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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 October 2024) | Viewed by 9430

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Dr. Li Li

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Guest Editor

College of Water Resources and Architectural Engineering, Northwest A&F University, No. 23, Wei Hui Rd., Xianyang 712100, China
Interests: engineering materials; cementitious composite; fiber-reinforced cementitious composite; UHPC; rheology; high-temperature properties; geopolymer; nanomaterials; microstructure; multiscale
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Dr. Changming Li

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, North China University of Water Resource and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450045, China
Interests: building materials; concrete; cementitious composites; UHPC; high-temperature properties; microstructure; cementitious materials and design; geopolymer composites; low-carbon materials

Dr. Yuan Jia

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Guest Editor

College of Materials Science and Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
Interests: functional building materials; MgO-based cementitious materials; industrial solid waste resource utilization and sustainable construction materials

Dr. Yanfeng Fang

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, No.25 Hunnan Rd., Shenyang 110168, China
Interests: mineral carbonation; low-carbon cementitious materials; utilization of industrial wastes; hydration chemistry of cement
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jingliang Dong

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Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
Interests: building materials; concrete; cementitious composites; UHPC; high-temperature properties; microstructure; geopolymer composites; low-carbon materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Increasing anxiety around climate warming resulting from increased carbon dioxide emissions from the use of traditional engineering materials has led to a high level of interest in developing low-carbon engineering materials. However, engineering materials have different strategies to deal with the above challenges.

Hybrid fiber reinforced cementitious composites are a kind of cementitious composite which can inhibit crack development through various fiber bridging effects, improving the mechanical properties and durability of cementitious composites. For example, high-ductility concrete can significantly improve the ductility, toughness, and durability of their respective structures. With the rapid development of economy, the production of industrial solid waste has increased, and the utilization rate of industrial solid waste has been at a low level for a long time. The effective management of industrial solid waste is an important aspect when it comes to developing a circular economy. However, determining how to better promote the recycling of industrial solid waste and improve the efficiency of industrial solid waste utilization has become very important. Therefore, sustainable engineering materials are one of the key paths to solve environmental problems and develop a circular economy that improves the utilization and added value of industrial solid waste. Alkali-activated cement is a new type of cement with good workability, high compressive strength, low drying shrinkage, low energy consumption, and low CO₂ emissions. The findings of this Special Issue may open up new ways of finding alternatives to the OPC. Therefore, it is possible to integrate these materials in civil engineering applications to enhance the sustainability of the respective structures and improve their durability.

In this regard, this Special Issue aims to focus on the development of durable and low-carbon engineering materials. We look forward to your contributions to this Special Issue. Full-text articles, comments, and communications are welcome.

Dr. Li Li
Dr. Changming Li
Dr. Yuan Jia
Dr. Yanfeng Fang
Dr. Jingliang Dong
Guest Editors

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Keywords

industrial solid waste resource utilization
fiber-reinforced cementitious composite
geopolymer material
low-clinker cement
FRP reinforced structure
durability of engineering materials
alkali-activated cement

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 8264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties and Chloride Penetration Resistance of Concrete Combined with Ground Granulate Blast Furnace Slag and Macro Synthetic Fiber

by Shengzhao Cheng, Lisha Shen, Weige Chen, Haitang Zhu, Peibo You and Lu Chen

Materials 2024, 17(19), 4735; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194735 - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Concrete with good mechanical properties and durability has always been a necessity in engineering. The addition of fibers and supplementary cementitious materials to concrete can enhance its mechanical and durability performance through a series of chemical and physical interactions. This study aims to investigate the effects of key parameters on the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and chloride penetration resistance of concrete combined with ground granulate blast furnace slag (GGBS) and macro polypropylene synthetic fiber (MSF). Based on the Taguchi method, a total of eighteen mixtures were evaluated, considering the effects of GGBS content, MSF content, water-to-binder (w/b) ratio, and chloride solution concentration on concrete properties. The results showed that the w/b ratio has a significant impact on the properties of concrete, which are enhanced by a decrease in w/b ratio. The GGBS content had little effect on the 28-day strength of concrete, which even decreased with a large GGBS content, but GGBS had a positive effect on the long-term strength of concrete. Moreover, the chloride penetration resistance of concrete was enhanced by an increase in the GGBS content. The MSF content had no obvious effects on the compressive strength and chloride penetration resistance of concrete, but it could enhance the splitting tensile strength to some extent, and this enhancement was more obvious over time. The chloride diffusion coefficient of concrete changed with the concentration of chloride solution, and the two increased simultaneously. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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13 pages, 4153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydration and Mechanical Properties of High-Volume Fly Ash Cement under Different Curing Temperatures

by Young-Cheol Choi

Materials 2024, 17(19), 4716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194716 - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different curing temperatures on the hydration and mechanical properties of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete. The key variables were curing temperature (13 °C, 23 °C, 43 °C) and fly ash (FA) content (0%, 35%, 55%). The hydration characteristics of HVFA cement were examined by evaluating the setting time and heat of hydration under different curing temperatures. The mechanical properties of HVFA concrete were analyzed by preparing concrete specimens at various curing temperatures and measuring the compressive strength at 7, 28, 56, and 91 days. The results indicated that concrete with high FA content was more sensitive to curing temperature compared to ordinary Portland cement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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20 pages, 6053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion (CFBC) Ash as Carbon Dioxide Storage Medium and Development of Construction Materials by Recycling Carbonated Ash

by Young Min Wie, Ki Gang Lee and Kang Hoon Lee

Materials 2024, 17(17), 4359; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174359 - 3 Sep 2024

Viewed by 252

Abstract

This study validates the attributes of the mineral carbonation process employing circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) ash, which is generated from thermal power plants, as a medium for carbon storage. Furthermore, an examination was conducted on the properties of construction materials produced through the recycling of carbonated circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) ash. The carbonation characteristics of circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) ash were investigated by analyzing the impact of CO₂ flow rate and solid content. Experiments were conducted to investigate the use of it as a concrete admixture by replacing cement at varying percentages ranging from 0% to 20% by weight. The stability and setting time were subsequently measured. To produce foam concrete, specimens were fabricated by substituting 0 to 30 wt% of the cement. Characteristics of the unhardened slurry, such as density, flow, and settlement depth, were measured, while characteristics after hardening, including density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity, were also assessed. The findings of our research study validated that the carbonation rate of CFBC ash in the slurry exhibited distinct characteristics compared to the reaction in the solid–gas system. Manufactured carbonated circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) ash, when used as a recycled concrete mixture, improved the initial strength of cement mortar by 5 to 12% based on the 7-day strength. In addition, it replaced 25 wt% of cement in the production of foam concrete, showing a density of 0.58 g/cm³, and the 28-day strength was 2.1 MPa, meeting the density standard of 0.6 grade foam concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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15 pages, 3477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Activated Siliceous Wastes Incorporated as Mineral Admixtures on the Rheological Properties of Cement Paste: Insights into Their Physicochemical Interactions in Suspension

by Linyun Shi, Jingzhong Kuang and Tingsheng Qiu

Materials 2024, 17(15), 3781; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17153781 - 1 Aug 2024

Viewed by 360

Abstract

Mechanical grinding is a common method used to enhance the pozzolanic activity of tailings, and these activated tailings can be used as supplementary cementitious materials in cement production. However, the addition of activated tailings usually reduces the workability of cement paste, and the mechanism of influence of different minerals in tailings on workability varies. In this study, three kinds of principal silicate minerals in tailings—quartz, feldspar, and mica—were mechanically activated. The influence of these activated minerals on the rheological properties of cement paste were studied in the absence or presence of PCE (polycarboxylate ether) superplasticizers, and the influence mechanism was investigated using rheology, TOC, contact angles, zeta potential, XPS, ICP-OES, and XRD. The results showed that quartz has the highest fluidity, and mica has the lowest. An increase in hydrophilicity decreased the flowability of the blended cement paste. The increase in the metal cation dissolution rate was the main reason for the decrease in the fluidity of PCE-blended cement pastes. The knowledge gained provides a valuable reference for the utilization of activated tailings in cement production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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17 pages, 7848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Properties, Microstructure Development and Life Cycle Assessment of Alkali-Activated Materials Containing Steel Slag under Different Alkali Equivalents

by Xin Ji, Xiaofeng Wang, Xin Zhao, Zhenjun Wang, Haibao Zhang and Jianfei Liu

Materials 2024, 17(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17010048 - 22 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 850

Abstract

To improve solid waste resource utilization and environmental sustainability, an alkali-activated material (AAM) was prepared using steel slag (SS), fly ash, blast furnace slag and alkali activators in this work. The evolutions of SS content (10–50%) and alkali equivalent (4.0–8.0%) on workability, mechanical strength and environmental indicators of the AAM were investigated. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques were adopted to characterize micromorphology, reaction products and pore structure, and the reaction mechanism was summarized. Results showed that the paste fluidity and setting time gradually increased with the increase in SS content. The highest compressive strength was obtained for the paste at 8.0% alkali equivalent due to the improved reaction rate and process, but it also increased the risk of cracking. However, SS was able to exert a microaggregate filling effect, where SS particles filling the pores increased the structural compactness and hindered crack development. Based on the optimal compressive strength, global warming, abiotic resource depletion, acidification and eutrophication potential of the paste are reduced by 76.7%, 53.0%, 51.6%, and 48.9%, respectively, compared with cement. This work is beneficial to further improve the utilization of solid waste resources and expand the application of environmentally friendly AAMs in the field of construction engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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14 pages, 5031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution Law of Structural Form and Heat Transfer Performance of Thermal Insulation System

by Shuang-Xi Zhou, Jian-Xin Li, Shu-Feng Bao, Yang Ding, Yong-Qi Wei, An-Ming She, Zhen-Zhen Guo and Jing-Liang Dong

Materials 2023, 16(18), 6341; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186341 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1168

Abstract

Building thermal insulation and energy conservation have become urgent problems in the field of civil engineering because they are important for achieving the goal of carbon neutralization. Thermal conductivity is an important index for evaluating the thermal insulation of materials. To study the influence of different porosity levels on the thermal conductivity of materials, this paper established a random distribution model using MATLAB and conducted a comparative analysis using COMSOL finite element software and classical theoretical numerical calculation formulas. The thermal conductivity of composite materials was determined based on a theoretical calculation formula and COMSOL software simulations, and the theoretical calculation results and simulation results were compared with the measured thermal conductivity of the composites. Furthermore, the influence of the width of the gaps between the materials on the heat transfer process was simulated in the fabricated roof structure. The results showed the following: (1) The thermal conductivity values calculated using the Zimmerman model were quite different from those calculated using the Campbell-Allen model and those calculated using the COMSOL software; (2) The thermal conductivity values calculated using the theoretical calculation formula were lower than the measured data, and the maximum relative error was more than 29%. The COMSOL simulation results were in good agreement with the measured data, and the relative error was less than 5%; (3) When the gap width was less than 60 mm, it increased linearly with the heat transfer coefficient. The heat transfer coefficient increased slowly when the gap width was greater than 60 mm. This was mainly due to the thermal bridge effect inside the insulation system. Based on these research results, a thermal insulation system was prepared in a factory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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16 pages, 3635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Stability of Low-Carbon Magnesium Cementitious Materials in Sulfate Erosion Environments

by Yuan Jia, Xinmei Zou, Yaoting Jiang, Yuxin Zou, Shuanglin Song, Jianyun Qin, Yongjing Wang and Lihua Zhu

Materials 2023, 16(11), 4042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16114042 - 29 May 2023

Viewed by 1363

Abstract

The current investigation focuses on the stability of the magnesium oxide-based cementitious system under the action of sulfate attack and the dry-wet cycle. The phase change in the magnesium oxide-based cementitious system was quantitatively analyzed by X-ray diffraction, combined with thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscope, to explore its erosion behavior under an erosion environment. The results revealed that, in the fully reactive magnesium oxide-based cementitious system under the environment of high concentration sulfate erosion, there was only magnesium silicate hydrate gel formation and no other phase; however, the reaction process of the incomplete magnesium oxide-based cementitious system was delayed, but not inhibited, by the environment of high-concentration sulfate, and it tended to turn completely into a magnesium silicate hydrate gel. The magnesium silicate hydrate sample outperformed the cement sample, in terms of stability in a high-concentration sulfate erosion environment, but it tended to degrade considerably more rapidly, and to a greater extent, than Portland cement, in both dry and wet sulfate cycle environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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10 pages, 1939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Preparation and Properties of Bridge Concrete Using Low Carbon Aggregates

by Ruishuang Jiang, Youjia Xing, Shuai Liu, Yongzhi Guo and Baolin Guo

Materials 2023, 16(1), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010245 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1298

Abstract

It is an outstanding solution for protecting the environment using manufactured sand instead of natural river sand in concrete. In this paper, tunnel granite muck was processed into low carbon, coarse and fine aggregates, and low carbon aggregates were used to prepare bridge concrete. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties, anti-permeability, and frost resistance of concrete were investigated. The results demonstrated that the concrete prepared using low carbon aggregate had higher mechanical properties than concrete prepared using river sand. The chloride ion penetration resistance of concrete using low carbon aggregate is better than that of concrete using river sand, and frost resistance has been improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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11 pages, 1998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Carbonation Resistance of Polymer-Modified Sulphoaluminate Cement-Based Materials

by Ping Zhang, Bingxin Zhang, Yanfeng Fang and Jun Chang

Materials 2022, 15(23), 8635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238635 - 3 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1264

Abstract

The use of tricyclic copolymer latex (AMPS) can effectively improve the carbonation resistance of sulphoaluminate cement. This paper investigated polymer AMPS and polycarboxylic acid to modify sulphoaluminate cement materials by exploring the carbonation level of sulphoaluminate cement paste and mortar and the strength before and after carbonation. Then, the optimal dosage of polymer and polycarboxylic acid was obtained so that the carbonation resistance of sulphoaluminate cement reached the best state. The compressive strength was significantly improved by adding AMPS for sulphoaluminate cement paste and mortar. After carbonation, the strength decreased and combined with the carbonation level; it was concluded that the carbonation resistance of sulphoaluminate cement materials was the best when the optimal dosage of AMPS and polycarboxylic acid was 5% and 1.8%, respectively. Due to the addition of AMPS, the hydrated calcium aluminosilicate (C-A-S-H) and hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H) gels, generated by the hydration of sulphoaluminate cement and the surface of unreacted cement particles, are wrapped by AMPS particles. The water is discharged through cement hydration. The polymer particles on the surface of the hydration product merge into a continuous film, which binds the cement hydration product together to form an overall network structure, penetrating the entire cement hydration phase and forming a polymer cement mortar with excellent structural sealing performance. To prevent the entry of CO₂ and achieve the effect of anti-carbonation, adding polycarboxylic acid mainly improves the sample’s internal density to achieve the anti-carbonation purpose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Building Materials)

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