Production Of Construction Materials Research Articles

Mechanical Properties of Mortar with Anadara Granosa Waste as Partial Sand Replacement

Introduction: In order to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment, cockle shell waste created from the local fisheries trade is used to produce construction materials, which meet the needs of a developing sustainable construction sector. The use of cockle shell waste as construction materials can help both the environment and the community. Though, the use of this waste as a partial replacement for fine aggregate (sand) in mortar has received little attention. Aims: the current study aims to investigate the influence of Anadara granosa (cockle shell) as a fine aggregate substitute on the mechanical properties of mortar namely compressive strength, flexural strength, and dynamic modulus elasticity. Method: In this study, the cockle shell is crushed to fine particles and then integrated as fine aggregate replacement in various ratios of 10, 20, 30, and 40%. Result: The result indicated that integrating 10% crushed cockle shell into mortar enhances its compressive strength, flexural strength, and modulus elasticity when compared to the control mortar. Conclusion: Conclusively, success in utilizing cockle shells as sand in mortar can help to reduce environmental problems and produce sustainable construction material.

КОМПОЗИТНА АРМАТУРА В БУДІВЕЛЬНІ ГАЛУЗІ:ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РОЗШИРЕННЯВИКОРИСТАННЯ

Scientific and technical progress largely ensures the production and use of new effective building construction materials with predetermined properties. The article considers the prospects of using a relatively new modern material in construction -composite reinforcement (AC), which has anumber of advantages compared to traditional metal reinforcement and at the same time is characterized by properties that limit its use in the production technology of modern concrete structures. In connection witha number of circumstances associated with the expansion of the operating conditions of reinforced concrete structures in highly aggressive environments, where it is difficult to ensure the corrosion resistance of steel reinforcement, composite reinforcement is used. The prospects of using composite reinforcement in ensuring the dielectric properties of some products and structures are shown. The global experience of using AK is summarized, the modern regulatory framework for its use in modern construction isgiven. It is shown that the use of AK on a par with steel reinforcement according to current standards regarding mechanical, technological and operational properties is sufficient to solve the vast majority of construction tasks. Reasons for the expansion of the use of composite reinforcement,taking into account the high energy intensity of traditional steel reinforcement and the inevitability of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with Ukraine's international obligations, are given.

An assumption of in situ resource utilization for “bio-bricks” in space exploration

Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) mimics the natural cementation process that occurs in various geological settings by using the bicarbonate minerals resulting from various bacterial metabolic pathways as cementing agents. This bio-technique can be used to manufacture so-called “bio-bricks,” which rival regular bricks in strength and durability. In the last two decades, MICP has been increasingly utilized for the maintenance and repair of infrastructure. More recently, this process has also been shown to have great potential as an energy-saving and cost-effective means of in situ resource utilization (ISUR) to produce construction materials; these can be utilized for extraterrestrial human settlements for space programs such as lunar exploration. We thus review the description of natural cementation, the anaerobic and aerobic bacterial metabolic activities leading to calcium carbonate precipitation, the properties of the lunar regolith, the production of bio-bricks, and potential research needs.

Physico-Mechanical Performances of Mortars Prepared with Sorted Earthquake Rubble: The Role of CDW Type and Contained Crystalline Phases.

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) from earthquake rubbles was used here as recycled aggregates (RA) in cementitious binders. The materials were sorted in six groups: concrete (CO), natural stone (NS), tile (TI), brick (BR), perforated brick (PF) and roof tile (RT). The abundance (wt.%) of crystalline phases in each RA type was determined by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD). Each group of RAs was used alone (100 wt.% of RA) and mixed with quartz-rich virgin aggregates (VA) to prepare 13 types of mortars (12 specimens per type): one reference mortar (RM) with only VA, six recycled aggregate mortars (RAM) and six recycled-plus-virgin aggregate mortars (RVAM). The physical and mechanical properties of aggregates and mortars reflect the type and abundance of crystalline phases in each CDW group. Recycled mortars rich in concrete, natural stones and tiles have better mechanical performance than mortars prepared with recycled bricks, perforated bricks and roof tiles. For each RA, RVAMs have superior mechanical characteristics than the corresponding RAM. Since the type and amount of phases contained in recycled aggregates strongly control the mechanical performance of new construction materials, they should be routinely quantified as reported here, in addition to other physical features (water absorption, density, etc.). The separation of heterogeneous CDW into homogeneous RA groups is necessary for the production of new construction materials with stable and predictable performances to ensure CDW recycling, especially in areas hit by major adverse events, where large amounts of still valuable materials could be used for reconstruction processes.

Incorporation of high loss-on-ignition fly ash into high-strength mortar: Influence on short-term engineering properties

The re-utilization of fly ash (FA), a primary by-product of thermal power plants, in producing various types of sustainable construction materials has been studied by many researchers. The quality of FA varies depending on either the characteristics of coal or the combustion techniques. Most previous studies used FA with a low loss-on-ignition (LOI), while the use of FA with a high LOI in the production of construction materials is still limited. Finding ways to reusing of locally available FA in sustainable construction materials is crucial. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of high LOI FA content on the short-term engineering properties of high-strength mortars (as a modified concept of reactive powder concrete) in terms of workability, fresh unit weight, compressive and flexural strengths, drying shrinkage, and thermal conductivity. The mortar mixtures were designed with a constant water-to-binder ratio of 0.24 and the 0–60% high LOI FA was used to replace cement (step increment of 15% by weight). Test results found that the substitution of cement with high LOI FA significantly affected the engineering properties of high-strength mortars. Increasing the high LOI FA content improved the workability while reducing fresh unit weight, mechanical strength, drying shrinkage, and thermal conductivity of high-strength mortars. Although the short-term properties of mortars were negatively affected by the incorporation of high LOI FA, the mortar samples containing 60% high LOI FA registered relatively high 28-day compressive and flexural strengths of about 34 and 6 MPa, respectively. In another aspect, using high LOI FA in the production of construction materials is beneficial in reducing the use of cement as well as limiting environmental pollution due to the disposal of this FA type, contributing to a greener environment toward a sustainable development goal.

Development of sustainable alkali-activated binder for building products using sugarcane bagasse ash: A review

Industrial waste-based alkali-activated binders (AABs) can be a sustainable alternative to the cement industry. As the manufacturing of cement is accounting for over 8% of the world's CO2 emissions, using industrial byproducts in the production of alkali-activated construction materials (i.e. mortar, brick, and concrete) might reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The main chemical component of AAB is alumina-silicates, which is essential for alkali activation. Potassium or sodium hydroxide and silicates are common activators. The production of cement is minimised by completely replacing it with AAB using a polymerization method. Polymerisation process uses alkali activators to activate the aluminium–silicate binder and produce a 3D polymeric chain that helps with strength development. The emphasis of the current review is the use of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) in construction materials that have been alkali-activated. Burning bagasse, a type of agricultural waste, yields SCBA, which may be used to create AAB in place of cement. The use of various supplementary cementitious materials in combination with SCBA and their influence on the mechanical characteristics was analysed. Moreover, the influence of supplementary activator, activator concentration, mixing proportions and curing methods (ambient, heat, water etc.) were critically reviewed. The results of various researchers' analyses of SCBA using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology was also evaluated in order to study the properties, content and morphology of bagasse ash. The sustainability and profitability of alkali-activated materials are greatly affected by the choice of alkali activator. Common activators include chemicals like sodium or potassium hydroxide or silicate, which have a relatively high carbon emission and are costly. As a result, several agro-industrial by-products have been studied as alternative alkali activators. Utilization of industrial waste-based materials will not only solve the waste disposal issue but also reduce CO2 emissions.

Investigation and Optimization on Use of Wood Ash as partial Cement Replacement in Cement Mortar

Abstract: Management of solid waste is the major concern globally due to increasing quantities of waste materials and byproducts from industries. Lack of space availability for land filling and because of its increasing cost, utilization and recycling of industrial by- products and waste materials has the only option as it is economical and eco friendly. There are several types of such materials, which can be recycled or reused in construction. The utilization of such materials in construction not only makes it economical, but also helps in reducing disposal problems. One such material is wood ash (WA). Wood ash (WA) is the residue generated due to combustion or incineration of wood and wood products (chips, saw dust, bark, etc.).The XRD (X-RAY DIFFRACTION) test results, SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis and chemical analysis of WA showed that it contains amorphous silica and thus can be used as cement replacing material. Many researches had been carried out to incorporate wood waste ash as a cement replacement material in the production of greener construction material (concrete/mortar) and also as a sustainable means of disposal for wood waste ash. Results of these researches indicated that wood waste ash can be effectively used as a cement replacement material for the production of structural concrete/mortar of acceptable strength and durability parameters.

Effect of polyvinyl alcohol on the CO2 uptake of carbonated steel slag

Recycled by-products that capture CO2 are seen as a potential solution to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions produced by the construction industry. Steel slag has been used as an alternative binder to cement in the last decade and was most recently investigated as a CO2 sequestration material. However, the production of construction materials from steel slag is accompanied by the release of CO2. In order to achieve carbon-negative or -neutral production, it is necessary to increase the carbon capture capacity of steel slag. In this study, experiments were carried out to determine the degree of carbon sequestration by steel slag when treated with an environmentally friendly solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The modification of steel slag with PVA treatment before and after carbonation was investigated using the mass gain method, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mass gain method showed that after carbonation, steel slag with a PVA content of 1.0% showed a 7% increased uptake of CO2 compared to 4% for the untreated steel slag. Analysis of the endothermic peaks and weight loss from TG thermograms demonstrates an increase in CaCO3 content by PVA treatment. According to the calculation of the mass loss from the decomposition of CaCO3, PVA contributes to an increase in CO2 absorption from 2.8 to 5.9% compared to untreated steel slag. The results reveal that carbon dioxide uptake by steel slag in the presence of PVA was mainly due to the increased formation of calcium carbonate, the reaction result between CO2, CaO, and Ca(OH)2. The results found by SEM show that after the carbonation PVA formed a porous structure in the pore space of the steel slag, covered its particles with a thin film, and formed a structure of polymer-bridge bound particles. The use of PVA as an activator of the process of CO2 uptake with the formation of carbonates and a stable microstructure offers prospects for processing steel slag into a green non-structure component.

Increase of cracking resistance of ceramic masses of low-plastic clay

The object of research is the physical and chemical processes of forming the structure and properties of ceramic masses based on local low-melting clay raw materials of the Kyiv region of Ukraine by adjusting the chemical and mineralogical composition and technological regimes. Building ceramic materials are durable, ecological and natural. They provide increased comfort of buildings due to the creation of a favorable temperature and humidity climate of the premises. When using low-melting raw materials in production, there is a need to develop ways and methods to improve the quality of building ceramics. The efficiency of the manufacture of ceramic products largely depends on the processes that occur during drying. This is of crucial importance and affects the quality of finished products and accounts for 10–12 % of the total cost of finished products. Polymineral clay compositions with the addition of natural mineral raw materials are mainly used for the production of construction materials. For effective use of these materials, it is necessary to study their technological properties. Therefore, the question of researching masses based on low-melting clays with high sensitivity to drying, and the use of zeolite-containing mineral rock as an admixture is relevant. This will allow expanding the nomenclature of building ceramics products. Modern physico-chemical and physico-technological methods of research of raw materials and masses based on them during drying were used to solve the task of obtaining ceramic material from local raw materials with the use of a non-deficient natural additive of zeolite-containing rock as an admixture. The conducted studies indicate that the addition of zeolite-containing rock can be used to improve the drying properties of ceramic masses based on low-melting clays. Adding admixture of zeolite-containing rock also increased the compressive strength of finished products, which ensures defect-free transportation of products to other technological operations.

Characterization of Three Types of Recycled Aggregates from Different Construction and Demolition Waste: An Experimental Study for Waste Management

Achieving sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources stands out as one of the goals included in the Goals for Sustainable Development in the 2030 Agenda. The construction sector is currently far from presenting an efficient model in terms of treating waste generated by it. Variations in the physical and chemical properties of recycled aggregates coming from construction and demolition waste are one of the main reasons of their limited use in the production of construction materials. This research presents a physicochemical characterization of three different types of recycled aggregates coming from different types of waste: concrete, ceramic and mixed. Physical characterization shows that recycled concrete aggregate has better physical properties compared with mixed recycled aggregate and ceramic recycled aggregate, which makes it more suitable for use in masonry mortars and concrete, due to its higher dry density (2210.33 kg/m3), its lower content of fines (5.17%), its lower friability coefficient (24.60%), and its water absorption coefficient (6.70%). Chemical characterization shows that none of the tested recycled aggregates contains traces of harmful chemical agents that exceed the limits established by the reference regulations. Finally, the statistical analysis shows good homogeneity for these raw materials, obtaining low coefficients of variation and values within the recommended in each of the calculated confidence intervals.

Mechanical characterization of gypsum mortars with waste from the automotive sector

The construction sector is one of the main industries generating greater environmental impacts. In this sense, the European Commission is forcing the sector to implement alternative measurement and strategies to tackle this situation and bring the sector to a circular economy. One of the adopted measures is the use of recycled materials to produce construction materials and products. In this sense, many scientific works have been conducted analyzing the incorporation of different waste categories in gypsum products. In this sense, the main objective of this research is to characterize new gypsum-based materials that incorporate waste from the automotive sector. For this, mixed waste (containing polyurethane, cardboard and fiberglass) obtained during the production of automobiles’ backboards was used. A total of 171 specimens were produced incorporating different percentage and size of mixed waste. These specimens were tested according to the bulk density, superficial hardness, and flexural, compressive and bonding strengths. Results show that it is possible to incorporate up to 11% of mixed waste overpassing the minimum strength values established by the regulations. In addition, the lightness of the material and its compression and flexion behavior improved considerably compared to the reference specimens without any waste addition.

Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Historical Masonry Using Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymers

Current research into the production of sustainable construction materials for retrofitting and strengthening historic structures has been rising, with geopolymer technology being seen as an advantageous alternative to traditional concrete. Fiber reinforcement using this novel cementitious material involves a low embodied carbon footprint while ensuring cohesiveness with local materials. This study aims to develop fly ash-based geopolymers reinforced with six different types of fibers: polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene, chopped basalt, carbon fiber, and copper-coated stainless steel. The samples are produced by mixing the geopolymer mortar in random distribution and content. Twenty-eight geopolymer mixes are evaluated through compressive strength, split-tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity to determine the fiber mix with the best performance compared with pure geopolymer mortar as a control. Polyvinyl alcohol and copper-coated stainless-steel fiber samples had considerably high mechanical properties and fracture toughness under applied tensile loads. However, the polypropylene fiber source did not perform well and had lower mechanical properties. One-way ANOVA verifies these results. Based on these findings, polyvinyl alcohol and stainless-steel fibers are viable options for fiber reinforcement in historical structures, and further optimization and testing are recommended before application as a reinforcement material in historic structures.

Hemp: A Sustainable Plant with High Industrial Value in Food Processing.

In the era of SDGs, useful plants which provide valuable industrial outputs and at the same time pose less impact on the environment should be explored. Hemp seems one of the most relevant gluten-free crop plants to meet such requirements. Its high nutritional value is comparable to soy. Moreover, almost the whole body of the hemp plant has a wide array of utility: industrial production of food, fiber, and construction materials. In view of environmental sustainability, hemp requires less pesticides or water in cultivation compared to cotton, a representative fiber plant. This short review investigates hemp's sustainability as a plant as well as its utility value as a highly nutritional material in the food industry. Recent application research of hemp protein in food processing includes plant milk, emulsifiers, fortification of gluten-free bread, plant-based meat production, as well as membrane formation. These studies have revealed distinctive properties of hemp protein, especially in relation to disulfide (S-S)/sulfhydryl (-SH)-mediated interactions with protein from other sources. While its cultivation area and industrial use were limited for a while over confusion with marijuana, the market for industrial hemp is growing rapidly because it has been highly reevaluated in multiple areas of industry. Conclusively, with its sustainability as a plant as well as its distinctive useful property of the seed protein, hemp has promising value in the development of new foods.

Welding Product Quality Improvement Using The Seven Tools Method

PT. SRM is an organization that provides steel construction services. Welding is the most essential step in the production of construction materials. A significant number of defective welds is a factor that contributes to high production costs. The Seven tools technique is a tool that assists quality control and 5W+1H analysis in the development of plans to address existing product issues. This study's objective is to identify the types of defects, their underlying causes, and the steps taken to reduce the amount of defects in order to increase production cost efficiency. According to the results of the discussion, the total production was 13,309 units with 2,767 faults. The flaw with the highest percentage is the porosity defect, which is equal to 26.7%. Improvements include providing operator training to improve machine operating skills, periodically inspecting materials to maintain material quality, performing periodic machine repairs to prevent a decline in production quality, and compiling quality and accurate standard operating procedures for welding techniques.

Assessment of embodied energy of masonry building materials in Hassan, India

The construction sector is putting a lot of effort in reducing its energy, carbon, material, and water footprints, as well as taking steps toward a more sustainable built future. The building materials such as cement, aggregates, masonry units like bricks and blocks constitute to dominant percentile utilization in the construction of building. The activities involved in the production of construction materials will consume large amounts of energy. Hence time has arrived for an effective, environmental friendly, sustainable building material with judicious use of energy. It is therefore important to identify and modify the existing process of manufacture of building construction materials and compute the energy associated with manufacturing process. Production of these materials is a major cause for global warming due to release of carbon-di-oxide (CO2) and other gases. Hence there is a need to think, act and adopt low energy consuming, locally available building materials, reducing the transportation energy (TE) to provide alternatives which is both cost effective and environment friendly. The whole energy expenditure involved in the material manufacturing, including all upstream activities such as raw material extraction and transportation, is referred to as embodied energy (EE). This paper examines the energy efficiency of a few masonry building materials used in large quantities in the Indian construction sector. The key stages of production, consumption of excessive energy and the importance locally available raw materials are studied. The study focuses on the various stages of production and measuring the associated embodied energy of masonry building materials of Hassan. These EE figures were calculated by personal visits and survey data to industrial production plants. EE of burnt brick masonry is found to be 2.8 times the EE in comparison with AAC block masonry wall.

Sustainability aspect of possible material substitution in construction industry

While creating the sustainable construction systems it is crucial to innovate in production of construction materials by maximizing recycling and reuse of the materials during production and use of the buildings. The intention of this paper is to provide new insights and better understanding of sustainable oriented innovation in production of construction materials, in particular substitution of cement in mortar with waste material, fly ash, bearing in mind its huge negative impact on the environment. Previous investigations of possible use of fly ash have proven the possibility of its use for the production of cement for lightweight concrete, bricks, asphalt fillers, however the use of the fly ash in cement screeds was not considered.The aim of this work was to examine at first, justification of substitution of cement in mortar with fly ash due to its newly gained properties as change of density, compressive strength and water absorption. In order to take into account aspect of environmental protection the newly gained mechanical properties of the materials were tested in terms of its convenience for use in cement screeds.

Gypsum binders based on ceramic industry waste

A tense situation is emerging in Uzbekistan regarding the supply of high-quality natural raw materials to the gypsum production industry. Consequently, many industrial man-made wastes containing gypsum compounds are disposed of in landfills. These wastes, which are harmful to the environment, are valuable raw materials that can be used in the production of gypsum binders in many cases. The use of man-made waste in the production allows to achieve great economic efficiency in the production of gypsum binders and various construction materials and products based on two important problems -prevention of environmental pollution. The article describes the results of scientific research on obtaining gypsum binders from waste molds used in ceramic industry enterprises producing porcelain and sanitary-technical products. Waste molds of “EKOKERAMA” LLC (Fergana city, Uzbekistan) were used in the research. Waste mold pieces were treated with isothermal heat under “thermal shock” conditions. Due to the increase in the amount of α-modification of gypsum in the resulting product, gypsum binders whose physical and mechanical properties meet the requirements of GOST 23789-2018 were obtained.

Technological capabilities of manufacturing heat insulating materials based on crushed cotton plant stems

Today’s priority in construction lies in three primary areas: ecology, energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It means that the most important task it to construct environmental, energy-efficient and cost-effective buildings and structures. To erect houses having such characteristics, primary elements of a structure (brick block, etc.) must be made subject to the conditions that provide for the above characteristics. The prevailing trend in construction is the production of environmental, energy-efficient and cost-effective construction materials. This research is intended to develop an energy efficient procedure to make heat-insulating materials based on crushed cotton plant stems. To achieve this goal, the authors have addressed the following issues: describing the process of making a heat-insulating material based on crush cotton plant stems; analysis of energy-efficient characteristics of manufacturing materials based on crushed cotton plant stems; and analysis of environmental friendliness of such a material. The research applies the deductive method based on mathematical modelling. The subject of the research is the procedure to make a material based on crushed cotton plant stems. The primary conclusion and outcome of this research is that papercrete based on crushed cotton plant stems has such advantages as cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and low resource demand in manufacturing and operation. The resulting strength of papercrete allows using it as a heat insulating material to erect low-rise buildings.

Sustainable Practices in Road Constructions: Estimation and Mitigation of Impact on Air Quality

Achieve sustainability is nowadays an essential requirement in transportation sector since construction and operation of roads produce significant adverse effects on environment and human health. According to the World Bank, the transport sector accounts for nearly 14% of global GHG emissions and approximately the 72% of these ones are due to construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, and usage of roads. Focusing on the construction phase, earthmovings, materials production and transportation, tunnel and bridge building, machineries and plant operation are the main causes of the burdens on the environment and communities. A cleaner production of transportation infrastructures requires scrupulous awareness in the definition of the construction processes and in the selection of materials and components for which it is more than ever necessary to evaluate the environmental impacts. Among the negative effects those on the air quality merit a particular attention because they affect the human health. This study deals with the analysis of the PM10, CO and NOx, emissions arising from the construction of an Italian road. The procedure adopted for the estimation of the impacts on the air quality was carried out through the following phases: i) collection of detailed data on construction sites, type of activities for each worksite, duration of the activities, type of machineries and equipment, quantity of materials moved; ii) estimation of the quantity of dust and pollutants arising from the construction processes applying suitable models; iii) identification of the most critical period of construction in terms of air emissions; iv) investigation of the worksites, activities and processes with the greatest impact from an emissive standpoint. From the study carried out, it is clear the effectiveness of the spatial and temporal analysis of PM10, CO and NOx emissions to fully understand the emission phenomenon and its tendency during the construction period. The results of such kind of approach can really assist project managers in forecasting, at project stage, targeted effective mitigation measures, activity-specific and site-specific, and in designing a feasible monitoring system, which controls and supervises the on-site emissions timely.

Wood raw materials and wood waste use for the building materials production (on the example of the Republic of Karelia timber industry)

The research is devoted to material resources analysis of the Republic of Karelia timber industry for the production of construction materials and to the optimal directions search for wood waste and illiquid wood use. The requirements for raw materials are analysed and inconsistencies in the classification of wood waste resources are revealed. Various methods of wood processing are considered and characteristic features and limitations on the applicability of raw materials in terms of size, quality, and breed characteristics are revealed. The conclusion is made about the main sphere of use of wood waste and illiquid wood, which is construction – civil, industrial, agricultural and architectural and aesthetic. The main directions of research are formulated to find ways to dispose of wood waste allowing for more complete use of their specific properties.