printing Parameters and Properties Characterization

by Manon Arrêteau, Aurélie Fabien, Badreddine El Haddaji, Daniel Chateigner, Mohammed Sonebi and Nassim Sebaibi

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071828 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1793

Abstract

The field of 3D printing is in rapid evolution. The 3D printing technology applied to civil engineering is a promising advancement. From equipment and mixture design to testing methods, new developments are popping up to respond to specific demands either for the fresh [...] Read more.

The field of 3D printing is in rapid evolution. The 3D printing technology applied to civil engineering is a promising advancement. From equipment and mixture design to testing methods, new developments are popping up to respond to specific demands either for the fresh or hardened state. Standardizing methods are still at an early age. For this reason, there is a multitude of 3D printers with different capabilities to print cementitious materials. In addition, norms are not applicable in 3D printing material science. Advances are being made to create new methods of testing. The key parameters of this new 3D printing process based on stratification, multiple uses of binders, and measurement at fresh and hardened states are being perfected to achieve an industrial application. This article gives an overview of how 3D-printed structures are made along with critical parameters that influence their performances. Our review suggests that the quality of the 3D prints is determined by the printing method, key printing parameters, and the mix design. We list different tests to help characterize these 3D-printed cementitious materials at the fresh state and to assess their performances at the hardened state. We aim throughout this work to give a state-of-the-art of recent advances in 3D printing technology. This could help for a better understanding of cementitious materials 3D printing for current and future related research work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Methods)

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