Cementitious Composites Research Articles

Preparation and Performance of Ternary Early Strength Agent and Quercetin Composite Cement Sealing Material

Preparation and Performance of Ternary Early Strength Agent and Quercetin Composite Cement Sealing Material

Biomechanical and biodegradation performance of CSA-CSF reinforced cementitious composites: A bio-inspired approach

This study investigates the mechanical, biodegradation, and microstructural performance of cementitious composites reinforced with Corn Straw Ash (CSA) and Corn Straw Fiber (CSF) for applications in bio-inspired materials and sustainable engineering. CSA, a pozzolanic material, enhances matrix densification, while CSF provides crack-bridging and toughness improvement. Dynamic mechanical testing under cyclic loading demonstrated that CSA-CSF composites exhibit superior fatigue resistance, retaining 85% of their initial compressive strength after 1000 cycles. Biodegradation studies in simulated body fluid (SBF) and acidic environments revealed that the composites maintain 75% compressive strength in SBF over 28 days, highlighting their potential for bioactive scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitative porosity analysis showed that CSA-derived Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) gel effectively filled voids, while CSF enhanced fiber-matrix bonding, mimicking the hierarchical structure of biological systems. The results emphasize the dual benefits of CSA-CSF composites in dynamic environments and their alignment with sustainable and bio-inspired design principles. This research provides insights into the development of materials for biomechanical applications, including tissue engineering scaffolds and earthquake-resistant structures.

Integrated computational assessment of concrete properties, durability, and environmental impacts

Due to the vast landscape of low carbon concretes that have been or can be developed, traditional empirical methods are impractical for comprehensive assessment of concrete performance. Here, we describe Panoramix 1.0, a Python-based tool that can predict physical and chemical properties of hydrated cements, and durability and environmental impacts of concretes. Applying it to CEM I concrete as a case study, we investigate the cement composition effects on the freeze–thaw resistance indicator (time to critical saturation degree, tCR). Results indicate that chemical composition of raw materials including Fe2O3 may influence freeze–thaw resistance, which is usually not considered in the current scheme of durability assessment. The results also show how the design space (i.e., feasible cement compositions) could be found for different types of concrete at specified minimum freeze–thaw resistance. We validate Panoramix by comparing its ranking of 28 concrete samples in terms of freeze–thaw performance (tCR) with experimental data for relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME) reported in ten publications and measured using procedures from four different standards. By combining the composition-freeze–thaw resistance modelling with a life cycle assessment model, we show that the climate change impact (100-year global warming potential) per m3 CEM I concrete can be reduced from 313 to 286 kg CO2-eq. by decreasing the clinker-to-cement ratio while reducing tCR from 7 to 5.5 years.

Tensile properties and constitutive model of ECC with waste basalt powder and basalt sand

In this study, ultrafine basalt powder (UBP) and basalt sand (BS) were utilized to replace fly ash and quartz sand, respectively, in the preparation of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC). The substitution rates of UBP and BS were established at 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%. Uniaxial tensile experiments were conducted on the prepared ECC specimens to examine the tensile strength and ductility of ECC under varying mix ratios. A constitutive model (L&C) integrating a straight line and a curve was established based on the Sigmoid function. The findings indicate that when UBP was utilized as a complete substitute for fly ash, the ultimate strain, fracture elongation, and tensile strength of ECC exhibited increases of 140.1%, 187.1%, and 44.7%, respectively. In addition, the pseudo strain strengthening coefficients, specifically σ0/σc and Jb/Jtip, increased from 2.30±0.22 and 14.58±1.86 in the control group to 2.97±0.29 and 27.49±1.95, respectively. When BS completely replaced quartz sand, tensile strength decreased by 23.4%. However, the ratios σ0/σc and Jb/Jtip improved from 1.42±0.08 and 13.49±1.18 in the control group to 1.90±0.13 and 19.58±1.51, respectively, enabling ECC to better satisfy strength and energy criteria. Consequently, ultimate tensile elongation and fracture elongation increased by 42.2% and 53.1%, respectively. After conducting a thorough analysis and comparison, it is evident that the L&C model, which is based on the Sigmoid function, demonstrates a higher correlation than the traditional bilinear model.

Seashell Powder as a Sustainable Alternative in Cement-Based Materials: A Systematic Literature Review

Seashells have been explored as a partial replacement for cement in cementitious matrices to promote sustainable waste management and decrease the carbon footprint associated with cement production. As research in this area expands, it is essential to synthesize current findings and practices to guide future studies on the feasibility of using seashells as a filler. This study analyzed existing research on using seashells as a partial cement replacement in cementitious composites through a systematic literature review conducted across six scientific databases, yielding 44 studies for data analysis and synthesis. Key findings identified the shell processing methods, established typical ranges for shell powder’s physical–chemical properties and dosage, and quantified the impact on mechanical properties in binary mixtures. The reported effects on mechanical properties varied among studies, potentially due to differences in processing techniques and the origins of the shells. Most improvements in composite properties were observed with 5% to 15% cement replacement in binary mixtures. Overall, incorporating shell powder reduces the carbon emissions of the produced composites. Further detailed investigations into shell processing variables and dosages are recommended to better understand how these factors influence the properties of the composites produced.

Vegetable Fibers in Cement Composites: A Bibliometric Analysis, Current Status, and Future Outlooks

The use of vegetable fibers (VFs) in cement-based composites has increased in recent years owing to their minimal environmental impact and notable particular properties. VFs have aroused interest within the scientific community because of their potential as a sustainable alternative for construction. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of VFs in cement composites using data from the Scopus database and scientometric tools to explore publication trends, influential sources, and research directions. Key findings reveal a steady increase in publications, with Construction and Building Materials identified as a leading journal in the field and China and Brazil as prominent contributors in terms of publications and citations. The analysis highlights a strong focus on mechanical properties and durability, reflecting the interest of the scientific community in optimizing VF composites for construction. Furthermore, this study includes a revision of the most influential studies addressing VF classification, durability improvements, and advanced applications of VFs in building applications. Finally, future research opportunities are outlined, emphasizing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), industry integration, CO2 absorption, and the application of machine learning techniques to advance the development of VF composites. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the field, suggesting future guidelines and promoting collaborative research.

Development and performance analysis of PVA-polyester fiber reinforced cementitious composites incorporating manufactured sand

Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) have acquired significant attention due to their potential to enhance structural infrastructure due to their superior ductility and crack resistance. However, the development of optimal ECC mixes is crucial for improving the long-term performance of load-bearing systems while addressing environmental challenges. The over-exploitation of river sand leads to significant riverbed depletion and using high-price fibers increases the overall cost of the ECC, necessitating the search for low-cost-sustainable alternatives. This study explored the use of manufactured sand (MS) and a hybrid blend of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyester fibers in ECC to enhance their mechanical properties and sustainability. The findings indicate that integrating fiber blends moderately reduced the slump flow but showed satisfactory workability in all the mixes. A substantial improvement in the compressive strength was observed with MS replacing river sand, showing an increase between 18% and 30%. Tensile tests revealed notable differences in performance due to fiber blending and MS substitution. Durability assessments demonstrated that ECC mixes with MS and polyester fibers experienced reduced drying shrinkage due to enhanced matrix-aggregate bonding and fiber-matrix interaction. Nevertheless, permeable voids and water absorption levels were slightly increased.

Sulfate Promotes Compact CaCO3 Formation and Protects Portland Cement from Supercritical CO2 Attack.

Supercritical (sc) CO2 in geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) can chemically and mechanically deteriorate wellbore cement, raising concerns for long-term operations. In contrast to the conventional view of "sulfate attack" on cement, we found that adding 0.15 M sulfate to the acidic brine can significantly reduce the impact of scCO2 attack on Portland cement, resulting in stronger cement than that found in a sulfate-free system. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a decreased total attack depth in reacted cement in the presence of sulfate. With a newly defined minimum porosity term in reactive transport modeling, our model suggests that sulfate caused CaCO3 to fill more nanopore spaces in the cement. Small angle X-ray scattering experiments also showed that sulfate can decrease the pore sizes of the carbonate layer. The results suggest that the interactions between sulfate and cement can generate a less porous CaCO3 layer, which better resists acidic brine. Using this mechanism as a proof-of-concept, we tested the incorporation of sodium sulfate into Portland cement and synthesized new cement composites that show stronger resistance against scCO2 attacks. These newly discovered interfacial interactions between CaCO3 and sulfate provide new insights into engineering mechanically strong and green materials for safer GCS.

“Caking” Process in Green Cement Composites under the Impact of Environment

“Caking” Process in Green Cement Composites under the Impact of Environment

Optimizing dredging waste sediment in cementitious composites using layered double oxides: Effects on mechanical behaviour, durability, and microstructure

Optimizing dredging waste sediment in cementitious composites using layered double oxides: Effects on mechanical behaviour, durability, and microstructure

Functionalized biochar for carbon neutral/negative cementitious composites with superior performances

Functionalized biochar for carbon neutral/negative cementitious composites with superior performances

Uma investigação sobre o impacto da adição combinada de microfibra de celulose e microcelulose cristalina no desempenho dos compósitos de cimento Portland

Abstract The study of the effects of cellulosic materials as additives in matrices based on mineral binders is essential for the development of high-performance and more durable construction materials. In this context, the present research aims to propose composite systems incorporating cellulose microparticles and microfibers into cementitious matrices. The proposed systems were developed using CP V ARI cement, with cellulose microfiber (FC) contents of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%, along with crystalline microcellulose (MCC) contents of 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. The impact of cellulose microfiber and crystalline microcellulose on compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, mineralogy, and microstructure of cementitious composites was evaluated. The gradual increase in the combined additions of cellulose microfiber and crystalline microcellulose led to a reduction in mechanical properties. The diffraction patterns of the FC-MCC cellulose-added composites were similar to those of Portland cement composites without additives. The combinations of FC 0.5-MCC 0.4, FC 1.0-MCC 0.4, and FC 0.5-MCC 0.6 contents promoted a higher degree of hydration, resulting in superior compressive strength performance compared to cementitious composites without these materials.

Auto-coherent homogenization applied to the assessment of thermal conductivity: Case of alternative binders in cementitious composites

Auto-coherent homogenization applied to the assessment of thermal conductivity: Case of alternative binders in cementitious composites

Towards cooling concrete: Evaluation of cement and cement composites under realistic climatic conditions

Towards cooling concrete: Evaluation of cement and cement composites under realistic climatic conditions

Experimental study on bending fatigue properties of microcapsule self-healing cementitious composites

Experimental study on bending fatigue properties of microcapsule self-healing cementitious composites

Bioinspired cementitious composites with enhanced toughness and electromagnetic wave absorption

Bioinspired cementitious composites with enhanced toughness and electromagnetic wave absorption

Physicochemical performance and hydration mechanism of alkali activated GGBS-steel slag-stockpiled CFB fly ash cementitious composites

Physicochemical performance and hydration mechanism of alkali activated GGBS-steel slag-stockpiled CFB fly ash cementitious composites

Experimental investigation of flexural properties of engineered cementitious composites reinforced with superelastic shape memory alloy fibers under cyclic loading

Experimental investigation of flexural properties of engineered cementitious composites reinforced with superelastic shape memory alloy fibers under cyclic loading

Shear Strength Database for Nonprestressed High-Strength, High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites and Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Beams without Stirrups

Shear Strength Database for Nonprestressed High-Strength, High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites and Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Beams without Stirrups

ECCSrm: A novel meso-scale finite element model to simulate shrinkage of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) incorporaring fiber characteristics

ECCSrm: A novel meso-scale finite element model to simulate shrinkage of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) incorporaring fiber characteristics