Alternative Building Materials Research Articles

Straw Bale Usage as Building Material

This study thoroughly investigates the use of straw bales as an alternative building material, capitalizing on their natural, eco-friendly, practical, and economical properties. Straw, utilized in construction for centuries, offers environmental and structural benefits, adjusting with sustainability practices. The global adoption of straw bale building emphasizes its advantages in thermal insulation, durability, fire resistance, low embodied energy, and sound insulation. While recognizing these benefits, the study addresses difficulties in moisture management and mold growth, stressing the need for careful consideration during implementation. Thus, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on straw bale building, offering valuable insights and recommendations for architects seeking sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of continuous research and innovation to overcome limitations and enhance the efficiency of straw bale architecture. By fostering a deeper understanding of the problems and opportunities associated with this eco-friendly building method, this paper tries to encourage the building industry to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future.

The Precursors Used for Developing Geopolymer Composites for Circular Economy-A Review.

Considering recent climate changes, special importance is given to any attempt to depollute and protect the environment. A circular economy seems to be the ideal solution for the valorization of mineral waste, resulting from various industrial branches, by reintroducing them in the process of obtaining alternative building materials, more friendly to the environment. Geopolymers can be considered as a promising option compared to Portland cement. Information about the influence of the composition of the precursors, the influence of the activation system on the mechanical properties or the setting time could lead to the anticipation of new formulations of geopolymers or to the improvement of some of their properties. Reinforcement components, different polymers and expansion agents can positively or negatively influence the properties of geopolymers in the short or long term.

Review on Bio- Bricks

This paper reviews the utilization of Agricultural waste for making Bio Bricks and other construction materials to reduce burning and disposal problems of Agricultural waste due to increasing Air Pollution and make economic and environment efficient construction material. Agricultural waste burning is a significant source of pollution in India, especially after the harvesting season. Bio-bricks was developed as an alternative and sustainable building material that is made up of agricultural waste. And at the same time will also lead to the reduction of air pollution and create new jobs at the grassroots level. The use of Agricultural waste in construction materials is one of new way to deal with disposal and burning of Agricultural waste. India is home to some of the most polluted cities of the world in terms of its air quality. Data shows that around 20 out of the 30 most polluted cities of the world are in India. So the study provides green building material through Agricultural waste for sustainable development of Bio Bricks. Some additional work in this project can be done which will help environment with decreasing Air pollution by reducing of Agricultural waste. Bio-bricks can be developed as a carbon- negative, sustainable and economically viable material for construction. With the right kind of product development and incentives, it can diversify into numerous products satisfying the needs of an ecologically sensitive future

Enhanced cross laminated timber (ECLT) for ballistic resistant design

Cross-laminated timber (CLT), an engineered wood product, has grown in popularity in the United States over the last decade due to its ease of assembly, aesthetic appeal, and potential to serve as a sustainable and renewable alternative building material. The improved robustness of CLT over light-frame timber structures has increased its potential in force-protected infrastructure that must resist blast waves and ballistic projectile penetration, but softwood CLT is typically not sufficient to fulfill standard criteria for ballistic threats. To address these threats, enhanced CLT (ECLT) composite panels were manufactured with layers of various reinforcing materials (e.g., steel, FRP) placed between wood laminations. These panels were tested against various ballistic threats during two sets of laboratory tests in order to provide a basis for future research. The first set of testing subjected laboratory-produced Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) ECLT to 84 shots of 0.50-inch (1.27 cm) steel sphere projectiles to evaluate the performance of various reinforcing materials, layups, and fastening methods. A subsequent set of tests subjected commercially produced ECLT of steel-reinforced Spruce-Pine-Fir (South) (SPF-S) to 36 shots of NATO ammunition projectiles traveling at realistic, standard striking velocities. Except for a panel using four layers of a thin and finely woven steel hardware cloth, steel reinforcement was effective in stopping projectiles from all three types of NATO ammunition fired. Ultimately considering the results of these two sets of tests, an initial cost-benefit structure was developed and discussed to compare ECLT configurations holistically, a multi-material wood analytical model framework was established and compared to experimental results, and the first ballistic experimental database for ECLT was created.

Environmental Marine Degradation of PLA/Wood Composite as an Alternative Sustainable Boat Building Material

Abstract IIn this study, which can be considered a contribution to the global effort to produce sustainable materials and to search new manufacturing methods for the boat building industry, the performance of a 3D printable polylactic acid and recycled wood (PLAW) composite was investigated under the simulated operational conditions of a boat. The wood used in the composite was yellow pine (Pinus sylvestris), a local wood widely used in boat building and 8% by weight in the composite. For the study, tensile and compressive strength tests were performed in both atmospheric and post-aging conditions, using composite samples produced by the additive manufacturing method. The durations of the accelerated aging before the experiments were one, two and four weeks. During these aging periods, water spraying, a salty fog environment and a drying cycle were applied at elevated temperatures and at equal time intervals, daily. The effect of wood additive on the composite and the joining efficiency of the components were also examined with scanning and optical microscopes. The performance of the obtained composite and the effects of aging on performance were measured using two different thermal analyses: differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. From the results obtained, it can be seen that PLAW composite can be used in the manufacture of structural elements subjected to relatively low loads in boats. It is an option that will provide integrity in the future interior design of wooden boats.

Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Superdecisions to Select Building Material for Housing Construction at New Capital Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan, Indonesia

AHP by Saaty and Super Decisions decided on eight criteria for five alternative building materials in Bew Capital Nusantara. It is designed to facilitate decision-making processes using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods. MCDA methods are used when decisions involve multiple criteria or factors. Weighting by these two tools has been able to explain to construction actors that for a housing project location which is 99km from Samarinda to IKN by land, about 1,343 km from Surabaya by land, and 74.6 km from Balikpapan, which can be reached by land. Selection through weighting on both tools, AHP and Super Decision, ensuring that a total of 11,880 housing units with a total budget of IDR 45.2 trillion use materials that meet the requirements for cost, easy-to-work-with, performance, and physical properties.

Axial compressive behavior of recycled aggregate concrete steel composite columns

In this Study the axial load-carrying capacity and behavior of a “Axial Compressive behavior of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Steel Composite Columns” (RACSCC) is investigated experimentally and simulated numerically. The study emphasizes the utilization of materials contributing to the circular economy in construction, specifically integrating steel and recycled aggregate into concrete. The environmentally sustainable concrete columns are formed by filling square steel tube sections with recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The study includes six SRACC specimens and one bare conventional steel column. The specimens are subjected to axial compressive loading using the displacement control method. The investigation explores the impact of different coarse aggregate sizes of 12 mm, 16 mm, 22.4 mm, 25 mm, and 30 mm, obtained through sieving of demolished buildings materials. The study aims to address the impact of varying aggregate sizes on parameters such as maximum load-carrying capacity, strain, stress, lateral displacement, and failure patterns. The experimental results are validated and compared with the maximum load-carrying capacity, Strain, Stress, Lateral displacement, and failure patterns using numerical simulations conducted with the Ansys Workbench tool. The SRACC column comprises a hollow tube with 20 mm to 22.4 mm and 22.4 mm to 25 mm recycled aggregate and has a maximum load carrying capacity of 610.28 kN at 10 mm displacement. The local buckling failure occurred near the area load applied. The numerical simulations result for the composite columns agreed well with the experimental results. The results show the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) have a massive potential for construction support in circular economy. To create composite columns using the RAC as an alternative building material that will help to create an environmentally Sustainable construction

Implications of agro-industrial wastes on the durability and erosion characteristics of unfired soil-blocks reinforced with paddy straw fibers: Sustainable earth construction

On Earth, there is an abundance of soil that has been utilized to build homes for millions of people. Manufacturing compacted stabilized adobe blocks requires adequate water added to the appropriate soil type that has been admixed with binders and fibers to attain maximum density. The mixture is then compressed using the appropriate adobe-forming machine. Currently, the major environmental and human health risks worldwide come from industrial and agricultural wastes because of disposal concerns. The production and use of cement and cement blocks bring numerous economic and environmental issues. Utilizing locally available resources and enhancing standard production and testing methods are two feasible options for sustainable growth. Researchers have seen the promise of earthen construction as an alternative building material, and it is becoming more popular in the context of sustainable development. Marble dust (MD) (Industrial waste), sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), and paddy straw fiber (PSF) (Agricultural wastes) were utilized in this research to manufacture the unfired admixed soil blocks. This study utilizes marble dust composed up to 25%–35%, paddy straw fiber constituted 0.8%–1.2%, and bagasse ash made up 7.5%–12.5% of the soil. The marble-dust-bagasse-ash-soil mix was strongly adherent to PSF, according to SEM investigation. In addition, as is apparent from the image, the number of pores is insignificant. These images support the preceding conclusions regarding this sample’s increased flexural and tensile strength. The primary constituents discovered on the surface of an unfired ad-mixed soil block strengthened with PSF of length 75 mm were silica (Si) and oxygen (O), according to the EDS examination. Aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg) were found in trace amounts. The endurance characteristics of the block were determined by conducting different tests on the eighty-one (81) design mixes of the produced unfired ad-mixed adobe blocks, followed by modeling, optimization and microstructural analysis. The results show that the recommended technique improves the durability characteristics of admixed soil blocks without burning better than burnt bricks.

Mechanical properties of straw basalt fiber reinforced concrete composites

One of the biggest problems responsible of the nonrenewable resources depletion and environmental issues is the construction industries, which generates large amounts of mineral waste and harmful emitted gases. Therefore, these problems generated the necessity to search for alternative natural building materials based on renewable resources. To study the mechanical characteristics and microstructural behavior of the concrete reinforced by raw wheat straw basalt fiber composite (RWSBFc), and treated rice straw basalt fiber composite (TRSBFc), a number of experimental tests were carried out with different composites ratios. Concrete compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength tests were considered as main parameters. The results showed that the RWSBFC has a positive effect on concrete flexural strength by increasing of 12.58%, compared with control samples. Also, it showed good enhancement in concrete flexibility and ductility. In contrast, both RWSBFc and TRSBFc showed uneven deterioration in concrete compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. To avoid the deterioration in compressive strengths of the various composites types, some improvement methods such as processors for the used straw, and adding some additives were recommended.

Load bearing investigations on novel Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene‐carbon quantum dots 3D printed core/bamboo fiber polyester sandwich composite for structural applications

AbstractIn this research, a novel 3D printed core and natural fiber polyester composite skin based thick sandwich panel was developed as structural material for domestic and commercial infrastructure applications. The main objective of this research was to analyze how the carbon quantum dots (C‐dots) from agriculture waste strengthen the softer thermoplastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) core and overall sandwich panel's load bearing properties. The core of sandwich was prepared using additive manufacturing method whereas the skin was developed by hand layup method. According to the results the C‐dots of 20 phr into the ABS improved the compression properties of core in both flatwise and edgewise directions. A highest tensile and flexural strength of skin was observed to be 114 and 146 MPa respectively. The addition of C‐dots improved the load bearing effect and also restricts the deformation against load. This performance improved novel 3D printed core and bamboo fiber skin sandwich could be used as an alternative construction and building material where the commercial plywood and other forms of powder wood face damages via weather and termite issues.Highlights Higher filler volume of up to 20 phr of carbon quantum dots in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were developed Novel 3D printed thin walled core of 1 mm diameter was developed using carbon quantum dots and ABS. Bamboo fiber‐polyester skin with highest tensile strength of 114 MPa was developed. Improved flatwise compression and tensile strength were achieved for ABS core with 20 phr of Carbon quantum dots Flexural strength and edgewise compression properties were improved with 20 phr of Carbon quantum dots in ABS

Use of reinforced ice as alternative building material in cold regions: an overview

Use of reinforced ice as alternative building material in cold regions: an overview

Performance of Coconut Wood in Timber Structures: A Review of Its Properties and Applications

Timber structures have been a popular choice for construction due to their natural and aesthetic appeal. However, with the increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, alternative building materials are gaining popularity. One such material that has gained attention is coconut wood. Coconut wood is a by-product of the coconut industry and has several unique properties that make it an excellent choice for timber structures. This paper reviews the properties and applications of coconut wood in timber structures and discusses its advantages, limitations, and challenges. We discussed the physical and chemical properties and durability of coconut wood. The average density of coconut palm wood ranges from 0.41-1.11g/cm3, while its moisture content ranges from 50% to 400%. Coconut wood has low shrinkage and swelling rates, reducing the risk of cracking or warping. The holocellulose content is about 67% while the lignin content is approximately 25%. Chemical and natural products, are effective in protecting coconut wood against decay and insect attack. Understanding such characteristics of coconut wood is critical for its optimal utilization in various industries. By employing appropriate preservation techniques and utilizing this versatile and sustainable resource, coconut wood can continue to provide significant benefits for communities and industries around the world.

Enhancing Mechanical Behaviour and Durability of High Performance Concrete with Silica Fume, Ground Blast Furnace Slag, and Marble Powder

Abstract This study investigates the impact of waste additives on the behaviour of high-performance concrete and its environmental implications, with a specific focus on resource conservation. The research objectives were realised through the preparation of high-performance concrete specimens incorporating industrial waste materials and marble powder as partial replacements for cement and fine aggregates, respectively. Silica fume and ground blast furnace slag were introduced as substitutes for 8% of the cement’s weight. Powdered marble was volumetrically substituted at levels of 5%, 10%, and 15% of the fine aggregates. The physical and mechanical properties of both fresh and cured concrete specimens were evaluated at different ages, encompassing parameters such as density, compressive strength, impulse velocity, water absorption, and durability. The findings demonstrated that high-performance concrete formulated with silica fume and ground blast furnace slag exhibited superior properties compared to compositions relying exclusively on Portland cement. Furthermore, the inclusion of marble powder as an alternative building material constituent in high-performance concrete resulted in increased efficiency and improved resistance against chemical acid attacks. Significantly, this approach contributes to reduce aggregate demands, environmental preservation, and the production of environmentally sustainable concrete.

A study of vernacular building materials in Bangladesh based on embodied energy and environmental performance

Concerns over climate change have driven the need for decarbonization of the building sector all over the world. It is proven that manufacturing building materials consumes a substantial amount of non-renewable energy and releases carbon emissions. For this reason, it has become an essential need for finding clean and energy-efficient alternative building materials. In Bangladesh, vernacular houses in rural areas are made of locally found materials like mud, bamboo, thatch, wood, and others and are always used in the construction of houses without any industrial processing, these dwellings are composed of materials with very little or no embodied energy (E.E). However, there has been a significant change in the construction of houses and the use of materials in rural Bangladesh in the last two decades. Concrete, brick, metal sheets, and many other industrial materials have taken possession of indigenous technology and bio-based materials. As a result, environmentally sustainable traditional houses have been transformed into energy-intensive houses. This research aims to study vernacular building materials in Bangladesh to identify their embodied energy, climatic performance, thermal conductivity, and durability for constructing low-carbon and less energy-consumed buildings. Based on several case studies, field surveys, and literature reviews the assessment has been conducted, showing that these materials are highly efficient in terms of embodied energy and can also ensure great thermal comfort. This study also evaluates the durability of these materials and depicts that by enhancing their durability, these materials can act as the best-performing building materials in all aspects.

Valorization of lead-zinc mine tailing waste through geopolymerization: Synthesis, mechanical, and microstructural properties

Lead-zinc mine tailing waste can have significant environmental impacts due to its potential for releasing toxic elements into the surroundings and contaminating local soil and water. This paper focuses on the valorization of lead-zinc mine tailing waste through geopolymerization, a sustainable process that can transform waste into useful building materials. Geopolymer matrixes with various mixtures of mine tailing (0−100 wt%), fly ash (0−100 wt%), and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum (0, 5, and 10 wt%) were synthesized using different activators such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 5, 10 M) and sodium silicate (waterglass, 0, 12.5 wt%). Visual inspection, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing, and microstructural analysis (e.g., X-ray diffractions, Fourier transforms infrared, and scanning electron microscopy) were employed for the physicochemical characterization of these geopolymers. The highest UCS value of 24.1 MPa was observed in a geopolymer specimen with 100 wt% fly ash and activated by 10 M NaOH and cured for 28 days. The blending of mine tailings would result in strength recession, e.g., the integrating of 25 wt% tailings showed a UCS of 12.3 MPa. The addition of 5 wt% gypsums can improve early strength development, particularly for matrixes with 50–75 wt% fly ash. But adding 10 wt% gypsums would lead to strength retrogression of the resulting geopolymers. The introduction of waterglass can also facilitate geopolymerization and improve strength development. However, the cointegrating of gypsum and waterglass can induce an antagonistic effect and lead to the collapse of the geopolymer specimens. The findings revealed that the strength and microstructural properties of geopolymer are determined by the matrix compositions, alkaline activators, etc. Effective regulation of these factors can produce geopolymer matrixes with high dimensional stability and UCS that well meet construction material standards. Overall, the study indicates that geopolymerization represents a viable and eco-friendly solution for valorizing lead-zinc mine tailing waste and gaining alternative building materials.

MOC Composites for Construction: Improvement in Water Resistance by Addition of Nanodopants and Polyphenol.

The topic of modification of magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) using specific functional additives is very much pronounced in the research of alternative building materials. This study deals with the co-doping of MOC by 1D and 2D carbon nanomaterials in order to improve its mechanical properties while using tannic acid (TA) as a surfactant. Furthermore, the effect of TA on MOC also improves its water resistance. As a filler, three size fractions of standard quartz sand are used. The proposed types of MOC-based composites show promising results considering their mechanical, macro- and microstructural, chemical, and hygric properties. The use of 1D and 2D nanoadditives and their mixture enables the improvement in the flexural strength and particularly the softening coefficient, which is the durability parameter characterizing the resistance of the prepared materials to water. After immersion in water for 24 h, the compressive strength of all tested specimens of modified composites was higher than that of the reference composite. Quantitatively, the developed co-doped composites show mechanical parameters comparable to or even better than those of commonly used Portland cement-based materials while maintaining high environmental efficiency. This indicates their potential use as an environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement-based products.

ENERGYSIM: techniques for advancing building energy education through immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation

An important practice for reducing the effects of global warming is the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings. In design education, the full comprehension of thermal behavior in buildings based on their geometry and material composition is required. The complexity of energy simulation principles, vis-a-vis the number of elements that impact the energy loads, their linkages, and their relationships to one another all combine to make this a challenging subject to absorb. Virtual Reality (VR) provides an immersive way to learn the concepts of building energy responses; however, the development of VR applications for education is difficult due to the knowledge, skill, and performance resource-related gaps. Unoptimized VR applications can adversely impact learning if user experiences are broken due to performance lags. This research, therefore, explores VR as a teaching tool for building energy education while showcasing the development process toward a visually accurate simulation and performant application. We developed EnergySIM; a multi-user VR building energy simulation prototype of the famous Farnsworth House. Using this prototype, we document rigorously tested development workflows for improved VR game performance, high visual fidelity, and user interaction, the three key factors which positively contribute to user knowledge retention. The study combines menu-driven interaction, virtual exploration, and miniature model manipulation approaches with the aim of testing user understanding and knowledge retention. Highlighted results provide reduced barriers of entry for educators towards developing higher quality educational VR applications. EnergySIM showcases pre-simulated building exterior surface heatmaps response from four seasons (winter, summer, fall, and spring) alongside an all-year-round sun-hour scenario. Four different material pre-simulated scenarios (single glazing, double glazing, concrete, and wood) for interior atmospheric temperature mapping are also explored. Preferred interaction methods are documented by allowing users’ visual appraisal of alternative building materials based on insulation capacity or resistance to heat flow (R-value). The significance of this work lies in its potential to revolutionize how students, designers, and instructors approach building energy education in today’s world. EnergySIM provides a hands-on and visually engaging learning experience towards the enhancement of knowledge retention and understanding. It pushes the boundaries of development for visual fidelity using geometry/mesh modeling input from various software into game engines and optimizing game performance using the HTC Vive Pro Eye and Meta Quest Pro headsets.

Utilization of nanoparticles and waste materials in cement mortars

Abstract Cement has shaped the modern built environment, but its production generates substantial carbon dioxide emissions. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify alternative cementitious building materials for sustainable construction. In this study, cement mortars (CMs) were produced by partially replacing cement with nanoclay (NC) and granite dust (GD). The replacement proportions (% by weight of cement) of these materials were 1.5, 3, and 4.5% for NC and 10, 20, and 30% for GD. For mortars containing NC but not GD, the strength was maximized when the NC replacement proportion was 3%. To evaluate the combined effect of partially replacing cement with both NC and GD on the fresh and hardening properties of cement-blended mortars, ternary binder mixtures containing 3% NC together with 10, 20, or 30% GD were prepared, and their workability, bulk density, compressive strength (at 7, 28, and 90 days), and flexural strength were measured. Increasing the content of NC and/or GD reduced the flowability of these mortars relative to that of the reference mortar mix because it increased the content of fine materials. CM containing 3% NC and 10% GD had the highest compressive strength at 7, 28, and 90 days while also having the greatest flexural strength when compared to the control mix. This is most likely due to the high silica and alumina content of NC and GD, as well as their high specific surface area, which would improve the maturity and density of the matrix when compared to cement alone.

Intergrate Upcycling Paddy Waste as Alternative Building Material for Sustainable Community Based Architecture

Intergrate Upcycling Paddy Waste as Alternative Building Material for Sustainable Community Based Architecture

Optimal composition of a starch-hemp agro-composite materials

The use of Hemp/Lime concrete has gained popularity due to its lightweight, low thermal conductivity, and good sound absorption properties. However, the emission of CO2 from lime and the non-durability and non-recyclability of lime-hemp concrete make it less sustainable. In this paper, we studied new Starch/Hemp agro-composite materials as an alternative building material. The physical and mechanical properties of these materials strongly depend on the mixture of hemp shive and binder, making it challenging to determine the optimal composition for specific applications. This paper presents the experimental results obtained from one hundred and eighty specimens for the optimal composition. We used thirty different mixtures, including three Hemp/Starch (H/S) ratios of 6, 8, and 10, and five mixtures with hemp shive sizes of 5 mm (Hk), 15 mm (Hi), and 20 mm (Hj). We studied and analyzed the influence of the H/S ratio and hemp shive size (Hk, Hi, Hj) on mechanical properties, including density, flexural tensile strength, compressive strength, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio. The experimental results demonstrate that the starch-based binder allows for the transfer of mechanical strength to the hemp shive and gives the desired shape to the agro-composite material. The equations describing the evolution of the physical and mechanical characteristics (ρ, σc, σt, E, ν) should help researchers and building professionals manufacture this agro-resource and determine the optimal composition for building based on intended applications.