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Construction Materials
Special Issues
Advances in the Sustainability and Durability of Waste-Based Construction Materials
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Advances in the Sustainability and Durability of Waste-Based Construction Materials

A special issue of Construction Materials (ISSN 2673-7108).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 2778

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rute Eires

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre of Territory, Environment and Construction, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, Escola de Engenharia,‎ 4800-058 Guimarães‎, Portugal
Interests: sustainable unconventional materials; earthen construction; hemp based materials; durability of materials; sustainable construction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Raphaele Malheiro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre of Territory, Environment and Construction, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, Escola de Engenharia,‎ 4800-058 Guimarães‎, Portugal
Interests: sustainable buildings; durability of materials; chloride transportation; carbonation; supplementary cementitious materials; circular economy; bio-based materials; waste-based composites; energy efficiency of buildings; vernacular architecture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the significant advances in the sustainability and durability of construction materials incorporating industrial and agro-industrial wastes or by-products. Waste inclusion in construction products, such as in concrete, thermal mortars and composite mixtures for block production, is crucial for improving environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

This Issue aims to highlight the benefits of using waste-based materials and the combination of waste with natural materials for greater sustainability, focusing on improved material properties; reduced carbon footprint; reduced energy consumption; low resource exploration; and cost efficiency. It also seeks to explore their possible limitations, for instance in terms of durability or toxicity.

Scientific contributions are invited on topics such as the following: the development of new waste-based composites or concretes; performance evaluation; durability studies; life cycle assessment; and case studies demonstrating practical applications in the construction industry.

Dr. Rute Eires
Dr. Raphaele Malheiro
Guest Editors

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. Construction Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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

  • wastes
  • durability
  • performance optimization
  • concrete
  • composites

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1636 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Performance of Sustainable Asphalt Mixtures Incorporating RAP and Panasqueira Mine Waste
by Hernan Patricio Moyano-Ayala and Marisa Sofia Fernandes Dinis-Almeida
Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5030052 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable practices in road construction has prompted the search for environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials. This study explores the incorporation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and Panasqueira mine waste (greywacke aggregates) as full replacements for virgin aggregates in hot [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for sustainable practices in road construction has prompted the search for environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials. This study explores the incorporation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and Panasqueira mine waste (greywacke aggregates) as full replacements for virgin aggregates in hot mix asphalt (HMA), aligning with the objectives of UN Sustainable Development Goal 9. Three asphalt mixtures were prepared: a reference mixture (MR) with granite aggregates, and two modified mixtures (M15 and M20) with 15% and 20% RAP, respectively. All mixtures were evaluated through Marshall stability, stiffness modulus, water sensitivity, and wheel tracking tests. The results demonstrated that mixtures containing RAP and mine waste met Portuguese specifications for surface courses. Specifically, the M20 mixture showed the highest stiffness modulus, improved moisture resistance, and the best performance against permanent deformation. These improvements are attributed to the presence of stiff aged binder in RAP and the mechanical characteristics of the greywacke aggregates. Overall, the findings confirm that the combined use of RAP and mining waste provides a technically viable and sustainable alternative for asphalt pavement construction, contributing to resource efficiency and circular economy goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Sustainability and Durability of Waste-Based Construction Materials)
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18 pages, 3231 KiB  
Article
Investigation into the Properties of Alkali-Activated Fiber-Reinforced Slabs, Produced with Marginal By-Products and Recycled Plastic Aggregates
by Fotini Kesikidou, Kyriakos Koktsidis and Eleftherios K. Anastasiou
Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5030048 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 233
Abstract
Alkali-activated building materials have attracted the interest of many researchers due to their low cost and eco-efficiency. Different binders with different chemical compositions can be used for their production, so the reaction mechanism can become complex and the results of studies can vary [...] Read more.
Alkali-activated building materials have attracted the interest of many researchers due to their low cost and eco-efficiency. Different binders with different chemical compositions can be used for their production, so the reaction mechanism can become complex and the results of studies can vary widely. In this work, several alkali-activated mortars based on marginal by-products as binders, such as high calcium fly ash and ladle furnace slag, are investigated. Their mechanical (flexural and compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and modulus of elasticity) and physical (porosity, absorption, specific gravity, and pH) properties were determined. After evaluating the mechanical performance of the mortars, the optimum mixture containing fly ash, which reached 15 MPa under compression at 90 days, was selected for the production of precast compressed slabs. Steel or glass fibers were also incorporated to improve their ductility. To reduce the density of the slabs, 60% of the siliceous sand aggregate was also replaced with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic aggregate. The homogeneity, density, porosity, and capillary absorption of the slabs were measured, as well as their flexural strength and fracture energy. The results showed that alkali activation can be used to improve the mechanical properties of weak secondary binders such as ladle furnace slag and hydrated fly ash. The incorporation of recycled PET aggregates produced slabs that could be classified as lightweight, with similar porosity and capillary absorption values, and over 65% achieved strength compared to the normal weight slabs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Sustainability and Durability of Waste-Based Construction Materials)
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16 pages, 4284 KiB  
Article
Monitoring of Corrosion in Reinforced E-Waste Concrete Subjected to Chloride-Laden Environment Using Embedded Piezo Sensor
by Gaurav Kumar, Tushar Bansal and Dayanand Sharma
Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5030046 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 509
Abstract
This study explores the use of embedded piezo sensor (EPS) employing the Electro-Mechanical Impedance (EMI) technique for real-time corrosion monitoring in reinforced E-waste concrete exposed to chloride-laden environments. With the growing environmental concerns over electronic waste (E-waste) and the demand for sustainable construction [...] Read more.
This study explores the use of embedded piezo sensor (EPS) employing the Electro-Mechanical Impedance (EMI) technique for real-time corrosion monitoring in reinforced E-waste concrete exposed to chloride-laden environments. With the growing environmental concerns over electronic waste (E-waste) and the demand for sustainable construction practices, printed circuit board (PCB) materials were incorporated as partial replacements for coarse aggregates in concrete. The experiment utilized M30-grade concrete mixes, substituting 15% of natural coarse aggregates with E-waste, aiming to assess both sustainability and structural performance without compromising durability. EPS configured with Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) patches were embedded into both conventional and E-waste concrete specimens. The EPS monitored the changes in the form of conductance and susceptance signatures across a 100–400 kHz frequency range during accelerated corrosion exposure over a 60-day period in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The corrosion progression was evaluated qualitatively through electrical impedance signatures, visually via rust formation and cracking, and quantitatively using the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) of EMI signatures. The results showed that the EMI technique effectively captured the initiation and propagation stages of corrosion. E-waste concrete exhibited earlier and more severe signs of corrosion compared to conventional concrete, indicated by faster increases and subsequent declines in conductance and susceptance and higher RMSD values during the initiation phase. The EMI-based system demonstrated its capability to detect microstructural changes at early stages, making it a promising method for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of sustainable concretes. The study concludes that while the use of E-waste in concrete contributes positively to sustainability, it may compromise long-term durability in aggressive environments. However, the integration of EPS and EMI offers a reliable, non-destructive, and sensitive technique for real-time corrosion monitoring, supporting preventive maintenance and improved infrastructure longevity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Sustainability and Durability of Waste-Based Construction Materials)
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20 pages, 5406 KiB  
Article
Sintering Behavior and Chlorine Volatilization Mechanism of Cl-Containing Solid Waste in Clay Brick Production: Implications for Tunnel Kiln Applications
by Zhu Liu, Shupeng Wen, Jian Wang, Yi Li, Linqiang Mao, Yang Yang and Zhongquan Liu
Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5020034 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 584
Abstract
The use of tunnel kiln firing in clay brick production offers a promising approach for disposing of Cl-containing solid waste, with lower chlorine (Cl) and heavy metal volatilization compared to cement kiln processes. However, the effects of Cl salts on brick properties and [...] Read more.
The use of tunnel kiln firing in clay brick production offers a promising approach for disposing of Cl-containing solid waste, with lower chlorine (Cl) and heavy metal volatilization compared to cement kiln processes. However, the effects of Cl salts on brick properties and the volatilization mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the behaviors of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 during sintering. Adding 15 wt% Cl salts significantly alters pore structure, increasing water absorption by 80–100% and reducing compressive strength by 70–80%. At 1050 °C, 10.8–16.4% of Cl volatilizes mainly as HCl (g), 24.4–26.2% remains in original salt form, and over half is immobilized within the brick matrix. Thermodynamic and TG-MS analyses reveal Cl salts are stable below 800 °C but release HCl (g) at higher temperatures due to lower reaction energy barriers than Cl2 (g). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that H+ for HCl (g) formation primarily originates from water vapor (H2O), with organic decomposition having minimal effect. The presence of Cl salts promotes feldspar and silicate phase formation, enhancing densification but increasing porosity from HCl release. To reduce HCl emissions, a two-stage temperature control strategy is proposed: organic decomposition and moisture removal below 600 °C, followed by sintering at 800–1000 °C. This work clarifies the volatilization mechanisms of Cl salts and provides guidance for optimizing industrial brick production using Cl-containing waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Sustainability and Durability of Waste-Based Construction Materials)
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18 pages, 6152 KiB  
Article
Development of Thermally Insulating Gypsum Boards Blended with Quartzite and Fiberglass Waste
by Rosana M. R. Mol, Marialaura H. Rosas, Keoma D. C. e Silva and Ricardo A. F. Peixoto
Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5020030 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 674
Abstract
The construction industry generates approximately 45% of the world’s total waste, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. This study investigates the incorporation of quartzite waste (QW) and fiberglass waste (FW) into the production of gypsum plasterboard to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining [...] Read more.
The construction industry generates approximately 45% of the world’s total waste, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. This study investigates the incorporation of quartzite waste (QW) and fiberglass waste (FW) into the production of gypsum plasterboard to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining its structural performance. The optimum formulation (MQ-20) was determined by replacing 20% of the gypsum with QW, based on the observed free water loss and crystallization water. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the reference and modified boards were evaluated. The results showed that the MQ-20 samples exhibited a 30% reduction in flexural strength compared to the reference, while still exceeding regulatory standards. In addition, the MQ-20 samples had a lower thermal conductivity (0.54 W/(m∙K)) than the reference (0.58 W/(m∙K)). Fire-resistance tests showed that the inclusion of QW and FW reduced the size and number of cracks, improving the structural stability of the plasterboard at high temperatures. This research demonstrates that the incorporation of industrial waste into plasterboard is a viable and environmentally friendly approach, providing both mechanical and thermal performance benefits. These findings provide a basis for future studies aimed at developing sustainable building materials with improved functional properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Sustainability and Durability of Waste-Based Construction Materials)
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