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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 July 2025 | Viewed by 10207

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Dr. Sara Cattaneo

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Guest Editor

Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: special concretes; damage and fracture of quasi-brittle materials; post-installed and cast-in anchors; structural glass
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Manuela Alessandra Scamardo

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Guest Editor

Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milano, Italy
Interests: masonry structures; retrofitting intervention; seismic assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The demand for improved performance (i.e., strength, stiffness, toughness, and durability), sustainability, and aesthetics for new and existing buildings is constantly growing.

Concrete is the most widely used building material worldwide due to its huge versatility and reduced cost, but its impact on greenhouse gas emissions is dramatically high due to the production of Portland cement.

As a consequence, many researchers aim to replace Portland cement with more sustainable binders to reduce CO₂ emissions and, at the same time, improve the mechanical properties of concrete.

In the last decade, other building materials, such as wood (for sustainability, strength, and toughness), structural glass (for its outstanding aesthetic), and several types of reinforcement (e.g., FRP, FRCM to improve the mechanical properties of R.C. and masonry buildings), started receiving much more attention.

This Special Issue focuses on developing new concretes and other building materials characterized by or aiming for specific performance characteristics, such as sustainability, durability, non-standard mechanical properties, and aesthetics.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Special concretes (High-performance/fiber-reinforced, self-compacting, green, self-healing concretes, etc.);
Non-metallic reinforcements as valuable alternatives for classical concrete reinforcements (i.e., CFRP, GFRP, FRCM, etc.);
Structural wood;
Structural glass;

Dr. Sara Cattaneo
Dr. Manuela Alessandra Scamardo
Guest Editors

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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

concrete
high-performance concrete
FRP
FRCM
wood
structural glass

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Advances in Building Materials and Concrete in Applied Sciences (16 articles)

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Research

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22 pages, 4718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Marble and Glass Waste Powder in Cement Mortar

by Mamaru Yenesew Alemu, Mitiku Damtie Yehualaw, Wallelign Mulugeta Nebiyu, Mulu Derbie Nebebe and Woubishet Zewdu Taffese

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3930; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073930 - 3 Apr 2025

Viewed by 235

Abstract

The growing demand for cement in construction contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to its high energy consumption and carbon emissions. As a result, there is a pressing need for sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of cement production. This study explores the use of marble and glass waste powders as supplementary cementitious materials in mortar production to reduce the environmental impact of cement. By partially replacing cement with varying percentages (0–30%) of marble and glass waste powders, the research evaluates their effects on workability, mechanical properties (compressive strength, density, ultrasonic pulse velocity), and durability (sulfate attack, water absorption, porosity). The results show that a 10% replacement of cement with marble and glass waste powder (MGWP) enhances compressive strength by 25.6% at 28 days and 17.26% at 56 days while improving microstructure and durability through compacted morphology and secondary C-S-H formation. The findings suggest that using MGWP up to 10% is optimal for enhancing the performance of mortar, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional cement with practical implications for greener construction practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 3635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time–Cost Analysis of Construction of Administrative Buildings Using Wood-Based Construction Systems

by Alena Tažiková, Zuzana Struková, Mária Kozlovská and Martin Škvarka

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11176; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311176 - 29 Nov 2024

Viewed by 686

Abstract

Nowadays, wooden constructions should occupy an important place in the construction industry, mainly because they eliminate negative effects on the environment. Eco-friendly and sustainable buildings include, for example, buildings made of timber column structures and buildings made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. Eco-friendly buildings based on wood are in the minority in Slovakia. The research question is what advantages and disadvantages can the construction of an administrative building from CLT panels include, not only for the construction investor, compared to a construction from a timber column structure? The main research method is the analysis of time and cost parameters of the construction of wooden buildings, with the aim of drawing attention to the characteristics of construction in the segment of administrative buildings in Slovakia. The synthesis of the resulting knowledge has proven the advantage of construction from CLT panels compared to timber column structures. The task of designers is to offer knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of constructions, to which the results of our study contribute. This study is based on a thorough time–cost analysis of the parameters of the CLT construction system and timber column structures, and it definitely fills the publishing gap in the given topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 2389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Performance Study on Axial Compressive Load-Bearing Capacity of Steel Slag Micropowder Ecotype UHPC of Short Columns Steel Pipe

by Shangqi Guo, Xianyuan Tang, Chenzhuo Feng, Binbing He and Bai Yang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9742; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219742 - 24 Oct 2024

Viewed by 997

Abstract

In order to study the axial compression performance of steel pipe concrete short columns filled with steel slag micronized ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), this paper designs 27 steel pipe UHPC short columns for axial compression test and compares and analyzes the axial compression performance of the specimens in terms of the damage mode, the deformation curve, and the coefficient of strength enhancement, which is aimed at investigating the differences in the actual load-bearing performance of steel pipe UHPC short columns through changes in the aspect ratio, concrete type, and steel content rate, and so on. The purpose of this paper is to compare and analyze the axial compressive performance of the specimens in terms of damage mode and strength enhancement factor in order to investigate the difference in the actual bearing capacity performance of steel pipe UHPC short columns through the changes in length-to-diameter ratio, concrete type, and steel content. The test results show that the axial compressive performance of steel slag powder steel pipe UHPC short columns is greatly affected by the L/D ratio and steel content; the specimen bearing capacity increases with the increase in the wall thickness of the steel pipe and decreases slightly with the increase in the L/D ratio, and the steel fibers can effectively improve the deformation of the concrete so as to enhance the composite effect with the steel pipe; the contribution of the core UHPC to improve the value of bearing capacity accounts for a higher percentage when UHPC with 1% steel fiber dosage and 20% coarse aggregate dosage gave the best uplift with no change in the type of steel pipe. In this paper, the axial compression test bearing capacity results of steel slag micro powder steel pipe UHPC short column are compared with the calculated bearing capacity results of domestic and international specifications and analyzed from the perspectives of perimeter compression strength, steel fiber mixing of core concrete, and the relevant parameter design suggestions for high-strength steel pipe concrete specimens are put forward. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 13623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Innovative Technique for the Strengthening of RC Columns and Their Connections with Beams Using C-FRP ROPES

by Chris Karayannis and Emmanuil Golias

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8395; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188395 - 18 Sep 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1293

Abstract

The application of the innovative C-FRP ropes for the strengthening of reinforced concrete columns is experimentally examined. Two real-scale specimens with the same geometrical characteristics and the same steel reinforcements were constructed for the needs of this investigation. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the efficacy of the use of C-FRP ropes as externally mounted reinforcement for the strengthening of deficient external columns. In this direction, (a) C-FRP ropes are applied as longitudinal reinforcement of the column for the increase in the flexural strength, (b) C-FRP ropes are applied as external confining stirrups in the critical end parts of the column for the improvement of the concrete strength and the development of local element ductility, and finally (c) C-FRP ropes are applied as external stirrups in the form of diagonal X-shaped reinforcement for the increase in the capacity of the part of the column connected with the beam (joint panel). Both specimens are tested under the same cyclic loading procedure that comprises seven steps and each step includes three full loading cycles. The maximum loads of the strengthened specimen at the three loading cycles of the seventh step were 40%, 72% and 87% higher than the corresponding ones of the unstrengthened specimen. On the other hand, the measured shear deformations of the joint panel of the pilot (unstrengthened) specimen at the sixth and the seventh steps were 43% and 44% higher than the corresponding ones of the strengthened specimen. In general, it is concluded that the strengthened column exhibited improved hysteretic response and the whole behavior was apparently improved compared to the pilot specimen without strengthening in terms of maximum loads per loading step, dissipated energy, and shear deformations of the joint panel. In particular, it is stressed that the measured shear deformations of the joint panel and strain gauge measurements have substantiated that the column and the connection panel of the strengthened specimen remain almost intact, whereas damage and eventually failure have been located in the column and the joint panel of the pilot specimen. Additionally, it is emphasized that the C-FRP ropes can easily be applied in structures with complex configuration without any geometrical restraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Safety Performance Evaluation and Improvement Path of Prefabricated Building Construction Based on DEMATEL and NK

by Zhihua Xiong, Yuting Lin, Qiankun Wang, Wanjun Yang, Chuxiong Shen, Jiaji Zhang and Ke Zhu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 8010; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14178010 - 7 Sep 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 937

Abstract

To address the common issues of lacking indicator system identification, causal relationship quantification, and path simulation analysis in the current research on safety performance in prefabricated construction, a method for improving safety performance in prefabricated construction based on the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and NK model is proposed. Firstly, through theoretical analysis and literature review, the indicator system for safety performance in prefabricated construction is identified using the grounded theory. Secondly, expert research and quantitative analysis are combined to analyze the causal relationship of the indicators using the DEMATEL method. Then, the DEMATEL method is integrated with the NK model to carry out a key indicator adaptability modeling analysis and three-dimensional simulation. Finally, a case study is conducted to validate the usability and effectiveness of the proposed model and method. The results show that X₆ (construction and implementation of safety management system) had the highest impact on the other indicators, and X₁₄ (quality and safety status of prefabricated components) was most influenced by other indicators. X₆ (construction and implementation of safety management system), X₁ (personnel safety awareness and attitude), X₁₄ (quality and safety status of prefabricated components), and X₁₂ (construction site working environment) were identified as key performance indicators. “X₆ (construction and implementation of safety management system) → X₁ (personnel safety awareness and attitude) → X₁₄ (quality and safety status of prefabricated components) → X₁₂ (construction site working environment)” was considered the optimal path to improve construction safety performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 69047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Degradation Status of the Imperial Doors of the Ascension Church, Grindu Commune, Romania

by Octavian G. Duliu, Ana Emandi, Maria Marinescu, Otilia Cinteza, Ioana Stanculescu, Liliana Ionescu and Daniela Filimon

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7565; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177565 - 27 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1028

Abstract

To asses the degradation status of the Imperial Doors of the early 19th century Ascension Church iconostasis, a complex study consisting of micro-optical and scanning electron microscopy followed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed. Accordingly, the entire left door and some small fragments of gilded wood were investigated. The final results evidenced a certain degree of degradation of the lime wood and gilded surfaces, mainly due to the bacterial and fungi attacks given the increased humidity and the presence of more than a century of candle soot. Also, some unsuccessful restorations performed using brass paint instead of gold foils were evidenced. Overall, this study permitted elaborating more appropriate procedures for the iconostasis’ full restoration to its initial form, given that the Ascension Church is classified as a historical objective of national and universal value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 6676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Manufacturing of UHPFRC Made with Waste Derived from Scrap Tires and Oil Refineries

by Hassan Abdolpour, Murugan Muthu, Paweł Niewiadomski, Łukasz Sadowski, Łukasz Hojdys, Piotr Krajewski and Arkadiusz Kwiecień

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5313; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125313 - 19 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 801

Abstract

Ultrahigh-performance fiber-reinforced cement-based composite (UHPFRC) made with waste derived from scrap tires and oil refineries was tested in this study. The UHPFRC sample exhibited a maximum compressive strength of about 189 MPa at the end of 28 days. Steel fibers were recovered from scrap tires and were added up to 3% by volume in the UHPFRC samples. Such additions reduced cement flow by 11% but improved compressive strength by 21%. The equilibrium catalyst particles (ECAT) disposed of by oil refineries were used in amounts of up to 15% by weight as a replacement for cement in such UHPFRC samples. These aluminosilicate materials are spherical in shape and have a porous microstructure, which was found to reduce the cement flow by absorbing more free water onto their surfaces. They also reduced the heat and strength developments at early stages. However, the total cost of the final cement-based mixture and associated CO₂ emissions were reduced by up to 7% and 15% due to the inclusion of the ECAT particles. These findings help to optimize the ECAT and recovered steel fibers in the UHPFRC mix design, and such waste valorization strategies can help achieve the goal of becoming carbon neutral. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 7714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Compressive Interface Stress on Interfaces in Reinforced Concrete Elements under Cyclic Action

by Vasiliki Palieraki, Christos Zeris and Elizabeth Vintzileou

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4350; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114350 - 21 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 949

Abstract

Reinforced concrete interfaces, either cracks within monolithic elements or joints between concretes cast at different times may become critical under cyclic actions, due to stiffness and interface resistance degradation. Among the numerous parameters affecting the behavior of interfaces, this paper focuses on the effect of externally applied compressive stress. In conjunction with this parameter, the diameter of the reinforcing bars crossing the interface, their embedment length, and the anchorage of the interface reinforcement, by bond or using epoxy resin, are investigated. Roughened concrete interfaces crossed by reinforcing bars were subjected to cyclic shear slips, with or without compressive stress normal to the interface. The presented experimental results prove the beneficial effect of the external compressive stress on the ultimate shear resistance of interfaces, accompanied by the reduction of the effect of small embedment length of the interface reinforcement, due to its reduced contribution: the externally imposed compression leads to smaller crack openings at the interface, in most cases smaller than 0.40 mm, and to reduction of the reinforcement clamping effect. The shear resistance is activated at reduced shear slip values (0.20 mm–0.40 mm compared to 0.20–0.80 mm for interfaces under zero external compression), while the interface resistance degradation is also reduced (e.g., during the second load cycle, to 15% on average, compared to 30% for interfaces under zero external compression). Finally, an equation previously proposed by the authors is applied for the prediction of the shear resistance of interfaces under normal force, leading to satisfying accuracy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 10893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of a Device to Restrain the Horizontal Sliding of U-FREIs

by Paolo Angeli, Giada Frappa and Margherita Pauletta

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3380; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083380 - 17 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 874

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) are composite devices consisting of an alternation of elastomer layers and fiber reinforcement layers. They have mechanical properties comparable to those of conventional Steel-Reinforced Elastomeric Isolators (SREIs). The mechanical and construction characteristics of FREIs, together with their lower cost, make them potentially usable on a large scale. However, for their actual use, it is necessary to take into account the current regulations regarding seismic isolation. The application of FREIs provides the absence of anchoring to the structure, but the European Technical Standard UNI EN 15129 requires that the isolators are attached to the structure by mechanical fastening only. In this research work, a constraint device that fulfills this requirement but, at the same time, does not significantly alter the mechanical behavior of FREIs is investigated. The properties of the selected device and its installation method are presented. The results of both a simple compression test and a combined compression and shear test performed on two isolators reinforced by quadri-directional carbon fiber fabrics and two isolators reinforced by bi-directional fabrics are presented. The tests were performed in the absence and presence of the constraint device in order to investigate the modifications produced by the device. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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Review

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40 pages, 4683 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Thorough Examination of Innovative Supplementary Dampers Aimed at Enhancing the Seismic Behavior of Structural Systems

by Panagiota Katsimpini, George Papagiannopoulos and George Hatzigeorgiou

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031226 - 25 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1233

Abstract

This review article presents a detailed investigation into the seismic behavior of structures employing supplementary dampers or additional damping mechanisms over the past decade. The study covers a range of damping systems, including viscous, viscoelastic, and friction dampers, as well as tuned mass dampers and other approaches. A systematic analysis of more than 160 publications in the current literature is undertaken, providing a clear overview of structures equipped with supplementary damping devices and the challenges they face. The theoretical principles that underpin these technologies are examined, along with their practical applications and effectiveness in alleviating seismic effects. Additionally, the article highlights recent developments in the design of damping devices, the challenges related to their implementation, and prospective directions for future research. By synthesizing results from experimental studies, numerical simulations, and real-world applications, this review offers valuable insights for researchers and engineers involved in the design of earthquake-resistant structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Materials and Concrete, 2nd Edition)

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