Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation

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16 pages, 2324 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molasses-Modified Mortars: A Sustainable Approach to Improve Cement Mortar Performance

by Zaid S. Aljoumaily, Mohammed Z. Al-Mulali, Amjad H. Albayati and Teghreed H. Ibrahim

Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5030068 - 16 Sep 2025

Viewed by 177

Abstract

The utilization of sugarcane molasses (SCM), a byproduct of sugar refining, offers a promising bio-based alternative to conventional chemical admixtures in cementitious systems. This study investigates the effects of SCM at five dosage levels, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, and 1.25% by weight of cement, on cement mortar performance across fresh, mechanical, thermal, durability, and density criteria. A comprehensive experimental methodology was employed, including flow table testing, compressive strength (7, 14, and 28 days) and flexural strength measurements, embedded thermal sensors for real-time hydration monitoring, water absorption and chloride ion penetration tests, as well as 28-day density determination. Results revealed clear dose-dependent behavior, with SCM enhancing mortar flowability proportional to dosage, raising the spread diameter from 11.5 cm (control) to 20 cm at 1.25%. At 0.25% SCM, compressive strength (47.5 MPa at 28 days) and flexural strength (~2.9 MPa) were higher than those of the remaining SCM dosages, supported by sustained heat release and positive temperature differentials. However, dosages ≥ 0.5% drastically suppressed hydration kinetics and mechanical performance, with compressive strength falling below 10 MPa. Furthermore, high SCM content led to increased water absorption (up to 10.6%) and chloride permeability (CIP above 5100 C), while bulk density declined from 2250 kg/m³ to 2080 kg/m³ at 1.25% SCM. Statistical validation using one-way ANOVA confirmed that these differences across dosage levels were significant (p < 0.05), underscoring the importance of dosage optimization. This investigation confirms that low-dosage SCM (≤0.25%) can be an effective bio-additive, providing improved workability with negligible compromise in strength and durability. In contrast, higher dosages undermine matrix integrity and performance. Future work is recommended to assess long-term microstructural evolution, field exposure durability, and adaptability across diverse cementitious systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation)

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19 pages, 6878 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Shear Performance of Undulating Jointed Rammed Earth Walls with Comparative Tests

by Jing Xiao, Ruijie Xu, Shan Dai and Wenfeng Bai

Buildings 2025, 15(18), 3356; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15183356 - 16 Sep 2025

Viewed by 135

Abstract

Rammed earth (RE) dwellings are characterized by accessible materials, low cost, and environmental sustainability. However, their poor seismic resistance limits their application. To address this issue, three conventional technical approaches have been developed: (1) adding cement to improve strength; (2) improving structural integrity using reinforced concrete ring beams and columns; and (3) embedding vertical steel bars in order to provide resistance against horizontal seismic actions. While effective, these methods rely on energy-intensive materials with high carbon emissions. In this study, we analyze the seismic damage characteristics and construction mechanisms of RE walls. The results reveal that the horizontal joints in RE walls significantly weaken their resistance to horizontal seismic actions. To mitigate this, three types of undulating joints are proposed and six specimens tested. The maximum horizontal loads of the specimens with local subsidence-type joints are 132.44 kN and 135.41 kN, respectively, which are approximately 50% higher than specimens with horizontal joints, whose maximum horizontal loads are 80.7 kN and 85.83 kN, respectively, while the maximum horizontal loads of the specimens with horizontally concatenated gentle arc-type joints are 151.17 kN and 173.58 kN, respectively, and they exhibit nearly double the shear capacity of the specimens with horizontal joints. Building on these findings and test results, we also include recommendations for integrating elegant RE wall texture design with seismic-resistant undulating joint technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation)

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15 pages, 2286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Colored Lime–Gypsum Mortars for Heritage Building Restoration in Humid Environments

by Faris J. Thyab, Zaid Hazim Al-Saffar, Anas Ghaiath Ibrahim and Helen Faris

Constr. Mater. 2025, 5(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater5030065 - 11 Sep 2025

Viewed by 281

Abstract

Surface deterioration and paint peeling occur in historic buildings worldwide due to excessive moisture. Conventional coatings often fail to preserve these structures. In Mosul, Iraq, conventional paints often do not preserve historic structures. The article aims to use colored lime–gypsum mortar, which has significant potential to be used as a sustainable and appropriate candidate material for the restoration of historic structures. This is particularly relevant for the restoration of exterior elements or interior walls in humid environments. The flowability, strength (compressive, flexural, and tensile), and shrinkage cracking of several mortar mixtures with different lime–gypsum ratios and color additives were all part of the extensive testing. Every procedure closely followed the applicable international standards The mortar mixture identified as optimal (Mix A10), comprising a 1:1 lime-to-gypsum ratio with carefully calibrated pigment additives (0.5 g chromium oxide, 0.2 mL liquid oxide, and 0.5 g powder oxide), demonstrated superior mechanical properties and minimal shrinkage cracking. This composition was ideal due to its superior mechanical strength and reduced shrinkage cracking compared to pure gypsum mixtures. The colored lime–gypsum mortar is a sustainable material well-suited to the restoration of historic structures, and applicable to both interior and exterior elements in humid environments. Its low shrinkage cracking enhances durability and effectively prevents moisture ingress in moisture-sensitive cultural settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation)

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13 pages, 5201 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGM) on Properties of Alkali-Activated Slag Lightweight High-Strength Concrete Under Varying Lightweight Aggregate (LWA) Dosages

by Liankun Wang, Zefeng Lu, Long Cheng, Jun Sun, Yao Huang, Xin Cheng and Minrong Wang

Materials 2025, 18(14), 3233; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143233 - 9 Jul 2025

Viewed by 479

Abstract

As a promising and sustainable construction material, alkali-activated slag lightweight high-strength concrete (AAS-LWHSC) may be influenced by lightweight aggregate (LWA) content. In this study, the effects of hollow glass microspheres (HGM) replacing granulated ground blast furnace slag (GGBFS) under varying LWA dosages on the workability, dry apparent density, mechanical properties, and microstructure of AAS-LWHSC were investigated. The results indicated that the dry density of concrete was significantly reduced by HGM, while the “ball-bearing” effect of HGM was observed to enhance workability at a dosage of 6%. The 7-day mechanical properties of AAS-LWHSC were found to decline progressively with increasing HGM content. However, at the shale ceramsite sand replacement rates of 35% and 65%, the incorporation of 6% HGM slightly improved the 28-day mechanical properties. Due to the absence of the water-releasing effect from shale ceramsite, the pozzolanic reactions of HGM were restricted, resulting in coarse hydration products and a reduction in the mechanical performance of AAS-LWHSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation)

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28 pages, 11874 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Bending Behavior of Concrete Beams Reinforced with CFRP Sheets Bonded Using BMSC

by Zhenzhong Yang, Lili Jiang, Zhenguo Li and Chenggen Yang

Buildings 2025, 15(12), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15121980 - 8 Jun 2025

Viewed by 577

Abstract

To improve the construction performance of inorganic adhesives used for bonding fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets to reinforce concrete structures, make rational use of resources, and reduce carbon emissions, double-shear tests on the interface bonding performance between bonded FRP sheets and cement mortar test blocks, as well as four-point bending tests on bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) to reinforce concrete beams, were conducted using basic magnesium sulfate cement (BMSC) as the adhesive. The influence laws of parameters, such as the type of FRP sheet and the number of FRP sheet bonding layers on the shear performance of the bonding interface between BMSC and cement mortar test blocks, were investigated, as well as the influence laws of the number of CFRP sheet bonding layers and the type of binder on the bending performance of CFRP sheet-reinforced beams. The test results show that the ultimate load of CFRP-reinforced beams bonded with BMSC as the binder increased by 17.4% to 44.4% compared with the unreinforced beams and simultaneously improved the flexural stiffness and crack-limiting ability of the reinforced beams. The failure of the reinforced beam begins with the separation of the CFRP sheet from the concrete at the middle and bottom of the beam span. When the CFRP sheet of the reinforced beam is one layer and two layers, the flexural bearing capacity reaches 91.4% and 96%, respectively, of the reinforced beam, with epoxy resin as the binder under the same conditions. With the increase in the number of CFRP layers, the flexural bearing capacity of the reinforced beam improves, but the increased flexural bearing capacity does not increase proportionally with the increase in the number of sheet layers. By introducing the influence coefficient of BMSC on the flexural bearing capacity (FBC) of reinforced beams, based on the test results, the formula for calculating the FBC of concrete beams, which are reinforced with CFRP sheets bonded by BMSC, was developed. After verification, the calculation formulas established in this paper have high accuracy and can provide theoretical references for similar engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation)

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24 pages, 6475 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Mix Design Parameters on the Properties of Dam Sediment/Slag-Based Geopolymer Mortars

by Mohamed Salah Mouaissa, Hafida Marouf, Tewfik Ali-Dahmane, Ahmed Soufiane Benosman and Walid Maherzi

Buildings 2025, 15(6), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060886 - 12 Mar 2025

Viewed by 929

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of dredged sediment (SD) from the dam for the synthesis of a geopolymer. The samples investigated in this work were prepared by mixing micronized and calcined sediment and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), at different percentages (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%). Furthermore, the influence of the molarity of the NaOH solution, which was used as an activator, as well as the impacts of the (SD/GGBFS) and (SiO₂/Al₂O₃) ratios, and the use of different activator solutions, were also examined. In addition, the effects of the curing temperature and porosity were explored The results revealed that among the NaOH concentrations studied (6M, 8M, 10M, 12M, and 14M), 12M was identified as the optimal concentration, and the optimum SD/GGBFS ratio was 70/30. In addition, variation of the ratio (SiO₂/Al₂O₃) allowed the identification of specific proportions for different binders. Indeed, a ratio (SiO₂/Al₂O₃) equal to 4.45 offered an optimum compressive strength of 24.86 MPa, which is significantly higher than the 13.7 MPa obtained for the geopolymer based on sediment with a SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of 3.12 and 12M NaOH. Moreover, the curing temperature of 40 °C, for a period of 48 h, gave a mechanical strength value that was higher than that obtained at room temperature. Similarly, the optimal formulations led to a significant reduction in total porosity, especially when the molarity of the NaOH solution was high, with a GGBFS percentage of 30% achieving an optimal porosity value of 12.5%. Likewise, the X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the formation of geopolymers with a compact structure, which paves the way for the development of innovative and sustainable eco-construction materials with a low-carbon footprint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation)

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31 pages, 8815 KB

Open AccessArticle

Waste Glass as Partial Cement Replacement in Sustainable Concrete: Mechanical and Fresh Properties Review

by Sushant Poudel, Utkarsha Bhetuwal, Prabin Kharel, Sudip Khatiwada, Diwakar KC, Subash Dhital, Bipin Lamichhane, Sachin Kumar Yadav and Saurabh Suman

Buildings 2025, 15(6), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060857 - 10 Mar 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4318

Abstract

The significant anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from cement production and the disposal of the majority of post-consumer waste glass into landfill sites have increased environmental pollution. In order to reduce the environmental impact, ground glass pozzolan (GGP) as a partial cement replacement has drawn interest from the concrete industry. This review examines the potential of GGP as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), exploring the chemical composition of pozzolans, the different types of glass used for GGP, and the impact of glass color on pozzolanic reactivity. In addition, this study gathers the most recent research articles on the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete incorporating GGP. Key findings show that the incorporation of GGP in concrete improves the modulus of elasticity and the compressive, tensile, flexural, and punching strengths due to the pozzolanic reactions. The results indicate that GGP, made from waste glass, has pozzolanic properties that form additional strength-enhancing calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel and densify the concrete matrix. Additionally, the life cycle assessments of GGP-incorporated concrete demonstrate reductions in energy consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to conventional concrete, supporting a circular economy and sustainable construction practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation)

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21 pages, 3022 KB

Open AccessArticle

Carbonated Aggregates and Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymers: Advancing Sustainable Concrete for Structural Use

by Rabee Shamass, Vireen Limbachiya, Oluwatoyin Ajibade, Musab Rabi, Hector Ulises Levatti Lopez and Xiangming Zhou

Buildings 2025, 15(5), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050775 - 26 Feb 2025

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1400

Abstract

In the transition towards a circular economy, redesigning construction materials for enhanced sustainability becomes crucial. To contribute to this goal, this paper investigates the integration of carbonated aggregates (CAs) and basalt fibre-reinforced polymers (BFRPs) in concrete infrastructures as an alternative to natural sand (NS) and steel reinforcement. CA is manufactured using accelerated carbonation that utilizes CO₂ to turn industrial byproducts into mineralised products. The structural performance of CA and BFRP-reinforced concrete simply supported slab was investigated through conducting a series of experimental tests to assess the key structural parameters, including bond strength, bearing capacity, failure behavior, and cracking bbehaviour. Carbon footprint analysis (CFA) was conducted to understand the environmental impact of incorporating BFRP and CA. The results indicate that CA exhibits a higher water absorption rate compared to NS. As the CA ratio increased, the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), compressive, tensile, and flexural strength decreased, and the absorption capacity of concrete increased. Furthermore, incorporating 25% CA in concrete has no significant effect on the bond strength of BFRP. However, the load capacity decreased with an increasing CA replacement ratio. Finally, integrating BFRP and 50% of CA into concrete slabs reduced the slab’s CFA by 9.7% when compared with steel-reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green Construction Materials and Construction Innovation)

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Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Buildings buildings	3.1	4.4	2011	14.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Construction Materials constrmater	-	3.1	2021	18.6 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	6.4	2008	15.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	19.3 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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