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Advanced Cement-Based Composite Materials and Composite Intelligent Design

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 8300

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150030, China
Interests: winter concrete construction; additive manufacturing; 3D modeling; artificial intelligence in construction materials; finite element method

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Guest Editor
School of Infrastructure Engineering, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
Interests: advanced cement-based composites; common waste large-scale treatment
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Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150030, China
Interests: lattice Boltzmann method (LBM); cellular automata (CA); discrete element method (DEM); fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM); computer vision

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Guest Editor
School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
Interests: phase-change materials for thermal energy storage; microencapsulation of phase-change materials; heat-stored concrete; high-value utilization of waste in concrete construction; temperature control of concrete
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Interests: fiber-reinforced composite materials; high-performance marine structures; structural non-linear analysis; mesco-scale mechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cement-based composite is the most popular artificial material in the world and is ubiquitous in most infrastructures. In the past two decades, rapid progress has been made in terms of scientific research on and the technological development of advanced cement-based composite, which can be endowed with many functionalities (e.g., self-sensing, self-monitoring, thermal energy storage, ultrahigh-strength, self-healing, etc.) by intelligent design, rendering it smarter for service in various applications.

Though diverse advanced cement-based composite materials are expected to benefit construction materials and engineering, there are still many challenges in their development and application. The aim of this Special Issue is to promote excellent research concerning all aspects of advanced cement-based composite materials and artificial intelligence in the concrete construction process, focusing on recent advances, basic properties, research gaps, and new trends in the construction of buildings, roads, tunnels, etc. We welcome submissions of original research and review articles on the following potential topics:

  • Advanced cement-based composite materials with multifunctional properties;
  • Heat-stored, cement-based composite materials;
  • Advanced manufacturing of cement-based composite materials;
  • Fiber-reinforced and nano-modified cement-based composite materials;
  • Low-carbon and high-performance cement-based composite materials;
  • Composition intelligent design and performance prediction of cement-based composite materials.

Prof. Dr. Wei Wang
Dr. Weichen Tian
Dr. Mingzhi Wang
Dr. Kunyang Yu
Guest Editors

Dr. Yanqin Zeng
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • advanced cement-based composite materials
  • concrete in harsh environment
  • fibers
  • phase-change materials
  • artificial intelligence
  • infrastructure construction
  • low-carbon fabrication
  • composition design and performance prediction
  • additive manufacturing
 

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 8522 KB  
Article
Investigation of P-Type Cement Paste Production Through OH Ion Removal by Organic Acid Impregnation for Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting
by Hyun-Soo Lee, Jae-Suk Ryou, Hong-Gi Kim and Byeong-Hun Woo
Materials 2025, 18(18), 4229; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18184229 - 9 Sep 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
Cement-based materials are reliable materials that guarantee high efficiency and high performance and are one of the important materials for the civil engineering industries. It is an era in which carbon neutrality and energy efficiency are emphasized, and electric energy production is currently [...] Read more.
Cement-based materials are reliable materials that guarantee high efficiency and high performance and are one of the important materials for the civil engineering industries. It is an era in which carbon neutrality and energy efficiency are emphasized, and electric energy production is currently being challenged even in cement paste. At this time, the most difficult part is the process of efficiently manufacturing a positive type of P-type cement paste. In this study, a P-type cement paste impregnated with an acidic solution to remove the OH ions was prepared, and the Seebeck coefficient was obtained to confirm its electrical production capacity. In the case of cement, specimens impregnated with acetic acid and impregnated with undiluted solution for 48 h showed the highest value at 1270 µV/K, and those impregnated with pure lemon juice showed the highest value at 1220 µV/K. It is estimated that the compressive strength of the cement paste impregnated with pure lemon juice is about 10–40% greater than that of the cement paste impregnated with acetic acid, so the condition for producing the optimal P-type cement paste is to impregnate the pure lemon juice in a solution diluted to 20% for 48 h. This study provides the possibility of manufacturing P-type cement paste with optimal performance and manufacturing electric production cement using the Peltier effect in the future. Full article
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13 pages, 2264 KB  
Article
Mechanism of Activation and Microstructural Evolution in Calcium Carbide Slag-Activated GGBS-CG Composite Cementitious Materials
by Tengfei Wang, Feng Ju, Meng Xiao, Dong Wang, Lidong Yin, Lu Si, Yingbo Wang, Mengxin Xu and Dongming Yang
Materials 2025, 18(17), 4189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18174189 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
The efficient resource utilization of industrial solid wastes, such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and coal gangue (CG), is essential for sustainable development. However, their activation commonly depends on expensive and corrosive chemical alkalis. This study proposes a solution by developing a [...] Read more.
The efficient resource utilization of industrial solid wastes, such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and coal gangue (CG), is essential for sustainable development. However, their activation commonly depends on expensive and corrosive chemical alkalis. This study proposes a solution by developing a fully waste-based cementitious material using calcium carbide slag (CS), another industrial residue, as an eco-friendly alkaline activator for the GGBS-CG system. The influence of CS dosage (0–20 wt%) on hydration evolution and mechanical properties was examined using uniaxial compression testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that a CS dosage of 10 wt% yielded the highest compressive strength, reaching 10.13 MPa—a 16.5% improvement compared to the 20 wt% group. This enhancement is ascribed to the formation of hydrotalcite (HT) and calcium silicate hydrate (C-(A)-S-H) gel, which densify the microstructure. In contrast, higher CS contents led to a passivation effect that restrained further reaction. This work offers a practical and theoretical basis for the development of low-carbon, multi-waste cementitious materials and presents a promising strategy for large-scale valorization of industrial solid wastes. Full article
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17 pages, 957 KB  
Article
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Nano Silica Fume on Durability of Concrete with Close-Packing Aggregate
by Zilong Ye, Xin Qu, Jiajun Li, Tianhao Ye, Gengying Li and Haiyang Wang
Materials 2025, 18(17), 4061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18174061 - 29 Aug 2025
Viewed by 360
Abstract
Achieving the close packing and interlocking of coarse aggregates in concrete enhances the elastic modulus, thereby reducing deformation, and can improve the overall stiffness of concrete structures. This study focuses on reinforcing and toughening concrete with close-packing aggregate with silica fume and micro-steel [...] Read more.
Achieving the close packing and interlocking of coarse aggregates in concrete enhances the elastic modulus, thereby reducing deformation, and can improve the overall stiffness of concrete structures. This study focuses on reinforcing and toughening concrete with close-packing aggregate with silica fume and micro-steel fibers, and investigates its durability properties, including long-term mechanical performance, water absorption, and sulfate erosion resistance under dry–wet cyclic exposure. The experimental results indicate that the 360-day long-term compressive strength of the concrete reaches up to 109.3 MPa, and the 360-day flexural strength reaches 11.62 MPa. The addition of silica fume effectively reduces the water absorption of concrete with close-packing aggregate and improves its sulfate erosion resistance under dry–wet cycles. The lowest 28-day water absorption rate is 2.41%, and after 150 cycles of sulfate erosion, the compressive strength corrosion resistance coefficient of the concrete can be maintained at up to 68.4%, while the sulfate erosion resistance grade reaches up to KS120. The concrete overall exhibits excellent durability properties. Moreover, this is beneficial for enhancing the concrete’s performance under dry–wet cycles and its resistance to the effects of sulfate attack. Full article
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26 pages, 23183 KB  
Article
Fracture Behaviour of Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Lightweight Geopolymer Concrete: A Multidimensional Analysis
by Jutao Tao, Mingxia Jing, Qingshun Yang and Feng Liang
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153549 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
This study introduced basalt fibres as a reinforcing material and employed notched beam three-point bending tests combined with digital image correlation (DIC) technology to comprehensively evaluate key fracture parameters—namely, initial fracture toughness, unstable fracture toughness, fracture energy, and ductility index—of expanded polystyrene (EPS)-based [...] Read more.
This study introduced basalt fibres as a reinforcing material and employed notched beam three-point bending tests combined with digital image correlation (DIC) technology to comprehensively evaluate key fracture parameters—namely, initial fracture toughness, unstable fracture toughness, fracture energy, and ductility index—of expanded polystyrene (EPS)-based geopolymer concrete with different mix proportions. The results demonstrate that the optimal fracture performance was achieved when the basalt fibre volume content was 0.4% and the EPS content was 20%, resulting in respective increases of 12.07%, 28.73%, 98.92%, and 111.27% in the above parameters. To investigate the toughening mechanisms, scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the fibre–matrix interfacial bonding and crack morphology, while X-ray micro-computed tomography enabled detailed three-dimensional visualisation of internal porosity and crack development, confirming the crack-bridging and energy-dissipating roles of basalt fibres. Furthermore, the crack propagation process was simulated using the extended finite element method, and the evolution of fracture-related parameters was quantitatively analysed using a linear superposition progressive assumption. A simplified predictive model was proposed to estimate fracture toughness and fracture energy based on the initial cracking load, peak load, and compressive strength. The findings provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the engineering application of basalt fibre-reinforced EPS-based geopolymer lightweight concrete. Full article
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12 pages, 3441 KB  
Article
Mechanical Strength and Hydration Characteristic of Multiple Common Waste-Blended Cement-Based Materials Cured by Electric-Induced Heating Curing Under Severely Cold Environments
by Lei Zhang, Ruisen Li, Sheng Li, Han Wang and Qiang Fu
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143220 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 404
Abstract
To address the challenges of concrete construction in polar regions, this study investigates the feasibility of fabricating cement-based materials under severely low temperatures using electric-induced heating curing methods. Cement mortars incorporating fly ash (FA-CM), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS-CM), and metakaolin (MK-CM) [...] Read more.
To address the challenges of concrete construction in polar regions, this study investigates the feasibility of fabricating cement-based materials under severely low temperatures using electric-induced heating curing methods. Cement mortars incorporating fly ash (FA-CM), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS-CM), and metakaolin (MK-CM) were cured at environmental temperatures of −20 °C, −40 °C, and −60 °C. The optimal carbon fiber (CF) contents were determined using the initial electric resistivity to ensure a consistent electric-induced heating curing process. The thermal profiles during curing were monitored, and mechanical strength development was systematically evaluated. Hydration characteristics were elucidated through thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify phase compositions and reaction products. Results demonstrate that electric-induced heating effectively mitigates the adverse effect caused by the ultra-low temperature constraints, with distinct differences in the strength performance and hydration kinetics among supplementary cementitious materials. MK-CM exhibited superior early strength development with strength increasing rates above 10% compared to the Ref. specimen, which was attributed to the accelerated pozzolanic reactions. Microstructural analyses further verified the macroscopic strength test results that showed that electric-induced heating curing can effectively promote the performance development even under severely cold environments with a higher hydration degree and refined micro-pore structure. This work proposes a viable strategy for polar construction applications. Full article
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14 pages, 2967 KB  
Article
Gradient Joule Heating Curing Performance of Steel-Fiber-Reinforced High-Performance Concrete in Severe Cold Environments: A Preliminary Attempt for Deep-Cold Concrete Construction
by Xinyu Liu, Jinghui Wang, Zheng Zhou, Lei Zhang and Qiang Fu
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122909 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 394
Abstract
Winter concrete construction in cold regions faces significant challenges due to extreme subzero temperatures, and the harsh environment presents new requirement for cement-based materials to resist this hostile external condition. To address this gap, this study proposes gradient Joule heating (GJH) curing for [...] Read more.
Winter concrete construction in cold regions faces significant challenges due to extreme subzero temperatures, and the harsh environment presents new requirement for cement-based materials to resist this hostile external condition. To address this gap, this study proposes gradient Joule heating (GJH) curing for steel-fiber-reinforced high-performance concrete (SFR-HPC) in subzero environments (−20 °C to −60 °C). Compared to room-temperature (RT) curing, GJH enabled specimens at −20 °C to −50 °C to achieve equivalent mechanical properties within a short curing duration; the compressive strength of the specimens cured at such low environmental temperature still reached up to that of the specimen cured by RT curing. Moreover, the compressive strength of the specimens cured at −60 °C retained >60 MPa despite reduced performance. Specifically, the specimens cured at −20 °C, −30 °C, −40 °C, and −50 °C for 2 days exhibited compressive strengths of 75.8 MPa, 79.2 MPa, 77.6 MPa, and 75.4 MPa, respectively. FTIR/XRD confirmed that the specimens cured by GJH showed hydration product integrity akin to RT-cured specimens. Moreover, it should be noted that early pore structure deteriorated with decreasing temperatures, but prolonged curing mitigated these differences. These results validate GJH as a viable method for in situ HPC production in extreme cold, addressing critical limitations of conventional winter construction techniques. Full article
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18 pages, 4617 KB  
Article
Exploring the Mechanism of Microstructural Changes in Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Under Microwave Influence: Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
by Jingyuan Chen, Kunyang Yu, Shuangxin Li and Dengao Liu
Materials 2025, 18(9), 1892; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18091892 - 22 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 731
Abstract
To elucidate the mechanisms of microstructural changes in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) under microwave exposure, this study characterizes the microstructure at multiple scales using a combination of microscopic experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. The hydration products, pore structure, morphology, and interface transition zone (ITZ) [...] Read more.
To elucidate the mechanisms of microstructural changes in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) under microwave exposure, this study characterizes the microstructure at multiple scales using a combination of microscopic experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. The hydration products, pore structure, morphology, and interface transition zone (ITZ) of UHPC specimens were analyzed using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the uniaxial tensile behavior, free volume, and radial distribution of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, the primary hydration product. The results indicate that microwave curing significantly reduces the pore volume of specimens, with a daily average reduction of 0.15% in the early stages. This accelerated reduction in porosity effectively diminishes the number of high-risk pores. The hydration products formed under microwave curing exhibit higher density and enhanced internal pore optimization. Simulation findings suggest that the non-thermal effects of microwaves play a more significant role in the structural evolution. The molecular orientation of C-S-H changes after oscillation, leading to more ordered molecular arrangements. Mechanical oscillation also expels free volume from the crystal cells, promoting a more compact overall structure and increasing the tensile strength by up to 1 GPa. Full article
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14 pages, 4946 KB  
Article
Random Forest Algorithm for the Mechanical Strength Prediction of Green Cement-Based Materials Incorporating Waste Materials Under Fire Condition
by Lei Zhang, Ruipeng Qiu, Jiabin Xie, Xianglong Liu, Qiang Fu and Yanli Li
Materials 2025, 18(5), 1025; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18051025 - 26 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 563
Abstract
High temperature treatment is a typical detrimental situation that may significantly influence the compressive strength of cement-based materials. It was reported that the incorporation of common waste materials as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can improve high temperature resistance. In this work, fly ash [...] Read more.
High temperature treatment is a typical detrimental situation that may significantly influence the compressive strength of cement-based materials. It was reported that the incorporation of common waste materials as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can improve high temperature resistance. In this work, fly ash (FA), granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and silica fume (SF) were used as SCMs to replace cement to produce green cement-based materials. The mechanical strengths of the samples being subjected to various elevated temperatures were measured and analyzed with different SCMs contents. Results showed that when the high temperature was above 500 °C, it caused significant loss of strength, and the use of SCMs can improve the high temperature resistance of the cement-based materials with higher residual strength, especially for the GGBFS and SF blended samples. Moreover, the random forest regression algorithm was used to predict the compressive strength for the cement-based material incorporating various waste materials, and exhibited high accuracy. This work presents a comprehensive study on the regularity of changes of mechanical strength and provides a specific algorithm for the precise prediction of this occurrence, which is helpful to understand and predict the influence of high temperature treatment on green cement-based materials with various waste materials. Full article
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17 pages, 6251 KB  
Article
High-Performance Oil Well Cement with Modified Calcium Carbonate Whiskers: Enhancing Durability Under HTHP Conditions
by Xingguo Liu, Jiankun Qin, Rongdong Dai, Hanguo Zhou, Xueyu Pang and Xuhui Chen
Materials 2025, 18(5), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18051021 - 26 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 721
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of incorporating modified calcium carbonate whiskers, treated with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), to enhance the mechanical properties and sealing integrity of oil well cement under high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions. Traditional cement systems are prone to brittleness and cracking [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effect of incorporating modified calcium carbonate whiskers, treated with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), to enhance the mechanical properties and sealing integrity of oil well cement under high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions. Traditional cement systems are prone to brittleness and cracking under dynamic loads, leading to compromised wellbore sealing performance. Our findings demonstrate that fiber-toughened cement slurry improves the toughness and sealing performance of the cement annulus, maintaining gas tightness and mechanical integrity under cyclic alternating pressures at 150 °C. Specifically, the inclusion of 5% modified whisker fibers improves compressive strength by 24.5% and flexural strength by 43.3% while maintaining stable rheological and thickening properties. These results support the hypothesis that modified whisker fibers enhance the durability and sealing integrity of cement wellbores under extreme conditions, providing a practical solution for challenging cementing applications. Full article
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15 pages, 6204 KB  
Article
Effect of Early Curing Experiences on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of ECO-UHPC Prepared by Gold Tailings Sand
by Qi Ouyang, Xianxiang Zhou, Xian Liang and Biao Luo
Materials 2025, 18(4), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18040842 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 605
Abstract
Fine gold tailings particles generated from gold mining and refining have the potential to replace high-cost quartz sand in the preparation of economical ultra-high-performance concrete (ECO-UHPC) due to their large stockpiles, low cost, and elimination of grinding. In this study, ECO-UHPC was prepared [...] Read more.
Fine gold tailings particles generated from gold mining and refining have the potential to replace high-cost quartz sand in the preparation of economical ultra-high-performance concrete (ECO-UHPC) due to their large stockpiles, low cost, and elimination of grinding. In this study, ECO-UHPC was prepared by substituting quartz sand with gold tailing sand (GTS) at substitution rates of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The mechanical properties of ECO-UHPC, including its cubic compressive strength, elastic modulus, and prismatic compressive strength, as well as its leaching toxicity, were experimentally analyzed under various early curing experiences such as ambient-water curing (WC), hot-water curing (HWC), hot-air curing (HAC), and combined curing (CC). Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) were employed to interpret the macroscopic behavior of ECO-UHPC. The results indicate that the incorporation of waste GTS slightly reduces the fluidity of fresh ECO-UHPC, decreasing it by approximately 6.1% at a full 100% replacement. As a result of waste GTS substitution, the cubic strength of ECO-UHPC experiencing the WC environment during early curing is reduced by 0.7–12.2%. However, the strength of thermally cured ECO-UHPC is comparable to or even higher than that of pure quartz-based G0, with the maximum value occurring in G-50. Specifically, the strength of G-50 cured with HWC, HAC, and CC varies by +20.0%, +40.2%, and +57.7%, respectively, as compared to that of G-50 cured with WC. The evolution of the elastic modulus and the prismatic strength of ECO-UHPC under different early curing conditions and GTS replacement rates aligns closely with that of its cubic strength. In addition, the implementation of thermal curing conditions also limits the leaching of heavy metals from ECO-UHPC, with the best effect observed under CC. This is because appropriate thermal curing promotes the densification of a cementitious substance and the bonding of GTS-cementitious material. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing waste GTS as a partial or full replacement for quartz sand in ECO-UHPC while maintaining desirable mechanical performance and environmental safety. The findings provide valuable insights into the influence of GTS substitution and early curing regimes on ECO-UHPC properties, highlighting the potential of thermal curing to enhance strength and mitigate leaching risks. Future research should further explore the long-term durability of GTS-based ECO-UHPC and its broader applicability in sustainable construction practices. Full article
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12 pages, 2607 KB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of Stabilized Soils with Selected Common Waste Materials of Rice Husk Ash, Steel Slag and Iron Tailing Powder
by Degou Cai, Mingzhe Ouyang, Xinyu Bao, Qianli Zhang, Zongqi Bi, Hongye Yan, Shimin Li and Yuefeng Shi
Materials 2025, 18(2), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020346 - 14 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1018
Abstract
Soil stabilization technology has been applied for a long time in the infrastructure construction field. Currently, the use of waste materials as stabilizer is growing in attention, because it promises to develop green and high-performance soil stabilization efficiency. In this work, three common [...] Read more.
Soil stabilization technology has been applied for a long time in the infrastructure construction field. Currently, the use of waste materials as stabilizer is growing in attention, because it promises to develop green and high-performance soil stabilization efficiency. In this work, three common waste materials, including rice husk ash (RHA), steel slag (SS) and iron tailing (IT) powder, were selected and synergistically utilized with cement to prepare stabilized soil. The mechanical strength, hydration degree and microstructure of the stabilized soil samples were tested. The experimental results showed that the mechanical strengths of the samples were improved as the cement content increased. To be specific, RHA-blended samples exhibited the lowest strengths compared with those incorporating SS and IT, indicating the poor effect of RHA on stimulating strength improvement. Moreover, SS and IT showed a much more significant effect on enhancing the mechanical strength for the stabilized soil samples, and the strength increasing rates can reach up to 60% compared to the reference batch. In addition, microstructural analysis results further verified the benefits of cement and waste materials on improving the performance of stabilized soil samples, as the hydration reaction and pore structure were proven to be improved with the aid of waste materials. This work gives insights into environmentally friendly road construction with high utilization of selected common wastes. Full article
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22 pages, 4783 KB  
Article
Enhancement of Air-Entrained Grout-Enriched Vibrated Cemented Sand, Gravel and Rock (GECSGR) for Improving Frost and Thawing Resistance in CSGR Dams
by Wambley Adomako Baah, Jinsheng Jia, Cuiying Zheng, Baozhen Jia, Yue Wang and Yangfeng Wu
Materials 2025, 18(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18010155 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 905
Abstract
Cemented Sand, Gravel, and Rock (CSGR) dams have traditionally used either Conventional Vibrated Concrete (CVC) or Grout-Enriched Roller Compacted Concrete (GERCC) for protective and seepage control layers in low- to medium-height dams. However, these methods are complex, prone to interference, and uneconomical due [...] Read more.
Cemented Sand, Gravel, and Rock (CSGR) dams have traditionally used either Conventional Vibrated Concrete (CVC) or Grout-Enriched Roller Compacted Concrete (GERCC) for protective and seepage control layers in low- to medium-height dams. However, these methods are complex, prone to interference, and uneconomical due to significant differences in the expansion coefficient, elastic modulus, and hydration heat parameters among CSGR, CVC, and GERCC. This complexity complicates quality control during construction, leading to the development of Grout-Enriched Vibrated Cemented Sand, Gravel, and Rock (GECSGR) as an alternative. Despite its potential, GECSGR has limited use due to concerns about freeze–thaw resistance. This project addresses these concerns by developing an air-entrained GECSGR grout formulation and construction technique. The study follows a five-phase approach: mix proportioning of C1806 CSGR; optimization of the grout formulation; determination of grout addition rate; evaluation of small-scale lab samples of GECSGR; and field application. The results indicate that combining 8–12% of 223 kg/m3 cement grout with 2–2.23 kg/m3 of admixtures, mud content of 15%, a marsh time of 26–31 s. and a water/cement ratio of 0.5–0.6 with the C1806 parent CSGR mixture achieved a post-vibration in situ air content of 4–6%, excellent freeze–thaw resistance (F300: mass loss <5% or initial dynamic modulus ≥60%), and permeability resistance (W12: permeability coefficient of 0.13 × 10−10 m/s). The development of a 2-in-1 slurry addition and vibration equipment eliminated performance risks and enhanced efficiency in field applications, such as the conversion of the C1804 CSGR mixture into air-entrained GECSGR grade C9015W6F50 for the 2.76 km Qianwei protection dam. Economic analysis revealed that the unit cost of GECSGR production is 18.3% and 6.33% less than CVC and GERCC, respectively, marking a significant advancement in sustainable cement-based composite materials in the dam industry. Full article
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