Special Issue "Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction"

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2023 | Viewed by 11718

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The built environment is the most energy-intensive sector of the economy. Moreover, the construction industry is the most responsible one worldwide for depleting natural resources. Portland cement production alone is currently the third largest source of global CO2 anthropogenic emissions. With the advent of climate change threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human life, research on energy-efficient buildings as well as sustainable and eco-efficient construction materials has become of paramount importance. This Special Issue seeks robust research studies on eco-efficient and carbon-neutral construction materials, building materials with high amounts of recycled content, the beneficiation of by-products and waste materials in construction, green construction practices, sustainable construction materials with enhanced mechanical, durability, and thermal performance, and related innovative research centered on the sustainability of building construction. Both experimental and modeling studies will be considered. Submitted studies shall clearly identify their novelty and contribution to the state of the art.

Prof. Dr. Moncef L. Nehdi
Guest Editor

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. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2000 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

  • building
  • energy
  • sustainability
  • recycling
  • NetZero
  • carbon-neutral
  • eco-efficient

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

Article
Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Natural, Sustainable Composite Material Properties Using Bio-Binder for Eco-Friendly Construction Applications
Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051324 - 19 May 2023
Viewed by 322
Abstract
The utilization of waste materials like bio-binders and fine aggregates in construction is crucial for achieving environmentally sustainable building practices. By reusing these materials, we can significantly reduce waste production and preserve precious natural resources, making it a vital aspect of sustainable construction. [...] Read more.
The utilization of waste materials like bio-binders and fine aggregates in construction is crucial for achieving environmentally sustainable building practices. By reusing these materials, we can significantly reduce waste production and preserve precious natural resources, making it a vital aspect of sustainable construction. This paper presents the experimental findings on the mechanical characteristics of using micro sand silica mixed with a bio-binder such as okra. The estimated mechanical properties that are discussed in this research include modulus, strength, and toughness. Okra with three different weight percentages (5, 10, and 15%) was mixed with four different micro-size particles (25, 250, 425, and 850 μm) and then compressed into a cylindrical sample. Okra demonstrated good adherence characteristics to sand silica particles, where the test results indicate that adding okra significantly affects the mechanical properties. Thermal analysis and SEM were employed to investigate the material degradation, surface morphology, and the internal structure of the composites. In general, it has been observed that at a particle size of 250 μm, the best mechanical properties have been achieved at a 15% weight ratio of the okra bio-binder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Investigating the Effects of Concrete Mix Design on the Environmental Impacts of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051313 - 18 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 360
Abstract
This study examines the impact of mix design parameters on the environmental effects of producing concrete and reinforced concrete buildings by conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint analysis (CFA). The study is limited to the cradle-to-gate phase, including the extraction [...] Read more.
This study examines the impact of mix design parameters on the environmental effects of producing concrete and reinforced concrete buildings by conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint analysis (CFA). The study is limited to the cradle-to-gate phase, including the extraction and production of raw materials for concrete production, as well as concrete and rebar production, material transportation, and delivery to the construction site for reinforced concrete structures. Three concrete mix designs based on the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 211-09 standard, with compressive strengths of 20, 30, and 40 MPa, were analyzed. The results indicate that cement was the primary contributor to environmental impacts, accounting for approximately 90% of the carbon footprint. Sand, gravel, and admixtures followed cement in their impact on LCA results. Water usage in concrete production had a negligible effect on LCA indicators. Moreover, to determine how mix design parameters impact the carbon footprint of reinforced concrete buildings, three four-story structures were designed. The results show that in reinforced concrete buildings, concrete was a significant contributor to environmental impacts, accounting for over 50% of all indicators in the IMPACT 2002+ and CML baseline 2000 methods, except for resources and acidification. The study underscores the importance of considering mix design parameters in reducing the carbon footprint of reinforced concrete buildings and provides valuable insights into their environmental impacts. The findings indicate that cement is the main driver of environmental impacts in both assessment methods, accounting for around 90% of the carbon footprint. Additionally, concrete plays a substantial role in environmental effects, contributing to over 50% of all indicators measured in the methods used for evaluating environmental impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Recycling of Plastic Polymer: Reinforcement of Building Material Using Polymer Plastics of Used COVID-19 Syringes
Buildings 2023, 13(4), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040919 - 30 Mar 2023
Viewed by 731
Abstract
Plastic waste causes severe environmental impacts worldwide and threatens the lives of all creatures. In the medical field, most of the equipment, especially personal protective equipment (PPE), is made from single-use plastic. During COVID-19, the usage of PPE has increased, and is disposed [...] Read more.
Plastic waste causes severe environmental impacts worldwide and threatens the lives of all creatures. In the medical field, most of the equipment, especially personal protective equipment (PPE), is made from single-use plastic. During COVID-19, the usage of PPE has increased, and is disposed of in landfills after being used once. Worldwide, millions of tons of waste syringes are generated from COVID-19 vaccination. A practical alternative to utilizing this waste is recycling it to reinforce building materials. This research introduces an approach to using COVID-19 syringe plastic waste to reinforce building material as composite concrete. Reinforced fiber polymer (FRP) concrete materials were used to mold cylindrical specimens, which underwent mechanical tests for mechanical properties. This study used four compositions with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of FRP to create cylindrical samples for optimum results. Sequential mechanical tests were carried out on the created samples. These specimens were cured for a long period to obtain water absorption capability. After several investigations, the highest tensile and compressive strengths, approximately 2.0 MPa and 10.5 MPa, were found for the 5% FRP composition samples. From the curing test, the lowest water absorbability of around 5% was found for the 5% FRP composition samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Effect of Aggregate on the Performance of Fly-Ash-Based Geopolymer Concrete
Buildings 2023, 13(3), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030769 - 15 Mar 2023
Viewed by 719
Abstract
The influence of geopolymer binder characteristics on the performance of geopolymer concrete has been extensively investigated. Yet, the influence of aggregate properties has not been thoroughly studied, and it is usually assumed that their effect is the same as in cement concrete. This [...] Read more.
The influence of geopolymer binder characteristics on the performance of geopolymer concrete has been extensively investigated. Yet, the influence of aggregate properties has not been thoroughly studied, and it is usually assumed that their effect is the same as in cement concrete. This study investigates the effect of aggregate on the performance of fly-ash-based geopolymer concrete. A systematic experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aggregate parameters, including volume fractions (AVFs), coarse aggregate to the total aggregate ratio (CAR), maximum coarse aggregate size (MAS), and fineness modulus of fine aggregate (FFM) on the compressive strength, slump, apparent volume of permeable pores (AVPPs), and the air content of geopolymer concrete. Response surface methodology (RSM) using the central composite design approach was utilized to design the experiments and analyze the results statistically. The analysis shows that all of the investigated aggregate parameters have significant first-order effects on the measured properties. No significant interaction between any of the investigated parameters was found. The aggregate may alter the geopolymerization processes, whereby SEM-EDS analysis revealed statistically significant variations in the elemental concentrations of the produced paste as the aggregate parameters changed. Quantitative weights were assigned to the effect of the investigated aggregate parameters on the measured properties. Multi-objective optimization was carried out to obtain the best combinations of the investigated parameters. Additionally, the developed contour graphs may provide an effective tool that can be used as a guide in establishing the first trial mixtures. A wide range of consistencies (10–210 mm slump) and compressive strengths (15–55 MPa) can be obtained by controlling the aggregate grading and proportions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Life Cycle Assessment of Concrete Using Copper Slag as a Partial Cement Substitute in Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Buildings 2023, 13(3), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030746 - 12 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 774
Abstract
Cement, one of the main components of concrete, poses environmental risks, accounting for 7% of total global carbon emissions. To alleviate the environmental hazards related to cement manufacturing, supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) are employed to reduce the usage of cement in concrete. One [...] Read more.
Cement, one of the main components of concrete, poses environmental risks, accounting for 7% of total global carbon emissions. To alleviate the environmental hazards related to cement manufacturing, supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) are employed to reduce the usage of cement in concrete. One SCM used is copper slag (CS). In this study, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted by investigating the environmental impacts of concrete replacing different percentage of cement with CS. As a case study, the LCA was performed for low-rise and mid-rise structures designed with varying concrete strengths, and a cost analysis was performed for these structures when replacing different percentages of cement with CS. Based on the results, the usage of CS was established as being beneficial to the impact categories ADP (Abiotic Depletion Potential (Fossil)) and GWP (Global Warming Potential), but exerted damaging effects on ADP (Abiotic Depletion Potential) and HTP (Human Toxicity Potential). On the basis of the cost analysis, the use of CS as a partial cement replacement was found to reduce building costs by a maximum of 1.4%, which is statistically significant. When evaluating the risk in comparison to the benefit of using CS in buildings, it was found that the negative environmental influence outweighed the favorable influence and cost savings resulting from the use of CS as a cement alternative. However, when only considering GWP, which is the standard procedure for environmental assessment in buildings, the use of CS as a partial cement substitute in buildings was regarded as being beneficial, yielding a 12.80% reduction in carbon emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Combining Artificial Neural Network and Seeker Optimization Algorithm for Predicting Compression Capacity of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Columns
Buildings 2023, 13(2), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020391 - 01 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 811
Abstract
Accurate and reliable estimation of the axial compression capacity can assist engineers toward an efficient design of circular concrete-filled steel tube (CCFST) columns, which are gaining popularity in diverse structural applications. This study proposes a novel methodology based on computational intelligence for estimating [...] Read more.
Accurate and reliable estimation of the axial compression capacity can assist engineers toward an efficient design of circular concrete-filled steel tube (CCFST) columns, which are gaining popularity in diverse structural applications. This study proposes a novel methodology based on computational intelligence for estimating the compression capacity of CCFST. Accordingly, a conventional artificial neural network (ANN) is hybridized with a metaheuristic algorithm called the seeker optimization algorithm (SOA). Utilizing information such as the column’s length, compressive strength of ultra-high-strength concrete, and the diameter, thickness, yield stress, and ultimate stress of the steel tube, the capacity of the column is predicted through non-linear calculations. In addition to the SOA, the future search algorithm (FSA) and social ski driver (SSD) are used as comparative benchmarks. The prediction results showed that the SOA-ANN can learn and predict the compression capacity pattern with high accuracy (relative error < 2.5% and correlation > 0.99). Also, this model outperformed both benchmark hybrids (i.e., FSA-ANN and SSD-ANN). Apart from accuracy, the configuration of the SOA-ANN is simpler owing to the smaller population recruited for the optimization task. An explicit formula for the proposed model is developed, which, owing to its observed efficiency, can be reliably applied to CCFST columns for the early estimation of the compression capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Approximating Helical Pile Pullout Resistance Using Metaheuristic-Enabled Fuzzy Hybrids
Buildings 2023, 13(2), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020347 - 26 Jan 2023
Viewed by 733
Abstract
Piles have paramount importance for various structural systems in a wide scope of civil and geotechnical engineering works. Accurately predicting the pullout resistance of piles is critical for the long-term structural resilience of civil infrastructures. In this research, three sophisticated models are employed [...] Read more.
Piles have paramount importance for various structural systems in a wide scope of civil and geotechnical engineering works. Accurately predicting the pullout resistance of piles is critical for the long-term structural resilience of civil infrastructures. In this research, three sophisticated models are employed for precisely predicting the pullout resistance (Pul) of helical piles. Metaheuristic schemes of gray wolf optimization (GWO), differential evolution (DE), and ant colony optimization (ACO) were deployed for tuning an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) in mapping the Pul behavior from three independent factors, namely the embedment ratio, the density class, and the ratio of the shaft base diameter to the shaft diameter. Based on the results, i.e., the Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R = 0.99986 vs. 0.99962 and 0.99981) and root mean square error (RMSE = 7.2802 vs. 12.1223 and 8.5777), the GWO-ANFIS surpassed the DE- and ACO-based ensembles in the training phase. However, smaller errors were obtained for the DE-ANFIS and ACO-ANFIS in predicting the Pul pattern. Overall, the results show that all three models are capable of predicting the Pul for helical piles in both loose and dense soils with superior accuracy. Hence, the combination of ANFIS and the mentioned metaheuristic algorithms is recommended for real-world purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Large-Scale Triaxial Testing of TDA Mixed with Fine and Coarse Aggregates
Buildings 2023, 13(1), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010202 - 11 Jan 2023
Viewed by 794
Abstract
The number of scrap tires discarded worldwide is increasing annually. Stockpiling these tires is not a viable option due to environmental concerns and space limitations. Landfilling is likewise unacceptable and is not permitted in many areas. Recycling these tires is the best alternative. [...] Read more.
The number of scrap tires discarded worldwide is increasing annually. Stockpiling these tires is not a viable option due to environmental concerns and space limitations. Landfilling is likewise unacceptable and is not permitted in many areas. Recycling these tires is the best alternative. Shredding scrap tires to create a product known as tire-derived aggregate (TDA) is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of recycling scrap tires. In the past few decades, TDA and TDA-soil mixtures have been used increasingly in civil engineering projects. Nevertheless, only limited research has so far been conducted on TDA and TDA mixed with soil. In addition, the majority of past research has focused on TDA particles that do not have steel wires and are small in size. In the present research, triaxial tests were performed on various mixtures of TDA with sand or gravel. Each sample was subjected to three different confining pressures. The results of the tests are presented and discussed, and empirical equations are proposed to match the laboratory results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
An Effective Metaheuristic Approach for Building Energy Optimization Problems
Buildings 2023, 13(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010080 - 29 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1370
Abstract
Mathematical optimization can be a useful strategy for minimizing energy usage while designing low-energy buildings. To handle building energy optimization challenges, this study provides an effective hybrid technique based on the pelican optimization algorithm (POA) and the single candidate optimizer (SCO). The suggested [...] Read more.
Mathematical optimization can be a useful strategy for minimizing energy usage while designing low-energy buildings. To handle building energy optimization challenges, this study provides an effective hybrid technique based on the pelican optimization algorithm (POA) and the single candidate optimizer (SCO). The suggested hybrid algorithm (POSCO) benefits from both the robust local search power of the single candidate method and the efficient global search capabilities of the pelican optimization. To conduct the building optimization task, the optimization method was developed and integrated with the EnergyPlus codes. The effectiveness of the proposed POSCO method was verified using mathematical test functions, and the outcomes were contrasted with those of conventional POA and other effective optimization techniques. Application of POSCO for global function optimization reveals that, among the thirteen considered functions, the proposed method was best at finding the global solution for seven functions, while providing superior results for the other functions when compared with competitive techniques. The suggested POSCO is applied for reducing an office buildings’ annual energy use. Comparing POSCO to POA procedures, the building energy usage is reduced. Furthermore, POSCO is compared to simple POA and other algorithms, with the results showing that, at specific temperatures and lighting conditions, the POSCO approach outperforms selected state-of-the-art methods and reduces building energy usage. As a result, all data suggests that POSCO is a very promising, dependable, and feasible optimization strategy for dealing with building energy optimization models. Finally, the building energy optimization findings for various climatic conditions demonstrate that the changes to the weather dataset had limited effect on the efficiency of the optimization procedure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Predicting Crack Width in CFRP-Strengthened RC One-Way Slabs Using Hybrid Grey Wolf Optimizer Neural Network Model
Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1870; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111870 - 03 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 699
Abstract
This study deploys a hybrid Grey Wolf Optimizer Neural Network Model for predicting the crack width in reinforced concrete slabs strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP). Reinforced concrete (RC) one-way slabs (1800 × 400 × 120 mm in size) were strengthened with CFRP [...] Read more.
This study deploys a hybrid Grey Wolf Optimizer Neural Network Model for predicting the crack width in reinforced concrete slabs strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP). Reinforced concrete (RC) one-way slabs (1800 × 400 × 120 mm in size) were strengthened with CFRP with various lengths (1800, 1100, and 700 mm) and subjected to four-point bending. The experimental results were compared to corresponding values for conventional RC slabs. The observed crack width results were recorded, and subsequently examined against the expression recommended by Eurocode 2. To estimate the crack width of CFRP-reinforced slabs, ANN combined with the Grey Wolf Optimizer algorithm was employed whereby the applied load, CFRP width/length, X/Y crack positions, and stress in steel reinforcement and concrete were defined as the input parameters. Experimental results showed that the larger the length and width of the carbon fiber, the smaller the maximum crack width in the tensile area of the slab at the final load step. On average, the crack width in slabs retrofitted with CFRP laminates increased by around 80% compared to a slab without CFRP. The results confirm that the equation provided by Eurocode 2 provides an unconservative estimation of crack widths for RC slabs strengthened with CFRP laminates. On the other hand, the results also confirm that the proposed informational model could be used as a reliable tool for estimating the crack width in RC slabs. The findings provide valuable insight into the design approaches for RC slabs and rehabilitation strategies for existing deficient RC slabs using CFRP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Progressive Collapse Resistance of RC Beam–Slab Substructures Made with Rubberized Concrete
Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101724 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1241
Abstract
Abnormal loads can produce localized damage that can eventually cause progressive collapse of the whole reinforced concrete (RC) structure. This might have devastating financial repercussions and cause numerous severe casualties. Numerical simulation, using the finite element method (FEM), of the consequences of abnormal [...] Read more.
Abnormal loads can produce localized damage that can eventually cause progressive collapse of the whole reinforced concrete (RC) structure. This might have devastating financial repercussions and cause numerous severe casualties. Numerical simulation, using the finite element method (FEM), of the consequences of abnormal loads on buildings is thus required to avoid the significant expenses associated with testing full-scale buildings and to save time. In this paper, FEM simulations, using ABAQUS software, were employed to investigate the progressive collapse resistance of the full-scale three-dimensional (3D) beam–slab substructures, considering two concrete mixes, namely: normal concrete (NC) and rubberized concrete (RuC) which was made by incorporating crumb rubber at 20% by volume replacement for sand. The FEM accuracy and dependability were validated using available experimental test results. Concrete and steel material non-linearity were considered in the FE modelling. The numerical study is extended to include eight new models with various specifics (a set of parameters) for further understanding of progressive collapse. Results showed that slabs contribute more than a third of the load resistance, which also significantly improves the building’s progressive collapse resistance. Moreover, the performance of the RuC specimens was excellent in the catenary stage, which develops additional resilience to significant deformation to prevent or even mitigate progressive collapse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Material Characterization of Locally Available Textile Fabrics for Structural Applications
Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101589 - 02 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 917
Abstract
In the current era, rehabilitation and strengthening of reinforced concrete structures is a major need due to premature structural damage owing to various environmental effects, natural hazards and major modifications in the existing building use. Textile fabrics can be an economical and viable [...] Read more.
In the current era, rehabilitation and strengthening of reinforced concrete structures is a major need due to premature structural damage owing to various environmental effects, natural hazards and major modifications in the existing building use. Textile fabrics can be an economical and viable option in comparison to traditional strengthening techniques. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the use of locally available textile fabrics for structural applications leading to economical and sustainable solutions. Sixteen fabrics were collected randomly from the local market and a series of tests including microscopic analysis, mass per unit area, ends and picks count, yarn number and uniaxial tensile strength were conducted to explore the most suitable textile fabric from strength and application aspects. Moreover, rectangular textile-reinforced mortar specimens were prepared incorporating those textile fabrics. Tested textile fabric specimens exhibited mass per unit area in the range of 117 to 1145 g/m2 depending on the fabric types. It was observed that tensile strength of the tested textile fabric depends on fiber composition, ends and picks count, yarn number and weave type. The greater the number of yarns in a fabric, the denser it will be and therefore it will be stronger in either direction (warp and weft). It was observed that the tensile strength in warp direction was higher than in weft direction due to the higher number of yarns in the warp direction. For instance, tested specimen TF16 showed ultimate tensile loads of 2890 and 2600 N in warp and weft directions, respectively. Furthermore, plain weave type fabric showed higher strength compared to that of the twill weave. It can also be argued that among the sixteen selected fabric specimens, plain weave fabric (i.e., glass) was found most suitable for textile-reinforced mortar applications due to adequate spacing and alternative movement of yarns, which leads to a stronger bond with the matrix and ultimately achieving higher tensile strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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Article
Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Concrete Containing Wood Chips and Sawdust: An Experimental Approach
Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081277 - 20 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
With a circular economy in the spotlight, wood waste has emerged as an important secondary raw material. Bearing this in mind, a comprehensive experimental study was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of using concrete compositions containing wood chips and sawdust for structural [...] Read more.
With a circular economy in the spotlight, wood waste has emerged as an important secondary raw material. Bearing this in mind, a comprehensive experimental study was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of using concrete compositions containing wood chips and sawdust for structural and non-structural building applications. First, the mineral and wood aggregates used in the composite design were fully characterized. Twelve compositions containing varying types of wood particles in different amounts were then produced and characterized in terms of physical and mechanical performance (e.g., mass density, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and flexural strength). Subsequently, two compositions with optimized features (mass density below 2125 kg/m3, compressive strength above 25 MPa, and maximum volume content of wood) were selected to undergo additional experimental tests. These included microstructural characterization, as well as the evaluation of relevant durability (e.g., wetting–drying, freeze–thaw, and thermal shock cycles) and hygrothermal (e.g., thermal conductivity, water absorption, and shrinkage and expansion) properties. All compositions showed compressive strength above 30 MPa. The durability assessment of selected compositions further showed that compressive strength after relevant artificial aging was still higher than the predefined criteria. Promising hygrothermal properties (minimal water absorption and low thermal conductivity) were also recorded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Building Materials and Construction)
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