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23 pages, 11982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retarding Effect of Hemp Hurd Lixiviates on the Hydration of Hydraulic and CSA Cements

by Donato Tale Ponga, Amirmohammad Sabziparvar, Patrice Cousin, Lina Boulos, Mathieu Robert and M. Reza Foruzanmehr

Materials 2023, 16(16), 5561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165561 - 10 Aug 2023

Viewed by 755

Abstract

Wood wool panels are widely used in the construction industry as sustainable cementitious composites, but there is a growing need to replace traditional Portland cement with a binder that has a lower embodied carbon footprint. In addition, the sustainability of these panels may [...] Read more.

Wood wool panels are widely used in the construction industry as sustainable cementitious composites, but there is a growing need to replace traditional Portland cement with a binder that has a lower embodied carbon footprint. In addition, the sustainability of these panels may face serious impediments if the required amount of wood for their production needs a harvest rate higher than the rate at which the tree sources reach maturity. One solution is to use the wooden part of fast-growing plants such as hemp. However, the compounds extracted from the mixture of plants and water are the main cause of the delay observed during the hydration process of hydraulic binders in these cementitious composites. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of bio-aggregate lixiviates (hemp hurd) on the hydration kinetics of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement as a low-embodied-carbon alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The isothermal calorimeter showed that the hemp hurd lixiviate caused a greater delay in GU’s hydration process than CSA’s. At a 5% concentration, the main hydration peak for GU cement emerged after 91 h, whereas for CSA cement, it appeared much earlier, at 2.5 h. XRD and TGA analysis showed that after 12 h of hydration, hydration products such as calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) and portlandite (CH) were not able to form on GU cement, indicating low hydration of silicate products. Moreover, at 5% concentration, the carbonation of ettringite was observed in CSA cement. The compressive strength values obtained from the mixes containing hemp hurd lixiviate consistently showed lower values compared to the reference samples prepared with distilled water. Furthermore, the CSA samples demonstrated superior compressive strength when compared to the GU samples. After 28 days of hydration, the compressive strength values for CSA cement were 36.7%, 63.5% and 71% higher than GU cement at a concentration of 0.5%, 2% and 5% hemp hurd lixiviate, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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20 pages, 12581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Metakaolin and Polypropylene Fiber Concrete on Mechanics Properties and Microstructure Combined Action under Multi-Salt Soaking and Freeze–Thaw

by Yongwei Gao, Borui Zhou, Xianhua Yao, Junfeng Guan and Xiaoyu Han

Materials 2023, 16(16), 5525; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165525 - 08 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 908

Abstract

The wide distribution of alpine saline areas in China is faced with two major problems, which are salt intrusion and freeze–thaw. In total, 216 specimens were prepared with 6 kinds of concrete mix proportions in this paper. The effects of the single and [...] Read more.

The wide distribution of alpine saline areas in China is faced with two major problems, which are salt intrusion and freeze–thaw. In total, 216 specimens were prepared with 6 kinds of concrete mix proportions in this paper. The effects of the single and compound incorporation of metakaolin (MK) and polypropylene fiber (PPF) of different amounts on the mechanical properties and microstructure properties of concrete were investigated under the dual action of multi-salt (NaCl, MgCl₂, Na₂SO₄, and NaHCO₃) soaking and freeze–thaw. Potable water and freeze–thaw concrete were adopted as the control group. Changes in the appearance morphology, mass loss, relative dynamic elastic modulus, and compressive strength of the concrete were tested, and the microstructure of the concrete was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that an admixture of both MK and PPF in the potable water and freeze–thaw cycle test can improve the mechanical properties and frost resistance of concrete. The admixture of PPF can effectively improve the mechanical properties and frost resistance of concrete. However, the admixture of MK failed to improve the mechanical properties and frost resistance of concrete during multi-salt soaking and freeze–thaw. The frost resistance of concrete under multi-salt soaking and freeze–thaw was optimally improved with 10% MK and 0.6 kg/m³ PPF. Its microstructure shows that PPF can effectively inhibit crack propagation and reduce the deterioration of concrete under multi-salt soaking and freeze–thaw. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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11 pages, 2196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of New Composite Materials Based on Magnesium Phosphate Cement for Fluoride Retention

by Sana Gharsallah, Abdulrahman Alsawi, Bechir Hammami, Mohamed Khitouni, Clarence Charnay and Mahmoud Chemingui

Materials 2023, 16(2), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16020718 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1529

Abstract

In this research work, new composite materials based on magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) were developed to evaluate the retention of fluorine from wastewater. This material was prepared with dead burned magnesia oxide (MgO), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH₄H₂PO₄), [...] Read more.

In this research work, new composite materials based on magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) were developed to evaluate the retention of fluorine from wastewater. This material was prepared with dead burned magnesia oxide (MgO), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH₄H₂PO₄), and some retarding agents. We chose to synthesize with hydrogen peroxide instead of water; alumina and zeolite were also added to the cement. The obtained optimal conditions were studied and analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The adsorbents showed a strong ability to remove fluoride from contaminated water, and the best defluoridation capacity was evaluated as 2.21 mg/g for the H₂O₂ cement. Equilibrium modeling was performed, and the experimental data were presented according to the isotherms of Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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27 pages, 13029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Acceleration Admixture Type and Composition of Cement on Hydration Heat and Setting Time of Slag Blended Cement

by Jan Pizoń, Beata Łaźniewska-Piekarczyk and Patrycja Miera

Materials 2022, 15(8), 2797; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15082797 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1651

Abstract

This article presents recent research on cements containing GGBFS and their modifications with accelerating admixtures. The initial setting time and hydration heat evolution results are presented for cement CEM II/B-S and CEM III/A manufactured with three Portland clinkers of various phase compositions. The [...] Read more.

This article presents recent research on cements containing GGBFS and their modifications with accelerating admixtures. The initial setting time and hydration heat evolution results are presented for cement CEM II/B-S and CEM III/A manufactured with three Portland clinkers of various phase compositions. The research was carried out at 8 °C and 20 °C. The main objective is to assess the behavior of blended cements in cooperation with modern admixtures that contain nucleation seeds. The authors aimed to compare and evaluate different methods to reduce setting time, namely, the effects of temperature, the specific surface area of cement and GGBFS, the type of Portland clinker, the content of GGBFS, and presence of accelerators. Many of these aspects appear in separate studies, and the authors wanted a more comprehensive coverage of the subject. Those methods of reducing the setting time can be ranked: the most effective is to increase the temperature of the ingredients and the surroundings, the second is to reduce the GGBFS content in cement, and the use of accelerators, and the least effective is the additional milling of Portland clinker. However, of these methods, only the use of accelerators is acceptable in terms of sustainability. Prospective research is a detailed study on the amounts of C-S-H phase and portlandite to determine the hydration rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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15 pages, 3229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Technique Diagnostic Analysis of Plasters and Mortars from the Church of the Annunciation (Tortorici, Sicily)

by Sebastiano Ettore Spoto, Giuseppe Paladini, Francesco Caridi, Vincenza Crupi, Sebastiano D’Amico, Domenico Majolino and Valentina Venuti

Materials 2022, 15(3), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15030958 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2941

Abstract

Plasters and mortars of the Church of the Annunciation (Tortorici, Sicily) were characterized, for the first time, both at the elemental and molecular levels, by means of portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy, to achieve information on the “state of health” of [...] Read more.

Plasters and mortars of the Church of the Annunciation (Tortorici, Sicily) were characterized, for the first time, both at the elemental and molecular levels, by means of portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy, to achieve information on the “state of health” of the whole structure. The understanding of their degradation mechanisms and the identification of consequent degradation patterns can define the environmental factors responsible for interpreting the potential pathological forms that can impact the general building vulnerability. In this sense, the results obtained in this article provide relevant information to identify and address both the characterization of building materials and the fundamental causes of their deterioration. At the same time, if coupled with the attempt to supply a chronological order of the major restoration interventions carried out on the investigated site, they provide new insights to calibrate the models for building vulnerability studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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21 pages, 5482 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Reactivity of Binary Construction and Demolition Waste Mix as Supplementary Cementitious Materials

by Raquel Vigil de la Villa Mencía, Moisés Frías Rojas, Sagrario Martínez-Ramírez, Lucía Fernández-Carrasco, Ernesto Villar Cociña and Rosario García-Giménez

Materials 2021, 14(21), 6481; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216481 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1539

Abstract

Calcareous and siliceous CDW wastes from concrete and glass wastes when mixed in binary mixtures has been analyzed in this study. Fine CDW fractions (<5 mm) of different sorts are selected: siliceous waste (HsT), calcareous waste (HcG) and laminated glass waste. The binary [...] Read more.

Calcareous and siliceous CDW wastes from concrete and glass wastes when mixed in binary mixtures has been analyzed in this study. Fine CDW fractions (<5 mm) of different sorts are selected: siliceous waste (HsT), calcareous waste (HcG) and laminated glass waste. The binary mixtures HsT/glass and HcG/glass at mix-proportions of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2, respectively, are analyzed with a range of characterization techniques (XRD, TG/DTA, SEM-EDX, NMR, FT-IR) in the pure pozzolan/lime system over a reaction time of 90 days. The results showed that the incorporation of highly reactive recycled glass modified the pozzolanic reaction of the binary mixtures with respect to each particular concrete waste (of low activity). The principal mineralogical phases of the reaction were calcite and C–S–H gel, the latter modifying the C/S and A/S ratios as a function of either the silica or the lime-based concrete waste and the glass content of the mixtures. A higher degree of polymerization, morphology, and sodium content of C-H-S gel formed when glass was added. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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17 pages, 1358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance and Cost-Effectiveness of Short Pitch-Based Carbon Fiber Reinforced Mortar Composite

by Md. Safiuddin, George Abdel-Sayed and Nataliya Hearn

Materials 2021, 14(16), 4693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164693 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1603

Abstract

This paper discusses the performance of the short pitch-based carbon fiber reinforced mortar (CFRM) composite considering its key properties and cost-effectiveness. Five different types of mortar composite were produced using 0–4% volume contents of short pitch-based carbon fibers. The mortar composites were tested [...] Read more.

This paper discusses the performance of the short pitch-based carbon fiber reinforced mortar (CFRM) composite considering its key properties and cost-effectiveness. Five different types of mortar composite were produced using 0–4% volume contents of short pitch-based carbon fibers. The mortar composites were tested for inverted slump cone flow (flow time and volume flow), unit weight, air content, compressive strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, and water absorption. The cost-effectiveness of CFRM was assessed based on the performance to cost ratio (PCR), which was calculated for each mortar composite, considering its workability, mechanical properties, and durability. The inverted slump cone volume flow was counted as a measure of workability, whereas the compressive strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance were considered as the major attributes of the mechanical behavior. In addition, the water absorption was used as a measure of durability. The test results revealed that the mortar composite made with 3% carbon fibers provided adequate workability, a relatively high unit weight and low air content, the highest compressive strength, excellent flexural strength, good impact resistance, and the lowest water absorption. It was also found that the PCR increased up to 3% carbon fibers. Beyond a 3% fiber content, the PCR significantly decreased. The overall research findings revealed that the mortar with 3% carbon fibers was the optimum and most cost-effective mortar composite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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18 pages, 7603 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Printability and Setting Time of CSA Cement with Na₂SiO₃ and Gypsum for Binder Jetting 3D Printing

by Okpin Na, Kangmin Kim, Hyunjoo Lee and Hyunseung Lee

Materials 2021, 14(11), 2811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112811 - 25 May 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3302

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to optimize the composition of CSA (calcium sulfoaluminate) cement with sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) and gypsum for binder jetting 3D printing. The preliminary test was carried out with an applicator to decide the proper [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to optimize the composition of CSA (calcium sulfoaluminate) cement with sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) and gypsum for binder jetting 3D printing. The preliminary test was carried out with an applicator to decide the proper thickness of one layer before using the 3D printer. A liquid binder was then selected to maintain the shape of the particles. Based on the results, the optimal mixture of dry materials and a liquid activator was derived through various parametric studies. For dry materials, the optimum composition of CSA cement, gypsum, and sand was suggested, and the liquid activator made with sodium silicate solution and VMA (viscosity modified agent) were selected. The setting time with gypsum and sodium silicate was controlled within 30 s. In case of the delayed setting time and the rapid setting mixture, the jetting line was printed thicker or thinner and the accuracy of the printout was degraded. In order to adjust the viscosity of the liquid activator, 10% of the VMA was used in 35% of sodium silicate solution and the viscosity of 200–400 cP was suitable to be sprayed from the nozzle. With this optimal mixture, a prototype of atypical decorative wall was printed, and the compressive strength was measured at about 7 MPa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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16 pages, 3686 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Experimental Assessment of the Water Permeability of Concrete with a Superplasticizer and Admixtures

by Zdzisław Skutnik, Mariusz Sobolewski and Eugeniusz Koda

Materials 2020, 13(24), 5624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13245624 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5027

Abstract

This study presents a flow pump technique usually used for evaluating the permeability of soils, which was, for first time, applied to measure the water permeability of concrete. Additionally, a new easy-to-apply method to determine permeability is proposed, based on a modification of [...] Read more.

This study presents a flow pump technique usually used for evaluating the permeability of soils, which was, for first time, applied to measure the water permeability of concrete. Additionally, a new easy-to-apply method to determine permeability is proposed, based on a modification of Valenta’s formula. In the calculations, the apparent air content of concrete mixes was taken into account. An additional purpose of the conducted research was to determine the influence of a new generation of polycarboxylate superplasticizer and chemically active admixtures on the permeability, compressive strength, and other properties of concrete. The following four types of concrete were tested: concrete without admixtures, concrete with an admixture to increase the compressive strength, concrete with a superplasticizer, and concrete containing two admixtures simultaneously. The results showed that the proposed method allows to obtain reliable measurements within a very short period of time. The obtained results confirmed that new method may be very useful in engineering practice, particularly in terms of the watertightness of hydrotechnical concretes and the properties of the concretes used in bridge construction, underground parts of office buildings, or sealed tanks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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23 pages, 10046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Temperature and Sodium Sulfate Content on the Compaction Characteristics of Cement-Stabilized Macadam Base Materials

by Ke Tang, Xue-Song Mao, Qian Wu, Jian-Xun Zhang and Wan-Jun Huang

Materials 2020, 13(16), 3610; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13163610 - 14 Aug 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

This paper describes an experimental investigation into the compaction characteristics of cement-stabilized macadam base materials (CSMBM) in a saline soil area. Through the field tests, the main causes of arch expansion in an existing road were analyzed. Based on this, the compaction tests [...] Read more.

This paper describes an experimental investigation into the compaction characteristics of cement-stabilized macadam base materials (CSMBM) in a saline soil area. Through the field tests, the main causes of arch expansion in an existing road were analyzed. Based on this, the compaction tests and microscopic tests were designed to analyze the impacts of temperature, sodium sulfate content and cement content on the compaction characteristics of CSMBM. Then, the orthogonal test was designed to analyze the effects of the degree of the temperature, the cement content, and the sodium sulfate content on the compaction results of the CSMBM. Feld tests results show that the temperature, sodium sulfate content and cement content may be the main causes of arch expansion. The compaction tests show that with the temperature increasing, the optimal water content (OWC) decreases, but the maximum dry density (MDD) increases; with the sodium sulfate content increasing, the OWC increases, but the MDD decreases; with the cement content increasing, both MDD and OWC increase. The microscopic tests show that the increase of temperature and cement content is beneficial to the compactness between cementitious materials and aggregates, while the increase of sodium sulfate content makes the whole structure of cementitious materials and aggregates increasingly rough. The orthogonal test shows that the temperature has the greatest influence on the MMD, and the sodium sulfate content has the greatest influence on the OWC. Thus, in a sulfate saline soil area, the construction temperature, the sodium sulfate content and the cement content should be controlled to ensure the compaction quality of CSMBM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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19 pages, 28989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavior of Grouted Sleeve Splice for Steel Profile under Tensile Loadings

by Feng Lin and Peng Zhao

Materials 2020, 13(9), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13092037 - 27 Apr 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2747

Abstract

Two groups of grouted sleeve splices for steel profile were tested to investigate their tensile behavior, serving as pilot studies for novel prefabricated reinforced concrete shear wall structures. In the first group, four splice specimens with different embedded lengths of steel profile were [...] Read more.

Two groups of grouted sleeve splices for steel profile were tested to investigate their tensile behavior, serving as pilot studies for novel prefabricated reinforced concrete shear wall structures. In the first group, four splice specimens with different embedded lengths of steel profile were monotonic tensile loaded to determine an appropriate anchorage length. In the second group, three splice specimens with a conservative anchorage length of steel profile were tested under repeated tensile loading, cyclic loading at high stress, and cyclic loading at large strain, respectively. Parametric studies were then conducted on sleeve thickness, grout strength, offset of steel profile, and misalignment of steel profile using finite element method (FEM)-based models. The results show that the splices in the second group behaved well with minor residential deformation and almost no pinching effect. The optimized sleeve thickness could be appropriately determined using FEM models. The compressive strengths of the grout exceeding a threshold value and the offset of steel profile had minor influence on splice behavior, while the misalignment of steel profile had a pronounced effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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Review

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28 pages, 23754 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phase-Change Materials in Concrete: Opportunities and Challenges for Sustainable Construction and Building Materials

by Raju Sharma, Jeong-Gook Jang and Jong-Wan Hu

Materials 2022, 15(1), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15010335 - 03 Jan 2022

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5174

Abstract

The use of phase-change materials (PCM) in concrete has revealed promising results in terms of clean energy storage. However, the negative impact of the interaction between PCM and concrete on the mechanical and durability properties limits field applications, leading to a shift of [...] Read more.

The use of phase-change materials (PCM) in concrete has revealed promising results in terms of clean energy storage. However, the negative impact of the interaction between PCM and concrete on the mechanical and durability properties limits field applications, leading to a shift of the research to incorporate PCM into concrete using different techniques to overcome these issues. The storage of clean energy via PCM significantly supports the UN SDG 7 target of affordable and clean energy. Therefore, the present study focuses on three aspects: PCM type, the effect of PCM on concrete properties, and connecting the outcome of PCM concrete composite to the United Nations sustainable development goals (UN SDGs). The compensation of reduction in strength of PCM-contained concrete is possible up to some extent with the use of nanomaterials and supplementary cementitious materials. As PCM-incorporated concrete is categorized a type of building material, the large-scale use of this material will affect the different stages associated with building lifetimes. Therefore, in the present study, the possible amendments of the different associated stages of building lifetimes after the use of PCM-incorporated concrete are discussed and mapped in consideration of the UN SDGs 7, 11, and 12. The current challenges in the widespread use of PCM are lower thermal conductivity, the trade-off between concrete strength and PCM, and absence of the link between the outcome of PCM-concrete composite and UN SDGs. The global prospects of PCM-incorporated concrete as part of the effort to attain the UN SDGs as studied here will motivate architects, designers, practicing engineers, and researchers to accelerate their efforts to promote the consideration of PCM-containing concrete ultimately to attain net zero carbon emissions from building infrastructure for a sustainable future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Cement-based Composites)

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