Research

15 pages, 1981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indexing Model Based on Vector Normalization Available for Value Engineering in Building Materials

by Jongsik Lee

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9515; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11209515 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1039

Value engineering is a method of selecting the optimum design by evaluating the value of the original design and the alternative design. However, if the function score and the cost score of the evaluation subject are indexed, the range of the function index, [...] Read more.

Value engineering is a method of selecting the optimum design by evaluating the value of the original design and the alternative design. However, if the function score and the cost score of the evaluation subject are indexed, the range of the function index, the cost index and the value index calculated according to the functional attribute and the cost attribute may vary. The client is confused in the decision-making process of selecting the optimum design because the calculation range of the function, cost and value scores are different according to the evaluation subject. The necessity of indexing the cost score and the function score has been constantly raised, but it has been regarded as a difficult problem. This study presents a model that can index the function, cost and value scores using vector normalization method. Additionally, by applying this study model to the case of selecting finishing materials for the office automation floor of a building, the consistency of the study model was verified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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20 pages, 6992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Incorporation of Biomass Bottom Ash as a Filler for Discontinuous Grading Bituminous Mixtures with Bitumen Emulsion

by Jorge Suárez-Macías, Juan María Terrones-Saeta, Francisco Javier Iglesias-Godino and Francisco Antonio Corpas-Iglesias

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3334; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083334 - 08 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1878

Abstract

Energy consumption, because of population development, is progressively increasing. For this reason, new sources of energy are being developed, such as that produced from the combustion of biomass. However, this type of renewable energy has one main disadvantage, the production of waste. Biomass [...] Read more.

Energy consumption, because of population development, is progressively increasing. For this reason, new sources of energy are being developed, such as that produced from the combustion of biomass. However, this type of renewable energy has one main disadvantage, the production of waste. Biomass bottom ash is a residue of this industry that currently has not much use. For this reason, this research evaluates its use as a filler in bituminous mixtures, since this sector also has a significant impact on the environment, as it requires large quantities of raw materials. With this objective, first, the physical and chemical properties of biomass bottom ashes were evaluated, verifying their characteristics for their use as filler. Subsequently, bituminous mixtures were conformed with biomass bottom ash as filler, and their physical and mechanical properties were analyzed through particle loss and Marshall tests. The results of these tests were compared with those obtained with the same type of mixture but with conventional and ophite aggregates. This study confirmed that biomass bottom ash was viable for use as a filler, creating mixtures with a higher percentage of bitumen, better mechanical behavior, and similar physical properties. In short, more sustainable material for roads was obtained with waste currently condemned to landfill. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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18 pages, 3973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immobilization of (Aqueous) Cations in Low pH M-S-H Cement

by Maximilian R. Marsiske, Christian Debus, Fulvio Di Lorenzo, Ellina Bernard, Sergey V. Churakov and Cristina Ruiz-Agudo

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 2968; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11072968 - 26 Mar 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2087

Abstract

Incorporation of heavy metal ions in cement hydrates is of great interest for the storage and immobilization of toxic, hazardous, and radioactive wastes using cementitious matrix. Magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) is a low pH alternative cementitious binder to commonly used Portland cement. Low [...] Read more.

Incorporation of heavy metal ions in cement hydrates is of great interest for the storage and immobilization of toxic, hazardous, and radioactive wastes using cementitious matrix. Magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) is a low pH alternative cementitious binder to commonly used Portland cement. Low pH cements have been considered as promising matrix for municipal and nuclear waste immobilization in the last decades. It is however crucial to assure that the incorporation of secondary ions is not detrimental for the formation of the hydration products. Herein, we investigate the early stages of formation of M-S-H from electrolyte solutions in presence of a wide range of metal cations (Li^I, Ba^II, Cs^I, Cr^III, Fe^III, Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^I, Zn^II, Pb^II, Al^III). The final solid products obtained after 24 h have been characterized via powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), elemental analysis via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). In all the experiments, the main precipitated phase after 24 h was confirmed to be M-S-H with a ratio (total metal/Si) close to one. The obtained M-S-H products showed strong immobilization capacity for the secondary metal cations and can incorporate up to 30% of the total metal content at the early stages of M-S-H formation without significantly delaying the nucleation of the M-S-H. It has been observed that presence of Cr, Co, and Fe in the solution is prolonging the growth period of M-S-H. This is related to a higher average secondary metal/total metal ratio in the precipitated material. Secondary phases that co-precipitate in some of the experiments (Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn) were also effectively trapped within in the M-S-H matrix. Barium was the only element in which the formation of a secondary carbonate phase isolated from the M-S-H precipitates was detected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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16 pages, 4447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Life Cycle Assessment in the Environmental Study of Sustainable Ceramic Bricks Made with ‘alperujo’ (Olive Pomace)

by Ana B. López-García, Teresa Cotes-Palomino, Manuel Uceda-Rodríguez, José Manuel Moreno-Maroto, Carlos Javier Cobo-Ceacero, N. M. Fernanda Andreola and Carmen Martínez-García

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2278; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052278 - 04 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2674

Abstract

Investigations on the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to the construction sector have shown that the environmental impact of construction products can be significantly reduced. To achieve this, the use of best available techniques and eco-innovation in production plants must be promoted. [...] Read more.

Investigations on the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to the construction sector have shown that the environmental impact of construction products can be significantly reduced. To achieve this, the use of best available techniques and eco-innovation in production plants must be promoted. In this way, the use of finite natural resources can be replaced by waste generated in other production processes, preferably available locally, stimulating the creation of more sustainable products. Conducting a comparative LCA study between the traditional ceramic brick manufacturing process and the ceramic brick manufacturing process incorporating ‘alperujo’ (waste generated in the virgin oil extraction process), is an inevitable step to achieve the integration of circularity and eco-innovation in the production system of traditional ceramic materials, through the CML(Centrum voor Milieukunde Leiden) and IPCC(The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) methodology. The obtained results suggest that the environmental benefits in this practice are very limited, even taking into account the contribution of different amounts of this waste to the production of bricks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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16 pages, 3408 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Cleaner Design and Production of Lightweight Aggregates (LWAs) to Use in Agronomic Application

by Carmen Martínez-García, Fernanda Andreola, Isabella Lancellotti, Romina D. Farías, Mª Teresa Cotes-Palomino and Luisa Barbieri

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020800 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1515

Abstract

This research focused on the obtainment of sustainable lightweight aggregates (LWAs) for agronomic application. The cleaner production is based on saving matter through the valorization of waste available in industry as a substitute of clays into the formulation of the lightweight aggregates (LWAs). [...] Read more.

This research focused on the obtainment of sustainable lightweight aggregates (LWAs) for agronomic application. The cleaner production is based on saving matter through the valorization of waste available in industry as a substitute of clays into the formulation of the lightweight aggregates (LWAs). Three different types of clays (white, black, and red) and alternative raw materials were blended. Cattle bone flour ash (CBA) and a fertilizer glass (FG) were used to introduce K and P into the mixture in amounts suitable for fertilizer application, and a sewage sludge from a brewery wastewater treatment plant was used as pore forming agent. For the production of the LWAs, we mixed different percentage of waste in two different clay mixtures, which were thermally treated at 1000 °C for 1 h. Technological parameters such as loose bulk and oven dry density, total porosity, water absorption capacity, pH, and electrical conductivity were determined to evaluate the potential use of LWAs as a growing media. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) techniques were used, and leaching tests were performed to complete the samples’ characterization. The results indicated the potential for manufacturing high-quality LWAs for the agronomic field by using energy-saving and matter-processing involving low temperatures with respect to the conventional process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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23 pages, 3090 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of High Resistance Hot Mix Asphalt with Electric Arc Furnace Slag, Ladle Furnace Slag, and Cellulose Fibers from the Papermaking Industry

by Juan María Terrones-Saeta, Jorge Suárez-Macías, Francisco Javier Iglesias-Godino and Francisco Antonio Corpas-Iglesias

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010399 - 04 Jan 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1975

Abstract

Roads are currently essential links of communication and economic development. However, these roads are progressively requiring higher quality materials, implying a greater impact on the environment, in order to withstand the high levels of heavy vehicle traffic. Therefore, this research proposes the use [...] Read more.

Roads are currently essential links of communication and economic development. However, these roads are progressively requiring higher quality materials, implying a greater impact on the environment, in order to withstand the high levels of heavy vehicle traffic. Therefore, this research proposes the use of industrial by-products to create bituminous mixtures which are more resistant and durable than traditional ones. The industrial by-products used, are electric arc furnace slag, ladle furnace slag, and cellulose fibers from the papermaking industry. These by-products were physically and chemically characterized to be used to conform with bituminous mixtures. At the same time, bituminous mixtures were conformed with conventional materials, thus being able to compare the physical and mechanical properties of the conformed mixtures through different tests. The results showed how the use of cellulose fibers made it possible to absorb a greater percentage of bitumen, as well as the use of electric arc furnace slag and ladle furnace slag created mixtures, with greater Marshall stability. Therefore, sustainable, durable, resistant, and high waste mixtures were developed in this investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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21 pages, 1467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Analysis of the M-30 Madrid Tunnels and Madrid Río after 14 years of Service Life

by Lucía López-de Abajo, Ana Patricia Pérez-Fortes, Marcos G. Alberti, Jaime C. Gálvez and Tomás Ripa

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(20), 7368; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10207368 - 21 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2936

Abstract

In 2007, the excavation of the M-30 ring road located in Madrid and the creation of a green corridor either side of the Manzanares river brought significant change to the metropolitan area. The corridor and linear park which it provided were designed to [...] Read more.

In 2007, the excavation of the M-30 ring road located in Madrid and the creation of a green corridor either side of the Manzanares river brought significant change to the metropolitan area. The corridor and linear park which it provided were designed to contribute to the regeneration of the fluvial ecosystem, establish links among residents on each side of the river and promote cultural and leisure activities. This paper provides a sustainability analysis of the excavation of the M-30 (involving the socio-economic and environmental impact) 14 years after its construction. In order to show such an impact, an analysis of the area both prior to the project and after completion, as well as a hypothetical solution that uses improved materials, has been performed. This entails use of the multi-criteria decision-making model named MIVES (initials in Spanish, modelo integrado de valor para una evaluación sostenible). The MIVES method is based on the application of value functions of sustainability indicators selected by socio-economic and environmental criteria, chosen by experts. Results from analysis showed that the excavation of the M-30 considerably improved the sustainability of the area (sustainable index 3.43 and 6.26 both before and after the excavation works). However, use of improved materials in contrast with the application of conventional materials slightly improved the sustainability of the work (Sustainability Index 6.26 and 6.74, respectively, of the conventional materials). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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11 pages, 5514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glass-Ceramic Foams from Alkali-Activated Vitrified Bottom Ash and Waste Glasses

by Miroslava Hujova, Patricia Rabelo Monich, Jaroslav Sedlacek, Miroslav Hnatko, Jozef Kraxner, Dusan Galusek and Enrico Bernardo

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(16), 5714; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10165714 - 18 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2614

Abstract

Both vitrified bottom ashes (VBAs) and waste glasses are forms of inorganic waste material that are widely landfilled, despite having some economic potential. Building on previous studies, we prepared glass-ceramic foams by the combination of VBA with either soda-lime glass (SLG) or borosilicate [...] Read more.

Both vitrified bottom ashes (VBAs) and waste glasses are forms of inorganic waste material that are widely landfilled, despite having some economic potential. Building on previous studies, we prepared glass-ceramic foams by the combination of VBA with either soda-lime glass (SLG) or borosilicate glass (BSG). Suspensions of fine powders in weakly alkaline solution underwent gelation, followed by frothing at nearly room temperature. Hardened “green” foams were sintered, with concurrent crystallization, at 850–1000 °C. All foams were highly porous (>70%), with mostly open porosity. The glass addition was fundamental in both gelation (promoting the formation of carbonate and silicate hydrated phases) and firing steps. While SLG addition enhanced the viscous flow sintering, without a significant impact on the crystallization of gehlenite, the main crystalline phase from the devitrification of VBA, BSG addition caused a reactive sintering, with remarkable changes in the phase assemblage. The glass addition generally also allowed lower sintering temperatures and yielded products with excellent crushing strength. However, only specific conditions resulted in the complete immobilization of pollutants (e.g., Cr³⁺ ions). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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15 pages, 10294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Developing Sustainable Concrete Using Environmentally Friendly Coarse Aggregate

by Chamila Gunasekara, Charitha Seneviratne, David W. Law and Sujeeva Setunge

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(15), 5207; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10155207 - 28 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2604

Abstract

Quarry aggregate reserves are depleting rapidly within Australia and the rest of the world due to an increasing demand for aggregates driven by expansion in construction. The annual production of premix concrete in Australia is approximately 30 million cubic meters, while 3–5% of [...] Read more.

Quarry aggregate reserves are depleting rapidly within Australia and the rest of the world due to an increasing demand for aggregates driven by expansion in construction. The annual production of premix concrete in Australia is approximately 30 million cubic meters, while 3–5% of concrete delivered to site remains unused and is disposed of in landfill or crushing plants. The production of coarse aggregates using this waste concrete is potentially a sustainable approach to reduce environmental and economic impact. A testing program has been conducted to investigate mechanical performance and permeation characteristics of concrete produced using a novel manufactured coarse aggregate recycled directly from fresh premix concrete. The recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) concrete satisfied the specified 28-day design strength of 25 MPa and 40 MPa at 28 days and a mean compressive strength of 60 MPa at 90 days. Aggregate grading was observed to determine strength development, while low water absorption, low drying shrinkage, and higher packing density indicate that the RCA concrete is a high-quality material with a dense pore structure. The rough fracture surface of the aggregate increased the bond between C-S-H gel matrix and RCA at the interfacial transition zone. Furthermore, a good correlation was observed between compressive strength and all other mechanical properties displayed by the quarried aggregate concrete. The application of design equations as stated in Australian standards were observed to provide a conservative design for RCA concrete structures based on the mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Construction Materials)

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