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Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 March 2027 | Viewed by 39164

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Civil Engineering Engineering and Architecture Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Interests: earthquake engineering; structural vibration; building; structural dynamics; finite element analysis; construction engineering
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Dr. Dorin Radu

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Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transilvania University of Brașov, Turnului Street 5, 500152 Brașov, Romania
Interests: structural integrity; steel structures; building materials; assessment and optimization of existing structural elements; new materials for sustainable constructions
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Dr. Borko Đ. Bulajić

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Guest Editor

Department of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, University of Novi Sad, 6, Trg Dositeja Obradovica Street, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: earthquake engineering; structural health monitoring; seismic hazard analysis; seismic risk assessment; bridge engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Emmanuel Karlo Nyarko

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Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Kneza Trpimira 2B, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Interests: robot vision; machine learning; soft computing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to announce a new Special Issue of the journal Sustainability, entitled “Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials”. Earthquakes, demolition activities and urban development projects have a significant impact on the generation of waste materials. Earthquakes can lead to the widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure, resulting in large amounts of debris and waste materials such as broken bricks, concrete and other building materials. Demolition work, whether undertaken to renovate existing buildings or to make way for new developments, also contributes to the generation of waste materials as buildings are demolished and materials removed. Urban development projects, including the construction of new buildings, roads and infrastructure, also generate significant amounts of waste during the construction process. These activities contribute to the overall accumulation of waste, which emphasizes the importance of effective waste management strategies to mitigate their environmental impact.

Environmental and civil engineering are closely intertwined and work together to manage the environmental consequences of infrastructure growth, achieve sustainability goals and protect natural resources. Their collaborative, interdisciplinary methods are essential to tackling complicated environmental problems and promoting a more sustainable built environment. With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, civil engineers are tasked with incorporating environmentally conscious methods into their plans. This includes using environmentally friendly materials, utilizing energy-efficient technologies and designing structures that reduce the ecological footprint.

The Special Issue, entitled “Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials“ examines the development and application of innovative frameworks and methods that optimize the design, construction, and performance of infrastructure. These models include advanced computational algorithms, simulation techniques and experimental approaches that improve the structural integrity, durability and sustainability of buildings. Examples include computational modelling and the simulation of complex structural behavior using finite element analysis or computational fluid dynamics in order to optimize designs and predict performance under different loading conditions. In addition, experimental models such as scale models and material testing facilities allow researchers to study the behavior of structures and materials in controlled environments, facilitating the development of novel materials and design techniques. In addition, the integration of data-driven modelling and machine learning algorithms enables the predictive maintenance to be undertaken and the performance of infrastructure assets to be monitored, increasing resilience and longevity. By using innovative modelling, civil engineers can advance the state of the art in structural design and materials science, ultimately leading to safer, more efficient and more sustainable infrastructure systems.

This Special Issue, resulting from the collaboration of colleagues from several countries within the IM4StEM project (https://im4stem.eu/en/home/), emphasizes the essential link between the environment and civil engineering, particularly with regard to the use of intelligent methods in this field.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

machine learning applications;
structural integrity, durability and sustainability;
finite element analysis;
infrastructure systems;
waste materials;
geopolymer composites used as low-carbon construction materials;
in-service life calculation of new and existing structures;
ecofriendly construction materials.

Dr. Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko
Dr. Dorin Radu
Dr. Borko Đ. Bulajić
Dr. Emmanuel Karlo Nyarko
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

finite element analysis
structural integrity, durability and sustainability
infrastructure systems
waste materials

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2457 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Integration for Sustainable Motorway Delivery: A Case Study of the Sibiu–Făgăraș Motorway, Romania

by Uğur Çelik, Costel Pleșcan and Pelin Alpkökin

Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4322; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094322 - 27 Apr 2026

Viewed by 704

Abstract

Infrastructure projects of significant scale face persistent challenges in data coordination, scheduling, and cost control. Although individual digital tools are widely adopted in the construction sector, empirical evidence on their coherent systemic integration within a unified management cycle remains limited. This explanatory case study addresses that gap by examining Section 3 of the Sibiu–Făgăraș Motorway (17.61 km, 27 structures) in Romania—an ongoing TEN-T project. Evidence was collected during the active construction phase (January 2022–December 2024) from Common Data Environment (CDE) logs, BIM/BrIM model outputs, drone photogrammetry datasets, schedule and payment records, and Business Intelligence (BI) dashboards. The study demonstrates how six digital applications—CDE, model-based fabrication (LOD 400), 3D coordination, 4D/5D simulation, reality capture, and BI dashboards—were operationalized as a closed-loop Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle, functioning as a human-in-the-loop digital twin for project delivery. Illustrative operational indicators observed during implementation include an estimated 20% reduction in coordination-related RFIs, a 15% reduction in steel fabrication material waste, a reduction in payment validation cycle time from 15 days to approximately 2 days, and a 40% improvement in cash flow stability through data-driven activity re-sequencing. These findings suggest that systemic digital integration, rather than isolated tool adoption, supports more proactive and sustainability-aligned infrastructure project control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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19 pages, 4555 KB

Open AccessArticle

Surveying Techniques for Built Heritage Conservation: A Comparative Perspective of Workflows for Monument Restoration

by George Cristian, Sorin Herban, Clara-Beatrice Vîlceanu, Andreea-Diana Clepe and Carmen Grecea

Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4237; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094237 - 24 Apr 2026

Viewed by 331

Abstract

This study presents a comparative evaluation of three modern surveying techniques—UAV photogrammetry, static tripod-based LiDAR scanning, and handheld mobile LiDAR—applied in the context of historic monument restoration. The focus is on analysing workflow efficiency, data accuracy, and adaptability to complex architectural features, including interior wall paintings, which are integral to the monument’s heritage value. Particular attention is given to how each technique captures surface texture, color fidelity, and material deterioration. The study also examines performance around intricate architectural elements such as vaulted ceilings, apses, cornices, columns, and carved stone portals, where occlusions, tight clearances, and fine ornamentation challenge coverage and resolution. By evaluating the strengths and limitations of each approach, the research highlights methodological considerations relevant for conservation professionals. The results indicate that the Static TLS is the most demanding workflow, requiring complex total station integration for control and station points. It produced the highest data density, with acquisition rates of one million points per second, making it the most hardware-intensive and difficult to manipulate. UAV photogrammetry provided a balanced middle-ground; it required minimal physical effort during acquisition and produced datasets that were significantly easier to manage. Handheld SLAM LiDAR emerged as the most productive solution for rapid coverage. While the handheld scanner’s image quality was lower than the photogrammetry, it still provided enough detail for the structural assessment and documentation needed. Although the point cloud lacked the extreme geometric detail provided by the TLS, the FARO Connect software made georeferencing and data manipulation significantly more efficient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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19 pages, 9043 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Efficient Dewatering Mechanism of Water-Rich Shield Tunnel Muck Toward Sustainable Disposal

by Yanmei Zhang, Yujie Xu, Yingying Tao, Qingzhe Yi and Fuxin Wu

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083829 - 13 Apr 2026

Viewed by 604

Abstract

As solid waste generated from shield tunnel construction, shield muck is characterized by its massive volume, high water content, and poor engineering properties. Large-scale stockpiling not only occupies precious land resources but also poses potential environmental risks. This has become one of the key bottlenecks hindering the green, low-carbon, and sustainable development of rail transit construction. Efficient dewatering is a key prerequisite for its subsequent disposal or reutilization. Lime, cement, phosphogypsum, nano-SiO₂, and ground granulated blast furnace slag were employed in this research as composite conditioning agents to dewater shield tunnel muck. A range of water content, pH, and total organic carbon analyses tests were conducted to explore the roles of lime, cement, phosphogypsum, nano-SiO₂, and ground granulated blast furnace slag on the dewatering effect of shield tunnel muck. Furthermore, microstructures and elemental distribution of typical mixes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy tests. Results indicate that a composite agent consisting of 3.5% lime, 4% cement, 1% phosphogypsum, 0.2% nano-SiO₂, and 4% ground granulated blast furnace slag exhibits optimal performance, reducing water content from 50% to 29.8% within 24 h. Phosphogypsum significantly decreased pH and reduced TOC to below 1 g/kg after 15 days, effectively mitigating the environmental hazards associated with muck disposal. The formation of cementitious products, including calcium aluminate hydrate, calcium aluminosilicate hydrate gels, and calcium silicate hydrate, effectively bonds soil particles. Additionally, ettringite crystals produced by the reaction between phosphogypsum and calcium aluminate phases filled interparticle voids. These processes were identified as the primary mechanisms for water reduction. Although nano-SiO₂ exerted a limited direct influence on water content, it acted as a pozzolanic catalyst that accelerated hydration reactions of lime and cement, rapidly reducing muck fluidity. The synergistic effect of the composite dewatering agent components establishes a multi-mechanism dewatering system characterized by “hydration gel + AFt filling + nano-catalysis.” The dewatering system developed in this study achieves both high efficiency and environmental friendliness for shield tunnel muck. This provides technical support for subsequent resource utilization, such as subgrade filling, while promoting the recycling of industrial solid wastes like phosphogypsum and blast furnace slag, ultimately contributing to green, low-carbon, and sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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23 pages, 3386 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability of Building Stock Rehabilitation: CO₂e Footprint of Energy Renovation and Seismic Strengthening, a Case Study

by Viorel Popa and Bogdan Gheorghe

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3735; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083735 - 9 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 315

Abstract

For increasing the sustainability of existing building stock, energy renovation programs for existing buildings are being implemented worldwide with the aim of reducing the CO₂e footprint associated with building operation. In countries with high seismicity, the long-term effectiveness of energy renovation programs is called into question, since a strong earthquake can severely affect existing buildings and compromise the sustainability of the implemented works. As a result, the design of energy renovation programs in seismically active countries must explicitly account for seismic risk. Integrated intervention programs were developed, in which energy renovation measures are implemented simultaneously with seismic strengthening interventions. Romania represents a particular case due to the specificity of the intermediate-depth Vrancea seismic source, which strongly affects more than 60% of the national territory, covering over 120,000 km². Consequently, a large existing building stock is susceptible to seismic damage in the event of a major earthquake. This paper proposes the assessment of the specific CO₂e footprint of the Romanian residential building stock for the two types of interventions. The results show that preventive seismic strengthening has the lowest CO₂e footprint when compared to reactive seismic strengthening, the computed values for different scenarios ranging between 6 kg/m² and 45 kg/m² in case of preventive retrofitting and 23 kg/m² to 121 kg/m² in case of reactive retrofitting. Energy renovation leads to midrange values of 27 kg/m² to 58 kg/m². Nevertheless, all calculated values are significantly lower than the specific CO₂e footprint associated with new construction, proving the sustainability of existing building stock rehabilitation techniques. The research presented in this paper can be further extended through the implementation of scenario-based analyses concerning the improvement of the existing building stock through seismic strengthening and energy renovation, considering the occurrence of a major earthquake, in order to determine the optimal solution for the implementation of national programs in relation to the assumed objective of reducing CO₂e emissions at the building stock level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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17 pages, 8853 KB

Open AccessArticle

Parametric Study of Damping Ratio Estimation Using Ambiental Vibration Recordings

by Ruxandra-Gabriela Enache, George-Bogdan Nica, Georgiana Ionică and Ioana Alexandra Vînătoru

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2645; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052645 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 431

Abstract

Accurate estimation of structural damping is essential for seismic performance assessment and design for earthquake-resistant buildings. From a sustainability perspective, reliable evaluation of dynamic properties is crucial in extending the service life of existing structures and reducing the need for material-intensive interventions. Ambient vibration measurements enable non-invasive identification of damping characteristics, supporting sustainable assessment of the built environment. This paper presents an analysis of the dynamic response of a four-story reinforced concrete structure. Ambient vibration recordings are obtained with Geodas Aquisition Station and one-second velocity sensors made by Butan Service And Tokio Soil Ltd., available from CERS (Seismic Risk Assessment Research Center) research center from TUCEB (Technical University of Civil Engineering of Bucharest). The sensors were installed at the top level of the analyzed structure. The method used for estimating the damping ratio is the Random Decrement Technique (RDT). The influence of the several parameters involved in the method is investigated, such as the triggering value, the dimension of the time window sub-samples, and the number of cycles considered within a window relative to the natural period of the structure. For the analysis of the parameters specific to the RDT method, computational routines were developed using syntax compatible with OCTAVE/MATLAB R2019b. Filters were applied to isolate the natural vibration modes. The variability in the parameters demonstrates that the developed method is robust. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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22 pages, 4328 KB

Open AccessArticle

Minimizing Rebar Consumption: A Decarbonization Strategy for the Civil and Construction Industry

by Daniel Darma Widjaja, Titi Sari Nurul Rachmawati and Sunkuk Kim

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031172 - 31 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3057

Abstract

The growing demand for reinforced concrete (RC) structures, driven by population growth, significantly contributes to carbon emissions, particularly during the construction phase. Steel rebar production, a major contributor to these emissions, faces challenges due to high material consumption and waste, often stemming from market-length rebar and conventional lap splices, impeding decarbonization efforts. This study introduces a comprehensive strategy to minimize rebar consumption and waste, advancing decarbonization in the civil and construction industry. The strategy integrates a special-length-priority minimization algorithm with lap splice position adjustments or couplers to reduce rebar consumption, waste, and carbon emissions. A case study evaluates distinct scenarios regarding rebar consumption. The study demonstrates that conventional rebar practices, such as market-length rebar and lap splices, lead to excessive consumption and waste, impeding decarbonization. Couplers significantly reduce rebar requirements, though cutting waste remains when combined with market-length rebar. Special-length-priority optimization with lap splice adjustments demonstrates greater efficiency in reducing consumption while minimizing cutting waste, proving effectiveness. The combination of special-length-priority optimization and couplers achieves the greatest reductions in rebar consumption, waste, and carbon emissions, making it the most efficient strategy for future construction projects. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing rebar consumption in advancing decarbonization and promoting sustainable practices in the civil and construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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22 pages, 4312 KB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Pozzolans as Raw Material for Sustainable Construction Industry: Comparative Evaluation of Reactivity Through Direct and Indirect Methods

by Gabriela Pitolli Lyra, Afonso José Felício Peres Duran, Mauro Mitsuuchi Tashima, María Victoria Borrachero, Lourdes Soriano, Jordi Payá and João Adriano Rossignolo

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 10087; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162210087 - 19 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

A solution to reduce the consumption of raw materials and the generation of greenhouse gases is the partial replacement of clinker (the main constituent of cement) with supplementary cementitious materials. This study aimed to compare the reactivity of ten supplementary cementitious materials—synthetic/commercial ones and those from industrial and agricultural waste (eco-pozzolans). The characterization of the raw materials was carried out using X-ray fluorescence, the loss on ignition, X-ray diffraction, and the determination of the amorphous silica content and particle size distribution. The pozzolanicity assessment was carried out using the Frattini test (direct method) and electrical conductivity and pH tests (indirect method), with the latter presenting greater sensitivity and precision, enabling us to classify the pozzolan reactivity. Although synthetic/commercial pozzolans have higher silica content, the eco-pozzolans showed excellent reactivity results, thus indicating their use as sustainable pozzolans, presenting characteristics that enhance the performance of cement matrices and reduce the environmental impacts of production. Nyasil and rice leaf ash were the pozzolans that presented the greatest reactivity among those studied. The obtained results suggest that using industrial/agricultural waste like reactive pozzolans can help to mitigate the adverse impacts of cement production, address natural resource shortages, and promote a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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16 pages, 1890 KB

Open AccessArticle

Key Factors in the Design of Urban Underground Metro Lines

by Amichai Mitelman and Yahel Giat

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9293; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219293 - 25 Oct 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5684

Abstract

Designing sustainable underground metro lines in dense urban environments is a highly challenging task that requires the collaboration of numerous stakeholders and consultants to make crucial decisions influenced by several factors. While it is impossible to address every issue influencing the decision-making process, identifying key factors and their interdependencies is essential for optimal design. This study focuses on six critical aspects of the reference design of metro systems: (1) track alignment, (2) tunneling strategy, (3) station typology, (4) operations and maintenance, (5) procurement strategy, and (6) environmental aspects. Amongst these aspects, we identify track alignment as the primary driving factor that influences the other factors. We analyze the decision between shallow and deep alignments as an engineering choice that necessitates balancing conflicting factors and constraints. Our contribution lies in mapping these factors and their dependencies, thus offering policymakers, project managers, and designers a framework to navigate the design process. Our discussion also provides guidance to public agencies in tendering for design teams more efficiently. Drawing from lessons learned by experienced design managers, this study aims to fill the gap in the literature by offering a generalist perspective on metro design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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31 pages, 36493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Performance and Failure Mechanisms of Reinforced Concrete Structures Subject to the Earthquakes in Türkiye

by Ercan Işık, Fatih Avcil, Marijana Hadzima-Nyarko, Rabia İzol, Aydın Büyüksaraç, Enes Arkan, Dorin Radu and Zeki Özcan

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6473; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156473 - 29 Jul 2024

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 7419

Abstract

Many reinforced-concrete structures collapsed or were seriously damaged in the 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes that occurred in southern Türkiye on 6 February 2023. The recorded peak ground accelerations were quite high (2.2 g) and the recorded motions’ elastic acceleration response spectra were significantly greater than the elastic design spectra given by the most recent Turkish seismic design code. A total of 518,000 houses were heavily damaged or collapsed in the eleven cities affected by the earthquake. More than 53,000 people lost their lives and over 100,000 people were injured, the majority of these injurits caused by the collapse of reinforced concrete structures. Post-earthquake damage assessments are important in the context of applying sustainability principles to building design and construction. In this study, post-earthquake damage assesments and evaluations were made for the reinforced-concrete structures that were exposed to destruction or various structural damage in Hatay, Kahramanmaraş and Adıyaman, which where most affected after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The RC building damage and failure mechanisms resulting from field observations were evaluated in detail from a broad performance-based structural and earthquake engineering perspective. Information about Kahramanmaraş earthquakes is given briefly. Design spectra and spectral accelerations were compared for the earthquake stations in these three provinces. Soft/weak story, short column, insufficiently reinforced-concrete, and poor workmanship are the primary causes of structural damage, which cause earthquake weaknesses in these buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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Review

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36 pages, 19667 KB

Open AccessReview

State-of-the-Art and Practice Review in Concrete Sandwich Wall Panels: Materials, Design, and Construction Methods

by Fray F. Pozo-Lora, Taylor J. Sorensen, Salam Al-Rubaye and Marc Maguire

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3704; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083704 - 19 Apr 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4799

Abstract

Concrete sandwich wall panels (CSWPs) have been constructed since the early 1900s using various wythe connectors, panel geometries, and construction methods to create a structurally and thermally efficient system. Initially, thermal bridging hindered thermal efficiency due to the concrete connections and steel bars used to transfer interface forces between the concrete wythes. This issue was mitigated with the advent of polymer connectors, now widely used in the precast and tilt-up industries. As a result, CSWPs now offer buildings an efficient envelope, aiding in energy savings and reducing the need for additional construction materials and therefore contributing to the construction industry’s sustainability goals. This paper examines the current state of the practice in CSWP construction, focusing on CSWP’s construction methods, sustainability, material selection, and design processes. This manuscript delves into the history of CSWPs and showcases projects ranging from housing to industrial applications. Moreover, the materials and hardware popularly used in their construction are reviewed from the practicing engineer and researcher’s point of view and other aspects, such as environmental, architectural, and structural design, are presented. The most popular construction methods and approaches when precasting these panels on- or off-site and their associated challenges are also presented. Lastly, current deficiencies in CSWP design and construction are outlined and future directions for research and practice are suggested to advance this field further. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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28 pages, 2345 KB

Open AccessReview

Marble Powder as a Sustainable Cement Replacement: A Review of Mechanical Properties

by Moutaman M. Abbas and Radu Muntean

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020736 - 17 Jan 2025

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 8381

Abstract

The sudden increase in industrialization has reduced the availability of natural building materials and triggered the growing awareness of sustainable practices within the construction industry. The study presented here deals with marble powder, which is one of the by-products obtained from the marble industry, as a cement replacement in concrete mixtures. The main aims will be to investigate the impact of marble powder waste materials on the mechanical properties of concrete and to promote the recycling of various industrial wastes for environmental sustainability. Material testing was conducted with the levels of substitution of marble powder for cement ranging from 0% to 50%, and the resulting concrete was evaluated for compressive and tensile strength over different curing periods. The results show that concrete compressive strength and tensile strength are most efficiently improved when marble powder replacement is up to 10–15%, attaining its full potential after 28 days. Beyond this replacement level of 15%, the mechanical properties decrease, suggesting that higher substitution levels may not be effective. This paper consolidates findings, provides a novel comparative analysis, and addresses key challenges regarding the use of marble powder, providing room for the future industrial development of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), eventually leading to sustainability in the construction sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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26 pages, 1618 KB

Open AccessReview

Some Remarks on New Trends in Using Waste Aggregates in Civil Engineering: An Overview

by Anna M. Grabiec and Wiesława Głodkowska

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010233 - 31 Dec 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2703

Abstract

The extensive development of construction, in which cement concrete remains the key composite, enforces the need for particular environmental concerns. This applies to aspects, including ecological challenges in the cement industry and the rational use of natural construction aggregates. This review article focuses on new trends in the use of waste aggregate, with particular emphasis on concrete recycled aggregate and waste sands. The state of the art was analysed, including many years of own studies on modification of properties of waste aggregate and concrete composites made from it. It was assessed that among possible ways of quality improvement of RCA, the most promising for the macro scale seems to be carbonation, unlike biodeposition. The latter, novel and undoubtedly interesting from a scientific viewpoint, has not been studied sufficiently, and the real obstacle is the cost of its implementation in practice. Multi-recycling, the pioneering proposal of recycled concrete aggregate management, can be viewed only in the ecological context for the moment. The use of waste sands from hydroclassification combined with steel fibres is the closest to implementation for constructional purposes in engineering practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Civil Engineering: Innovative Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials)

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