Search Results (96)

Ceramic tiles classified as non-biodegradable are made from fired clay, silica, and other natural materials for several construction applications. Waste ceramic tiles (WCTs) are produced from several sources, including manufacturing defects; surplus, broken, or damaged tiles resulting from handling; and construction and demolition debris. WCTs do not decompose easily, leading to long-term accumulation in landfills and occupying a significant amount of landfill space, which has substantial environmental impacts. Recycling WCTs offers several critical ecological benefits, including reducing landfill waste and pollution, conserving natural resources, lowering energy consumption, and supporting the circular economy, which in turn contributes to sustainable construction and waste management practices. In green concrete manufacturing, WCTs are widely utilized as replacements for cement, fine, and coarse aggregates, and the recycling level in the concrete industry is an increasingly explored practice aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing construction waste. From this view, this paper reports the innovative technologies, advancements in green concrete performance, and development trends in the reuse of WCTs in the production of systems. The effects of WCTs on fresh, engineering, microstructural, and durable properties, as well as their environmental performance, are reviewed. In conclusion, the use of technologies for recycling WCTs has demonstrated potential in promoting sustainability and supporting the transition toward a more environmentally friendly construction industry. This approach offers a practical contribution to sustainable development and represents significant progress in closing the recycling loop within the construction sector. Full article

In light of rising environmental concerns, the rapid industrial recycling of building demolition waste material (BDWM) is now capable of supporting sustainable development in metropolitan regions. From this perspective, the current study investigated the geotechnical properties and applications of BDWMs as substitutes for natural materials (NMs) in road engineering infrastructures. For this purpose, the physical and geotechnical characteristics of both types of materials were initially examined, and then compared using laboratory-scale material comprehensive assessments such as sieve analysis (SA), the flakiness index (FI), the specific gravity test (Gs), the Los Angeles abrasion test (LAAT), Atterberg limits (AL), the water absorption test (WAT), the California bearing ratio (CBR), the direct shear test (DST), and the Proctor soil compaction test (PSCT). The BDWMs were collected from two locations in Iran. According to the results, the collected samples consisted of concrete, bricks, mortar, tile materials, and others. The CBR values for the waste material from the two sites were 69 and 73%, respectively. Furthermore, the optimum water content (OWC) and maximum dry unit weight (MDD) from the two sites were reported as 9.3 and 9.9% and 20.8 and 21 kN/m³, respectively, and the hydrogen potential (pH) as 9 and 10. The shear strength and CBR values indicated that the BDWM had a suitable strength compared to the NM. In terms of road infrastructure applications, the shear strengths were adequate for the analysis of common sub-base materials used in filling and road construction. Furthermore, the study’s findings revealed that BDWMs were suitable replacements for the NM used in road engineering operations and could make a significant contribution to sustainable development. Full article

Recycled materials have gained extensive recognition in many industrial sectors for enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impacts. Combining ceramic tile waste (CTW) in concrete mixes with recycled aggregate will help lower natural aggregate demand and reduce the amount sent to landfill. This paper aims to study the mechanical properties of CTW in concrete mixes as a brick aggregate replacement and its impact on concrete strength and durability. To evaluate and assess their strength and durability, three types of concrete cubes were prepared using 20%, 40%, and 70% of waste ceramic tiles as a replacement for coarse aggregate. Two kinds of concrete samples were also prepared with conventional coarse aggregate as the control specimen (CC). A 1:2:4 concrete mixed ratio was used in this research with a 0.50 water–cement ratio. The samples were tested after 14 days and 28 days to assess their mechanical properties, including strength and durability. When CTW was added to concrete mixtures instead of brick chips, the mechanical strength rose considerably, and the water absorption performance increased. Moreover, replacing brick chips with ceramic waste in concrete could have significant environmental benefits. Full article

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has gained widespread application across various domains owing to its superior properties. Nevertheless, the high cement content and associated costs present challenges, including significant shrinkage of the cement matrix and economic considerations. Using industrial by-products or waste to replace some raw materials is one of the effective solutions. Meanwhile, China’s ceramic industry generates a large amount of waste every year. Applying ceramics in UHPC can effectively solve these problems. This study explores the use of recycled tile waste as a sustainable alternative to reduce the use of natural aggregates and cement and enhance the performance of UHPC. To investigate the impact of recycled ceramics on the mechanical properties of UHPC, three preparation methods were employed: (1) single incorporation of ceramic tile aggregate (CTA) to replace fine aggregates (0–100%), (2) single incorporation of ceramic tile powder (CTP) to replace cementitious materials (0–20%), and (3) dual incorporation of both CTA and CTP. The effects of different preparation methods and substitution rates on mechanical properties were evaluated through compressive and flexural strength tests, and microstructure analyses were conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The test results show that the compressive strength and flexural strength of UHPC increased with an increase in the ceramic particle substitution rate and reached the maximum value at a 100% substitution rate. On the contrary, ceramic powder substitution initially reduced the compressive strength, and it slightly recovered at a substitution rate of 10%. However, the bending strength decreased with an increase in the substitution rate of the ceramic powder. When ceramic particles and ceramic powder were used in combination, the compressive strength was the highest when 100% ceramic particles and 20% ceramic powder were used as substitutes. The maximum flexural strength occurred when 100% ceramic particles or 5% ceramic powder was used as a substitute. This study demonstrates that recycled ceramic waste can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of UHPC, providing a sustainable solution for reducing cement consumption and improving the performance of concrete. Full article

This work focuses on the use of municipal waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI) for the development and production of products suitable for use as construction products. The generation of these ashes is increasing every year due to the incineration of municipal waste. There are currently three incineration plants operating in major cities in Lithuania. The non-hazardous bottom ash remaining from the incineration process is stored in dedicated sorting and aging sites until it is used as an inert form of aggregate for the installation of road foundations. However, it has been observed that these ashes have a tendency to bind and cement when exposed to atmospheric precipitation at the storage site. Based on this characteristic, it was decided in this study to use alkaline activation of the ash to accelerate the bonding process and to create a dense, non-porous composite concrete structure. This activation method is known to create another problem during ash bonding, where the presence of metallic aluminum particles in the ash leads to the release of hydrogen gas and makes the structure of the cured samples porous. For the purposes of the study, it was decided to create a completely different mixture structure and not to use additional water in the mixtures tested. A very low water/solids ratio (W/S) of <0.08 was used for the alkaline activation of the mixtures. All the water required for ash activation was obtained from sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solution. Metakaolin waste (MKW) was used to adjust the SiO₂/Na₂O/Al₂O₃ ratio of the mixtures. Vibro-pressing was used to form and increase the density of the samples. And for the formation of the concrete structure, 0/4 fraction sand was used as aggregate. The final alkali-activated sample obtained had properties similar to those of the very widely used vibro-pressed cementitious paving tiles and did not exhibit hydrogen evolution during alkali activation due to the very low W/S ratio. The best results were achieved by samples with a highest compressive strength of 40.0 MPa and a tensile strength of 5.60 MPa, as well as a density of 1950 kg/m³. It is believed that this alkaline activation and vibro-pressing method can expand the use of MSWI ash in the development of building products. Full article

Current regulatory principles focus on resistance and durability to ensure long-term robustness while optimizing sections to maximize efficiency and minimize material use, thus enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Historical ceramic masonry constructions fully adhere to these principles; however, they have been largely supplanted by modern materials. The compressive strength and functional advantages of structures built with ceramic masonry, particularly those featuring extremely thin wall sections, warrant a reassessment of their structural properties. This is exemplified by thin-tile vaults (ranging from 0.015 to 0.020 m in thickness) and hollow brick vaults with a thickness of less than 0.050 m, both of which represent highly efficient solutions. The proposed examples inherently meet these structural system properties due to their low energy dispersion, minimal gravitational weight, superior thermal performance, and monolithic tectonic composition using a single, easily recyclable material. This paper reviews the historical background of these construction systems, emphasizing their relevance in post-war periods when concrete and steel were scarce. It is concluded that these construction systems remain valid and are consistent with the principles of the circular economy, as well as with the structural safety standards of the 21st century. Full article

With the increasing global population and migration toward coastal regions, and the rising demand for coastal urbanization, including the development of living spaces, ports, and tourism infrastructure, the need for coastal defense structures (CDSs) is also increasing. Traditional CDSs, such as breakwaters, typically composed of hard units designed to block and divert wave and current energy, often fail to support diverse and abundant marine communities because of their impact on current and sediment transport, the introduction of invasive species, and the loss of natural habitats. Marine ecoengineering aims at increasing CDS ecological services and the development of marine organisms on them. In this study, carried out in a coral reef environment, we examined the relationship between coral colony protection levels and three factors related to their development, namely, coral fragment survival rate, larval settlement, and water motion (flow rate), across three distinct niches: Exposed, Semi-sheltered, and Sheltered. Coral survivability was assessed through fragment planting, while recruitment was monitored using ceramic settlement tiles. Water motion was measured in all defined niches using plaster of Paris Clod-Cards. Additionally, concrete barrier structures were placed in Exposed niches to test whether artificially added protective elements could enhance coral fragment survival. No differences were found in coral settlement between the niches. Flow rate patterns remained similar in Exposed and Sheltered niches due to vortex formation in the Sheltered zones. Survival analysis revealed variability between niches, with the addition of artificial shelter barriers leading to the highest coral fragment survival on the breakwater. This study contributes to the development of ways to enhance coral development with the goal of transforming artificial barriers into functional artificial reefs. Full article

The smart capsule bubble tile (SCBT) is an innovative flooring solution that combines acupressure-based reflexology with electromagnetic wave stimulation to enhance well-being. Designed for smart buildings and healthcare applications, SCBT integrates traditional construction techniques with advanced healing technologies to create a health-conscious, eco-friendly flooring system. For durability and thermal performance, SCBT tiles are manufactured using conventional concrete methods, enhanced with aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Each tile contains multiple pressure point capsules featuring a copper cap that emits electromagnetic waves when exposed to sunlight. This dual-function mechanism stimulates acupressure points on the feet, promoting better blood circulation, reducing stress, and enhancing relaxation. The heat release from the copper caps further improves thermal comfort and energy flow in the body, reinforcing the benefits of reflexology. The performance of SCBT tiles was extensively tested, demonstrating impressive physical and functional properties. They exhibit a flexural strength of 4.6 N/mm², a thermal emissivity of 0.878, a solar reflectance of 0.842, and a water absorption rate of 8.12%. In biomechanical assessments, SCBT showed significant benefits for balance and posture correction. Users experienced a 70.8% reduction in lateral stance ellipse area with eyes open and a 50.5% reduction with eyes closed, indicating improved stability and proprioception. By integrating acupressure and electromagnetic stimulation into flooring design, SCBT promotes a holistic approach to health. This technology supports energy efficiency in smart buildings and contributes to preventive healthcare by enhancing musculoskeletal health and reducing fatigue. SCBT represents a significant step in creating built environments supporting human well-being, merging traditional healing principles with modern material science. Full article

Economic activities heavily rely on social infrastructure, such as bridges, tunnels, public structures, and buildings. In Japan, regular inspections are mandated by law to ensure these assets remain functional. This kind of requirement is rare worldwide. Similar regulations exist only in major cities in the United States and Canada. These inspections often focus on detecting issues that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities within concrete walls. The most widely used method for such inspections is the hammering test, in which inspectors analyze the sound variations produced when a hammer strikes a surface. By interpreting these auditory changes, they can assess the structural integrity and identify hidden defects within a structure. While effective, the accuracy of this method strongly depends on the inspector’s sensory perception, which varies with individual experience and skill. Furthermore, because the test is conducted manually, it is time-consuming, especially for large-scale structures. The most critical problem is the shortage of skilled inspectors due to retirement. It is difficult to meet the demand for inspections. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an AI-based hammering test system that analyzes and evaluates structural health by detecting abnormal sounds during inspections. This system allows even less-experienced workers to accurately identify defective areas. The focus of this study is on the application of AI-driven sound analysis for inspecting adhesive-applied tile walls, a common feature in modern apartment buildings. By integrating AI technology, this approach promises to improve the consistency and quality of inspections, reduce reliance on human expertise, and significantly enhance the overall efficiency of the inspection process. Full article

This study investigates the effectiveness of replacing the cement with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.% of ceramic waste powder (HCCP) to improve the performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RCA) prepared using 25 wt.% wall tile ceramic coarse aggregates. The slump, initial and final setting time, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, electrical resistivity, bulk density, porosity, total and surface water absorption, pH level, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic elastic modulus, chloride ion diffusion coefficient, chloride penetration depth, microstructure analysis, and environmental assessment properties were investigated. The results showed that replacing cement with HCCP by 5 to 20 wt.% prolonged the setting time and improved all hardened properties. The highest improvements in mechanical properties were observed at 5 wt.% HCCP, with increasing rates of 26.5%, 22%, and 22.4% at 90 days for compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength, respectively. On the other hand, the optimum enhancement for the durability, microstructural, and environmental efficiency properties was recorded at a 20 wt.% HCCP replacement rate. However, the strength at this ratio tended to decrease but remained higher than that of the control RAC. For instance, the total water absorption, surface water absorption, void ratio, chloride penetration depth, and migration coefficient were reduced by 47%, 45%, 38%, 62.3%, and 55.52%, respectively, compared to the reference sample. Full article

The construction sector plays a key role in the growth of developing countries but faces major environmental challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an essential tool for evaluating these impacts and promoting sustainable choices. However, its effective application is limited by the lack of local databases. This study introduces a systematic framework (LOCAL-LCID₂) for creating local Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) databases for developing countries. Its application is demonstrated in Burkina Faso’s (BF) context through a comparative LCA of commonly used materials, covering the cradle-to-gate stage. The methodology follows seven steps: (1) identification of materials, (2) data collection, (3) analysis of material and energy flows, (4) development of LCI database, (5) structuring the database using SimaPro 9.6.0, (6) calculation of environmental impacts via ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint, and (7) uncertainty analysis using the pedigree matrix and Monte Carlo simulation. The materials are categorized into two main groups (imported and locally produced) with five subcategories: materials for roofs, walls/structures, floors, openings, and others. The results show that for wall materials, concrete blocks have the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP), with 88.3% of CO₂ emissions attributed to cement, implying an urgent need to optimize cement use and explore alternative binders for sustainable construction. Stabilized earth blocks show intermediate GWP at 65% of concrete block emissions, while straw-stabilized adobe demonstrates the lowest environmental impact, suggesting significant potential for reducing construction’s carbon footprint through traditional material optimization. The importation of steel sheets and ceramic tiles shows high GWP due to their energy-intensive production processes and long-distance transport (4 to 40% of emissions), highlighting opportunities to reduce impacts through local manufacturing and optimization of supply chains. The diversification of BF’s energy mix through clean energy imports from neighboring countries decreases GWP by 26.9%, indicating that regional energy partnerships and renewable energy investments are key pathways for minimizing environmental impacts related to energy consumption in the construction industry. Finally, the uncertainty analysis reveals the need for primary data updates in the current LCI database, highlighting both data quality enhancement opportunities and future research perspectives for industrial process assessment. The methodological framework equips decision-makers in developing countries with tools to implement sustainable construction practices through strategic material selection and regional resource optimization. Full article

This research aimed to investigate the potential of using alkali activation technology to valorize steel slag and bauxite residue for the production of high-performance pavement blocks. By utilizing these industrial by-products, the study seeks to reduce their environmental impact and support the development of sustainable construction materials. Lab-scale testing showed that bauxite pavers showed a decrease in mechanical strength with increasing replacement of ordinary Portland cement. Partial replacement up to 20% still exceeded 30 MPa in compressive strength. Steel slag-based pavers achieved the 30 MPa threshold required for the application with selected mix designs. Pilot-scale production-optimized formulations and standards testing, including freeze–thaw resistance, confirmed the technical viability of these products. Life cycle analysis indicated a 25–27% reduction in CO₂ emissions for slag-based tiles compared to traditional concrete tiles. Moreover, using industrial residue reduced mineral resource depletion. This study examined the properties of the resulting alkali-activated binders, their ecological benefits, and their performance compared to conventional materials. Through a comprehensive analysis of these applications, our research promotes the circular economy and the advancement of sustainable construction products. Full article

In spite of the amount of construction debris produced every year, recycled aggregates are still not commonly used in the concrete industry. A 100% recycled aggregate concrete—RAC—is not yet allowed by technical codes even though it would greatly help reduce the disposal of debris. This paper considers a construction site that can only be reached by small trucks, where concrete production is performed using manual procedures and the transportation of building materials is difficult and expensive. The aim of this research is to establish a mix design for 100% RAC for structural applications. In this context, recycled aggregates are obtained from the debris crushed by a small portable crusher Crunchy^©. Based on a series of tests on concrete cubes and cylinders of aggregates originating from different types of debris, it is shown that 100% RAC is also a promising material for structural applications. At the cost of more cement in comparison to standard concrete, RAC from high-strength aggregates (concrete and gres-porcelain tiles) may be used in r.c. structures. Some of its features, such as its low pH value and low compressive strength in the case of clay-originated aggregates, still need to be studied for an optimized mix design. In addition, it is shown that RACs have approximately the same carbon footprint as standard concrete. Full article

The construction sector is one of the industries with the highest environmental impact due to resource consumption and waste generation. Material waste exacerbates these impacts by increasing carbon emissions and energy consumption. This study introduces an innovative approach by integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to evaluate material waste and environmental impacts simultaneously. By analyzing scenarios of material use in the design and construction phases, this study explores their effects on material efficiency and environmental performance while addressing a notable research gap. Existing studies on the integration of LCA and TOPSIS in evaluating material waste and its environmental impacts remain limited. This research not only demonstrates the applicability of these methods but also contributes to filling this gap. Material waste and efficiency were assessed through Building Information Modeling (BIM), while BIM-LCA integration was used to evaluate environmental impacts. The findings were examined in two stages: LCA and TOPSIS. The TOPSIS analysis considered two scenarios—material waste and environmental impacts. In the first scenario, cast-in-place concrete (5000 psi) and stone and ceramic tiles emerged as priorities. In the second scenario, where carbon emissions and environmental impacts were emphasized, cast-in-place concrete (5000 psi), laminated timber, and stone tiles were identified as critical materials. The results reveal that reducing material waste significantly enhances environmental performance, lowers costs, and promotes sustainability. These findings provide practical insights for developing sustainable strategies in diverse cultural and geographical contexts, particularly for residential projects. The integration of LCA and TOPSIS offers a robust decision-making framework, enabling targeted actions to minimize environmental footprints across all life cycle stages. This study contributes to the literature by providing actionable recommendations for optimizing resource use and improving sustainability in construction practices. Full article

This article reports the durability performance of modified concrete with silica nanoparticles and a high volume of waste ceramic tiles under varying elevated temperatures. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced with 60% waste ceramic tiles powder (WTCPs) and supplemented with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% nanopowders from waste glass bottles (WGBNPs) as a rich source of silica. The natural aggregates (both coarse and fine) were fully replaced by the crushed waste ceramic tiles (WTCAs). After 28 days of curing, the modified specimens were exposed to varying elevated temperatures (200, 400, 600, and 800 °C) in a furnace followed by air cooling. Tests such as residual compressive strength, weight loss, ultrasonic plus velocity, visual appearance, and microstructural analysis were conducted. Additionally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to validate the performance of the proposed predictive equations, as well as their terms, using p-values and F-values. It was discerned that OPC substitution with WTCPs and WGBNPs significantly improved the concrete’s performance under elevated temperatures. It is observed that the addition of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% WGBNPs lowered the concrete deterioration by increasing the residual strength and reducing both internal and external cracks. This study provides some new insights into the utilization of WTCPs and WGBNPs to produce sustainable and eco-friendly modified concrete with high spalling resistance characteristics at elevated temperatures. Full article