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Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures
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Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 12142

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jiping Bai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, Treforest Campus, Pontypridd CF37 1DL, UK
Interests: concrete; cement; structural engineering; AI-based structural health monitoring; computational methods; optimisation and design; recycling; sustainability; construction; civil engineering; building information modelling (BIM); fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites; artificial neural networks; wastepaper sludge ash (WSA); construction and demolition waste; recycled concrete aggregates
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The climate emergency is the utmost threat to our planet. Concrete materials and structures play a critical role in making societies resilient, stronger and safer. Among existing construction materials for building, civil engineering and other infrastructures, concrete is by far the most disaster-resilient and can be incorporated in various key aspects to make structures more resilient in support of UN’s sustainable development objectives.

This Special Issue focuses on sustainable and low carbon-based concrete materials, and resilience-based design and construction for civil infrastructure systems. It aims to cover the following scope/topics of interest:

Constituent Materials

  • Cement
  • Aggregates
  • Admixtures
  • Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)
  • Geopolymer binders
  • Recycled materials for concrete
  • Others

Concrete Properties and Testing

  • Fresh concrete
  • Hydration, setting and hardening of concrete
  • Properties of hardened concrete
  • Durability of concrete
  • Microstructural and structural characterization
  • Testing, quality and standards
  • Modelling of cement and concrete
  • Concrete construction

Processing

  • Mixture design methods
  • Special concrete
  • Ready mixed concrete
  • Formwork
  • Precast concrete
  • Reinforced and prestreesed concrete
  • Alternative reinforcement for concrete
  • 3D concrete printing
  • Structural strengthening with fibre reinforced polymers
  • Roller compacted concrete
  • Light weight concrete
  • Self compacting concrete
  • Air entrained concrete
  • Shotcrete concrete
  • Asphalt concrete
  • Polymer concrete
  • Pervious concrete
  • High-performance concrete
  • High strength concrete

Concrete Structural Analysis and Design

  • Mechanics of reinforced concrete
  • Building codes and standards
  • Finite element method for analysis of reinforced concrete structures
  • Concrete applications in civil infrastructures
  • Seismic design of concrete structures
  • Tall building design
  • Stability systems for concrete structures
  • Construction of reinforced concrete structures
  • Sustainability of concrete structures
  • Life-cycle analysis
  • Calculations of embodied carbon of concrete structures
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Structural Health Monitoring

  • Novel approaches for implementing structural health monitoring
  • Recent advances and trends in structural health monitoring
  • Structural health monitoring using machine learning
  • Testing and nondestructive evaluation
  • Self-diagnostics and condition-based performance evaluations
  • Vibration and wave propagation methods for damage assessment
  • Embedding technology, sensor/structure integration technology
  • Structural health monitoring system integration and validation
  • Interdisciplinary approaches and applications for structural health monitoring

Dr. Jiping Bai
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. 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 constituent materials
  • supplementary cementitious materials (SCM)
  • geopolymer binders
  • recycled concrete
  • construction and demolition waste
  • cement hydration
  • mechanical properties of concrete
  • durability of concrete
  • reinforced and prestressed concrete
  • 3D concrete printing
  • self compacting concrete
  • high strength concrete
  • finite element method
  • concrete structural analysis and design
  • seismic design
  • life-cycle analysis (LCA)
  • embodied carbon
  • sustainability
  • building information modelling (BIM)
  • structural health monitoring (SHM)

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3565 KiB  
Article
Sustainability Enhancement and Evaluation of a Concrete Dam Using Recycling
by Hasan Mostafaei, Niyousha Fallah Chamasemani, Mohammadreza Mashayekhi, Naser Safaeian Hamzehkolaei and Paulo Santos
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052479 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 574
Abstract
Examining the life cycle of structures, such as concrete dams, holds paramount importance for engineers, as it facilitates a comprehensive assessment of overall sustainability, enabling the balancing of the benefits and costs associated with dam development. The recycling of materials emerges as a [...] Read more.
Examining the life cycle of structures, such as concrete dams, holds paramount importance for engineers, as it facilitates a comprehensive assessment of overall sustainability, enabling the balancing of the benefits and costs associated with dam development. The recycling of materials emerges as a crucial factor in mitigating environmental impacts. This study employs the IMPACT 2002+ methodology to perform a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a concrete dam, covering the stages from construction to decommissioning. Additionally, carbon footprint analysis (CFA) and life cycle costing (LCC) are performed to pinpoint greenhouse gas (GHG) emission sources and access economic performance. This investigation spans three key-stages: (1) initial construction; (2) decommissioning; (3) hypothetical scenarios with recycling rates for demolished concrete and steel, evaluating how different recycling percentages influence both the environmental benefits and LCC outcomes. The results emphasize the significance of reducing air pollution, with climate change identified as the primary environmental concern compared to ecosystem and resource indicators. The findings show that the carbon footprint associated with the construction of 1 m width of the dam is estimated to be around 355 ton CO2 eq. Furthermore, the total carbon emissions resulting from the demolition of the dam were identified to amount to 735 ton CO2 eq/m. The recycling of the dam materials after demolition led to a notable reduction in pollution associated with the decommissioning process of the dam, compared to the dams’ destruction without recycling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures)
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30 pages, 13117 KiB  
Article
Evaluating 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid (PLA)-Reinforced Materials: Mechanical Performance and Chemical Stability in Concrete Mediums
by Hanna Csótár, Szabolcs Szalai, Dmytro Kurhan, Mykola Sysyn and Szabolcs Fischer
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15042165 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 648
Abstract
The optimization and evaluation of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) materials for reinforcing concrete elements present a promising avenue for advancing sustainable construction methods. This study addresses the challenges associated with PLA’s dual nature—biodegradable yet mechanically limited for long-term applications—while leveraging its potential to [...] Read more.
The optimization and evaluation of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) materials for reinforcing concrete elements present a promising avenue for advancing sustainable construction methods. This study addresses the challenges associated with PLA’s dual nature—biodegradable yet mechanically limited for long-term applications—while leveraging its potential to enhance concrete reinforcement. The research identifies gaps in understanding PLA’s mechanical and chemical behavior in alkaline environments, particularly its interactions with concrete matrices. To bridge this gap, four distinct PLA variants (high-impact PLA, engineering PLA, electrical ESD PLA, and gypsum PLA) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) were subjected to dissolution tests in NaOH solutions (pH 12 and 12.55) and mechanical evaluation under three-point bending using digital image correlation (DIC) technology. Test specimens were prepared using optimized 3D printing strategies to ensure structural consistency and were embedded in concrete beams to analyze their reinforcement potential. Force–displacement data and GOM ARAMIS measurements revealed significant differences in mechanical responses, with peak loads ranging from 0.812 kN (high-impact PLA) to 1.021 kN (electrical ESD PLA). Notably, electrical ESD PLA exhibited post-failure load-bearing capacity, highlighting its reinforcement capability. Chemical dissolution tests revealed material-specific degradation patterns, with high-impact and Gypsum PLA showing accelerated surface changes and precipitation phenomena. Observations indicated white crystalline precipitates, likely lime (calcium hydroxide—Ca(OH)2), residue from the dissolution tests (sodium hydroxide—NaOH), or material-derived residues formed on and near PLA elements, suggesting potential chemical interactions. These findings underline the critical role of material selection and optimization in achieving effective PLA–concrete integration. While PLA’s environmental sustainability aligns with industry goals, its structural reliability under long-term exposure remains a challenge. The study concludes that electrical ESD PLA demonstrates the highest potential for application in reinforced concrete, provided its chemical stability is managed, as its peak value (1.021 kN) showed 25.7% higher load-bearing capacity than high-impact PLA (0.812 kN) and did not lose any of its structural stability in the dissolution tests. This work advances the understanding of PLA as a sustainable alternative in construction, offering insights for future material innovations and applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures)
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17 pages, 6256 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Structures After Structural Failure
by Tomas Gómez Prieto, María Isabel Prieto, Alberto Leal and Daniel Ferrández
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15041783 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 689
Abstract
The research presented below examines the use of carbon fiber-reinforced concrete specimens that have been previously tested under compression. For this study, two types of specimens were used: half without the addition of polypropylene fibers and the other half with the addition of [...] Read more.
The research presented below examines the use of carbon fiber-reinforced concrete specimens that have been previously tested under compression. For this study, two types of specimens were used: half without the addition of polypropylene fibers and the other half with the addition of 3 kg/m3 of polypropylene fibers. These specimens were tested in two stress groups, one above 15 N/mm2 and the other below this value. The confinement was carried out using four types of carbon fibers, two unidirectional and two bidirectional, analyzing their stress and maximum strain and comparing them with reference tests. The results indicate that confinement with carbon fibers is highly effective for stresses both above and below 15 N/mm2. In fact, the confinement increased the compressive strength compared to the original specimens, which had very low strengths, reaching values up to 15 N/mm2. Finally, the polypropylene fibers demonstrated a greater energy absorption capacity, achieving a non-explosive failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures)
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17 pages, 7512 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Glass Flour on the Microstructure and Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Experimental Studies
by Gabriela Rutkowska, Mariusz Żółtowski, Filip Chyliński, Yuliia Trach and Elżbieta Gortych
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11937; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111937 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1495
Abstract
The introduced limits on carbon dioxide emissions by the European Union encourage experimental work on new-generation materials containing smaller amounts of clinker. Currently, silica fly ash from hard coal combustion is widely used in cement and concrete technology in Europe and Poland. Their [...] Read more.
The introduced limits on carbon dioxide emissions by the European Union encourage experimental work on new-generation materials containing smaller amounts of clinker. Currently, silica fly ash from hard coal combustion is widely used in cement and concrete technology in Europe and Poland. Their wide application is determined mainly by the chemical and phase composition, and in particular by the activity of pozzolanic and its high fineness, like cement. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of glass flour and polypropylene fiber modifiers on the properties of concrete and its microstructure. To analyze the results, samples of reference ordinary concrete and samples with different amounts of glass flour (0–30%) and a constant number of polypropylene fibers (0.025 kg) were used. The obtained test results showed the possibility of producing ordinary concrete with the addition of glass flour. The average compressive strength for concrete containing 10% additive was set at 49.3 MPa, 51.2 MPa, and 53.1 MPa after 28, 56, and 90 days of maturation for a content of 20% of 44.6 MPa, 46.4 MPa, and 48.4 MPa, respectively, and for 30% of 41.5 MPa, 43.8 MPa, and 45.6 MPa, respectively. By modifying concrete with glass flour and polypropylene fibers, a composite resistant to negative temperatures can be obtained. Glass flour shows reactivity with the cement matrix, and in small amounts, it might cause the microstructure to seal and a slight increase in compressive strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures)
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21 pages, 6642 KiB  
Article
Efficiency of Flange-Bonded CFRP Sheets in Relocation of Plastic Hinge in RC Beam–Column Joints
by Farzad Hejazi, Ramin Azarm and Ali Akbar Firoozi
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11870; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111870 - 30 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1660
Abstract
Beam–column connection zones are high regions of interest in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, which are expected to respond elastically to seismic loads. Using carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) to improve these connections, performance is critical in retrofitting deficient RC frames because existing slabs may [...] Read more.
Beam–column connection zones are high regions of interest in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, which are expected to respond elastically to seismic loads. Using carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) to improve these connections, performance is critical in retrofitting deficient RC frames because existing slabs may pose numerous limitations in the design and wrapping of CFRP sheets in joints. The main aim of this research is to develop a new design for flange-bonded CFRP retrofit of frames, including slabs, for the relocation of plastic hinges of the connection area toward the beam and to develop beam–column joint capacity and building stability in cases of subjection to dynamic loads. The performance of these proposed retrofittings was explored both experimentally and numerically. Two full-scale fabricated interior RC joints of a real moment-resisting frame with moderate ductility were subjected to monotonic loads before and after retrofitting, and the results were used to detail the numerical progress and verify of the beam–column connection. Moreover, a parametric study was conducted on CFRP sheets’ optimal thickness to examine its influence on plastic hinge relocation in the connection region. Results show that the retrofitting method can efficiently relocate the plastic hinge to the mid-span of the beam, which, in turn, leads to improved capacity and achievement of the RC frame and guarantees better structural safety a lower cost. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures)
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13 pages, 5718 KiB  
Article
Concrete Crack Width Measurement Using a Laser Beam and Image Processing Algorithms
by Mthabisi Adriano Nyathi, Jiping Bai and Ian David Wilson
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 4981; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084981 - 15 Apr 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3485
Abstract
The presence of concrete cracks in structures indicates possible structural deterioration, but it is quite difficult to measure crack width accurately. While much research has been conducted on crack detection using image processing, there is a gap in the accurate quantification of crack [...] Read more.
The presence of concrete cracks in structures indicates possible structural deterioration, but it is quite difficult to measure crack width accurately. While much research has been conducted on crack detection using image processing, there is a gap in the accurate quantification of crack width in millimeters. Current methods either measure in pixels or require the attachment of scales or markers onto a measured surface, which can pose safety hazards in hard-to-reach areas. This paper addresses these issues by proposing a novel image-based method for measuring concrete crack width in millimeters using a laser beam and image processing. The proposed method was validated in the laboratory by capturing images of concrete cracks with two cameras of different resolutions, each attached with lasers. The lasers projected a circular laser beam onto the surface of the concrete under inspection. The images were then pre-processed, segmented, and skeletonized for crack width measurement in pixels. The relationship between the laser diameter and camera distance from the surface was used to convert the measured crack width from pixels to millimeters. The method was performed with high accuracy, as indicated by the absolute error. The largest absolute error was 0.57 mm, while the smallest absolute error was 0.02 mm. The proposed method allows real-world interpretation of results in millimeters. As a result, measured crack widths can easily be compared to allowable limits in international standards, which are typically expressed in metric or SI units. The proposed method can also promote safer inspections in areas of low accessibility by attaching the laser to devices such as drones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures)
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20 pages, 6204 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Expanded Glass and Crushed Expanded Polystyrene on the Performance Characteristics of Lightweight Concrete
by Jurga Šeputytė-Jucikė, Sigitas Vėjelis, Viktor Kizinievič, Agnė Kairytė and Saulius Vaitkus
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4188; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074188 - 25 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2082
Abstract
This paper describes the production and performance characteristics of lightweight concrete (LWC) made from porous aggregates, such as expanded glass (EG), made from glass waste, and crushed expanded polystyrene waste (CEPW), obtained by crushing packaging waste from household appliances and ordinary Portland cement [...] Read more.
This paper describes the production and performance characteristics of lightweight concrete (LWC) made from porous aggregates, such as expanded glass (EG), made from glass waste, and crushed expanded polystyrene waste (CEPW), obtained by crushing packaging waste from household appliances and ordinary Portland cement (OPC). During the study, the LWC density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, bending strength, water absorption, deformations, composite structure, and freeze–thaw resistance were evaluated. By changing the amount of OPC and replacing part of the EG with CEPW, it was possible to reduce the thermal conductivity from 0.0977 to 0.0720 W/(mK). The presence of CEPW did not degrade compressive and bending strength or long-term water absorption of LWC. The influence of the amount of porous aggregates and OPC on the resistance to freezing and thawing was investigated by two methods. In one case, the freezing resistance was studied by the method of one-sided freezing of LWC structural indicators and, in the other case, the freezing resistance was determined by the decrease in compressive strength after 25, 100, and 200 freeze–thaw cycles. By modifying the structure with CEPW aggregate the durability of LWC products was increased and deformations were decreased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Concrete Materials and Resilient Structures)
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