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Sustainability in Construction Materials
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Sustainability in Construction Materials

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Building".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2024) | Viewed by 10597

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Kioupis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Engineering School, Merchant Marine Academy of Crete, 73200 Chania, Greece
Interests: construction materials; cement chemistry; geopolymers; valorization of wastes in building materials; materials characterization and testing
Dr. Konstantinos Sotiriadis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 19000 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: cement chemistry; concrete technology; durability of cement-based materials in corrosive environments; microstructural analysis; supplementary cementing materials; magnesium phosphate cements; alkali-activated binders; self-healing; cultural heritage building materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The construction sector, one of the pillars of the global economy, still follows the “make–take–dispose” concept. Indeed, the construction sector accounts for a large consumption of raw materials for use in manufacturing of building products and components, adding significant amounts of energy and greenhouse gas emissions to the life cycle of the buildings. However, the scarcity of natural resources, the high energy demand of production processes and the high rate of waste landfilling indicate the imperative need of transforming the construction industry to follow the concepts of sustainability and circularity.

In view of the aforementioned, this Special Issue aims to collect innovative research findings involving advances in sustainable construction materials and their characterization, less energy consuming production processes of construction materials, different waste streams valorization in the production of building products, methodologies of minimizing the environmental impact in the building sector, efficient methods of recycling and reusing in the construction, as well as innovative technologies for improving the performance and service life of the construction materials.

Sustainability is an international, cross-disciplinary, scholarly, peer-reviewed, and open access journal of environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings. It provides an advanced forum for studies related to sustainability and sustainable development, and is published semimonthly online by MDPI.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Kioupis
Dr. Konstantinos Sotiriadis
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. Sustainability 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

  • construction materials
  • geopolymers
  • innovative technologies
  • reuse and recycle
  • wastes valorisation
  • characterization and testing
  • life cycle analysis
  • carbon footprint
  • durability

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 5691 KiB  
Article
Advancing the Sustainability of Geopolymer Technology through the Development of Rice Husk Ash Based Solid Activators
by Olga Andriana Panitsa, Dimitrios Kioupis and Glikeria Kakali
Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7243; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177243 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1481
Abstract
Rice husk ash (RHA), an agricultural waste byproduct, has already been tested as a component in geopolymeric binders, typically as part of the precursor solid mix, alongside materials like fly ash (FA), slag, and cement. This study presents a novel approach where RHA [...] Read more.
Rice husk ash (RHA), an agricultural waste byproduct, has already been tested as a component in geopolymeric binders, typically as part of the precursor solid mix, alongside materials like fly ash (FA), slag, and cement. This study presents a novel approach where RHA is employed to create a solid activator, aimed at entirely replacing commercial sodium silicates. The synthesis process involves mixing RHA, NaOH (NH), and water by applying a SiO2/Na2O molar ratio equal to 1, followed by mild thermal treatment at 150 °C for 1 h, resulting in the production of a solid powder characterized by high Na2SiO3 content (60–76%). Additionally, microwave treatment (SiO2/Na2O = 1, 460 W for 5 min) increases the environmental and economical sustainability of alkali silicates production from RHA since this processing is 12 times faster than conventional thermal treatment reducing at the same time the final product’s embodied energy. The efficacy of this new material as a sole solid activator for the geopolymerization of Greek FA is investigated through various techniques (XRD, FTIR, SEM). One-part geopolymers prepared with RHA-based solid activators demonstrated mechanical performance comparable to those prepared with commercial products (~62 MPa at 7 days). This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable construction practices emphasizing the importance of local materials and reduced environmental impact in achieving long-term sustainability goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Construction Materials)
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18 pages, 4471 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Nano Silica and Plantain Leaf Ash for Improving Strength Properties of Expansive Soil
by Fahad Alshawmar
Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2157; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052157 - 5 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2390
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of nanosilica and plantain leaf ash on the sustainable stabilization of expansive soil. This study conducted various strength tests, including Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), direct shear, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, to analyze the enhancement of mechanical [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effect of nanosilica and plantain leaf ash on the sustainable stabilization of expansive soil. This study conducted various strength tests, including Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), direct shear, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, to analyze the enhancement of mechanical properties by adding nano silica and plantain leaf ash. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was conducted to investigate the interaction mechanism between the soil and the combination of nano silica and plantain leaf ash. Three different combinations of plantain leaf ash were utilized, ranging from 5% to 15%, alongside nano silica ranging from 0.4% to 1.2%. The reinforced soil’s compressive strength, shear strength, and bearing capacity were assessed through UCS, direct shear, and CBR tests. The results demonstrated significant improvements in compressive strength, up to 4.6 times, and enhancements in cohesion and frictional angle, up to 3.3 and 1.6 times, respectively, at 28 days. Moreover, the addition of nano silica and plantain leaf ash led to increased bearing capacity and reduced soil swelling potential, contributing to the overall stability and strength improvement in expansive soil. The SEM test results demonstrate that maximum bonding and compaction occur when 1.2% nano silica and 15% plantain leaf ash are added to the soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Construction Materials)
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19 pages, 4543 KiB  
Article
Rheology, Mechanical Properties and Shrinkage of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Cement Kiln and By-Pass Filter Dust
by Andreas Kounadis, Efstratios Badogiannis, Kosmas Sideris, Stelios Antiohos and Ioannis Marinos
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010320 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1523
Abstract
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a high-quality construction solution, combining high fluidity, passing and filling ability with improved mechanical properties and durability. In the present study, the effect of incorporating alternative waste materials, such as two by-products of the cement industry, namely cement kiln [...] Read more.
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a high-quality construction solution, combining high fluidity, passing and filling ability with improved mechanical properties and durability. In the present study, the effect of incorporating alternative waste materials, such as two by-products of the cement industry, namely cement kiln dust (CKD) and by-pass dust (BPD) into SCC, as a partial replacement for traditional filler material, was investigated. The produced compositions were compared with reference mixtures containing exclusively marble powder (MP), as a filler. A series of tests encompassing specific test methods for wet SCC, compressive, flexural and tensile-splitting strength tests, as well as drying-shrinkage determination, were undertaken to evaluate the quality of the produced SCC in terms of fresh and hardened properties. The use of alternative fine-filler materials resulted in a high-performance sustainable SCC, of low cement content. To be precise, incorporating CKD into the SCC enhanced its rheological behavior and marginally improved its mechanical properties, while the use of BPD led to SCC mixtures of adequate rheological characteristics, coupled with significantly improved mechanical and physical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Construction Materials)
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20 pages, 5117 KiB  
Article
Data-Driven Integrated Decision Model for Analysing Energetic Behaviour of Innovative Construction Materials Capable of Hybrid Energy Storage
by Chrysa Politi, Antonis Peppas and Maria Taxiarchou
Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12863; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712863 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1541
Abstract
Aligning the European Union goals for climate neutrality by 2050 and the ambition for carbon equivalent emissions reduction to almost half by 2030 demands the exploration of alternative decarbonisation pathways. Energy consumption across all sectors is identified as a crucial contributor to this [...] Read more.
Aligning the European Union goals for climate neutrality by 2050 and the ambition for carbon equivalent emissions reduction to almost half by 2030 demands the exploration of alternative decarbonisation pathways. Energy consumption across all sectors is identified as a crucial contributor to this challenge, with a number of legislative and regulatory frameworks and commitments to be introduced every year. In response to these trends, the concept of exploiting a building’s thermal mass through the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) enhances the ability of building elements to reserve and deliver large amounts of energy during phase transitions. However, the incorporation of PCMs into building elements requires the thorough understanding of their thermal behaviour. This study evaluates and predicts the thermophysical properties of mineral particles carrying PCMs and coated with a cementitious layer able to be utilised as fillers in construction applications. By employing deep learning and predictive modelling techniques, the numerical data-driven model developed in this paper enhances accuracy and efficiency in property estimation and prediction, facilitating material selection, system design, and optimisation. A model in a MATLAB simulation environment is presented, evaluating and predicting the thermophysical properties of semi-organic particles able to enhance building envelope thermal mass as a hybrid energy storage solution. These findings show the time needed for a building block to undergo cooling, demonstrating a clear upgrade in the thermal discharge of the walls. Substituting traditional EP with PCM-enhanced EP leads to a minimum reduction of 1 °C per hour in the discharge rate, thereby extending the comfort duration of indoor spaces without necessitating additional space heating. These models offer the potential for assessing diverse material compositions and usage scenarios, offering valuable insights to aid decisions in optimizing building energy efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Construction Materials)
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18 pages, 3016 KiB  
Article
Perlite and Rice Husk Ash Re-Use As Fine Aggregates in Lightweight Aggregate Structural Concrete—Durability Assessment
by Maria C. Stratoura, Gerasimina-Ersi D. Lazari, Efstratios G. Badogiannis and Vagelis G. Papadakis
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4217; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054217 - 26 Feb 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2821
Abstract
In this paper, perlite mining and rice production by-products, namely run-of-mine perlite and rice husk ash, are used as fine aggregates in combination with pumice and calcareous aggregates to produce lightweight concrete. Their use is evaluated mainly in terms of the durability of [...] Read more.
In this paper, perlite mining and rice production by-products, namely run-of-mine perlite and rice husk ash, are used as fine aggregates in combination with pumice and calcareous aggregates to produce lightweight concrete. Their use is evaluated mainly in terms of the durability of the concrete, by comparing four optimized lightweight concrete mixtures of similar density and strength with a reference one of normal weight. The sorptivity due to capillary sorption, open porosity, chloride migration, penetration resistance, and freeze and thaw response were studied to evaluate the durability of the lightweight concrete. According to the experimental results, the examined mixtures developed an adequate strength in order to be classified into strength classes greater than LC25/28 and, therefore, be used in structural applications. The durability of the mixtures was also sufficient, especially as far as the chlorides’ penetration resistance is concerned, which was found to be up to 39% lower compared to the reference mixture. The sorptivity and open porosity of the LWC mixtures increased due to the porous nature of the lightweight aggregates, and the mixtures were also found to be susceptible to freeze and thaw cycles. Exceptionally, the lightweight concrete mixtures comprising pumice and perlite exhibited a lower sorptivity and resistance to chloride penetration than the standard concrete and a promising tolerance to freezing and thawing. Thus, the optimized combination of pumice and perlite is a sustainable recommendation for structural lightweight concrete production and use, promoting the wider exploitation of natural aggregates with an acceptable compromise on strength and durability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Construction Materials)
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