Materials In Construction Sector Research Articles

Novel Processing Methods of Low-Clinker Multi-Component Cementitious Materials—A Review

The wide use of multi-component cement of highly reduced Portland clinker factor is largely impeded by detrimental changes in the rheological properties of concrete mixes, a substantial reduction in the early rate of cement hardening, and sometimes the insufficient strength of mature concrete. Therefore, major changes are needed in traditional concrete-production technologies if low-clinker cement is to gain wider acceptance. This review’s goal is to summarize the impacts of using non-ionizing radiation methods to improve the dispersion of concrete mix constituents, cement setting, and early hardening. The potential impacts of such interactions on the permeability and strength of concrete are also highlighted and investigated. Their intriguing potential for delivering additional energy to cementitious mixtures is analyzed for batch water, solid non-clinker constituents of cement (mainly supplementary cementitious materials), and their mixtures with aggregates. The advantages of adopting these non-traditional methods are found to be highly alluring to the greener preparation techniques used in the construction materials sector.

Impermeability Evaluation Of Concrete With Fly Ash Aggregate And Prediction With Modelling

Concrete is the most synthesized material in construction sector which it has aggregate as one of its components. The use of natural aggregate in concrete preparation uses a significant amount of non-renewable resources and energy, having a significant environmental impact. Multiple research projects have been conducted to safeguard natural reserves, seeking a solution to the waste disposal issue, and reduce construction costs by utilizing waste materials. FA(Fly Ash) aggregate is one such material that can be a replacement for natural aggregate. Durability parameters of concrete with Fly Ash (FA) aggregate are studied in this work as an alternative for fine aggregate. In this study, 5 concrete mixes were prepared utilizing FA aggregate in percentage substitution of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% for each. The quantity of cement, compaction, curing rate, concrete cover, and porosity all influence the durability of the concrete. Concrete attributes such as strength in compression, retaliation to abrasion and half-cell potential were investigated. Durability parameters of the specimens were tested after 90-day curing. The results revealed that concrete with 30% FA aggregate had the highest compressive strength, improved resistance towards abrasion and least half cell potential values. Experimentation data were used to develop comprehensive prediction models by applying support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The SVM model analyses R2 values with an accuracy of over 97%. As a result, we can use SVM to efficiently execute prediction modelling in construction area.

Investigation of agro-forestry and construction demolition wastes in alkali-activated fly ash bricks as sustainable building materials

Production of burnt clay bricks, cement and burning of agricultural/forestry wastes are responsible for major greenhouse gases emission. The present work investigate the effect of treated rice straw and forestry leaves in alkali-activated fly ash bricks with construction & demolition wastes for non-load bearing partitions walls at elevated temperature of 800 °C. 1–4 wt% incorporated agro-forestry wastes fly ash bricks with 10 and 20 wt% ground granulated blast slag (GGBFS) addition shows compressive strength ranging from 8 to 15 MPa. The thermal conductivity of the panels with 1–4 wt% agro-forestry addition varies from 0.4 to 0.5 W/m.K. The sound transmission class (STC) of 20 mm thick agro-forestry waste fly ash samples depict moderate sound insulation properties over the range of 24 to 37 dB. The wallette units of burnt clay bricks and agro-forestry based fly ash bricks show load carrying capacity of 360 kN, 273 kN and 195 kN, 110 kN at temperatures of 35 °C and 800 °C respectively. The present study shows a potential green solution toward sustainable building materials in construction sector leading to reduced depletion of fertile soil used in production of burnt clay bricks.

Experimental Testing of Cellular Construction Materials Containing Flax Particles

The feasibility of a sustainable non-autoclaved cellular concrete, based on flax vegetable co-products, for the production of usable specimen in the lightweight construction field, has been investigated experimentally. The produced specimen, containing various volume ratios of flax particles with respect to preformulatd Tradical PF70 lime binder of 0, 1, and 2, were lightened by creating a porous structure in the matrix through the addition of 0.3% wt. Aluminium powder (able to react with calcium hydroxide from the binder and result in microscopic air-bubbles). Fresh and hardened specimen properties, including hydration, fresh density, porosity, hardened density, compressive and flexural strengths, toughness energy, and dry thermal conductivity at different temperatures, were assessed for varying flax-to-binder ratios. Results have shown that the addition of Aluminum powder leads to restrain the setting time delay of binder-based lime. Moreover, the hardened material displays a significant decrease in specimen density, thereby resulting in a compressive strength level compatible with that required in the cellular construction materials sector. Results also highlighted the ability of added flax to induce a change in the specimen from brittle to ductile behavior. Moreover, a high degree of thermal insulation can be achieved, which makes the cellular specimen based on flax particle suitable as insulated-bearing walls material.

Sustainable Materials Used as Lightweight Aggregate :(An Overview)

Lightweight aggregates (LWA) are building materials with a lower bulk density than standard construction aggregates. In recent years, the contribution of industry to the circular economy has become a serious concern. Among these, the mining sector is confronted with significant problems relating to the management of a huge quantity of generated waste. The major contemporary task is to address a number of interconnected challenges, including waste management and recycling, conservation of scarce natural resources, reduction of energy use, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Natural aggregates are consumed by the construction materials industry in the range of 8 to 12 billion tons per year. According to reports, the construction materials sector consumes the most energy and scarce natural resources (rocks, aggregates, and water) while also emitting greenhouse gases. In general, using waste material as lightweight aggregate decreases the concrete’s overall weight. The materials used as lightweight aggregate in concrete are discussed in this study. According to research, utilizing trash as a lightweight aggregate not only improves the characteristics of concrete but also gives a sustainable approach to minimize global waste.

The Experimental Study of Innovative Methods Regarding the Removal of Sm(III)

The modern development of the construction materials sector determines the use of rare earth metals (REM) for various purposes. In particular, REM are added as basic alloying elements into magnesium alloys to increase alloy durability and strength. The complex systematic study of structural components and REM interaction are the basis for the phase state monitoring of multicomponent oxide polyfunctional materials. In addition, on the preparatory stage, layers with specified construction material coatings are formed. The paper presents experimental and theoretical results of studies of adsorptive bubble methods in the systems containing Samarium cations and surfactants, namely sodium dodecyl sulphate (NaDS). To identify the process mechanisms and prediction of optimal conditions of metal cations’ removal and separation by extraction, flotation, and ion flotation methods, one should know the pH of metal hydroxo-complexes and pH of the hydrate formation. The possibility of lanthanide ions’ removal (by the example of Samarium ions) by the solvent sublation method with NaDS as a collector and isooctyl alcohol as an extractant was studied. From the obtained experimental data, it was clear that the Sm3+ removal in acidic mediums is practically non-existent. The results obtained in this paper are topical in the production of electrode coating components, welding fluxes, sorbents for nuclear wastewater burial, wastewater treatment, highly porous heat-insulating and fire-resistant materials, cement, and concrete with improved frost resistance.

Effect of oxide composition and ingredient proportions on the rheological and mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar incorporating pumice aggregate

Being a relatively newer material in construction sector, geopolymer based building materials have been of large interest for last decade. This study presents a comprehensive experimental study for assessment of the effectiveness of mix parameters and compound characteristics of the ingredients on the engineering properties of lightweight geopolymer mortar (LWGM). The investigated fresh properties are rheology and flow behavior of LWGMs. Mechanical properties of hardened LWGMs were monitored in terms of compressive and flexural strength as well as ultrasonic pulse velocity. Acidic pumice aggregate was used to reduce the unit weight of the mortar. The mix parameters taken into account are molarity of NaOH solution, the mass ratio of NaOH and Na2SiO3 solutions to fly ash (S/FA), proportions of Na2SiO3/NaOH (SS/SH), and the oxide compositions, which are percentage of Na2O, the ratios of H2O/Na2O, SiO2/Na2O, and H2O/Solid. The results indicated that SS/SH and S/FA significantly affected viscosity behavior and the fresh mortars were observed to conform well to Herscel-Bulkley rheological model with shear thinning tendency. The mechanical properties of hardened LWGMs demonstrated strong correlation with oxide compositions.

Valorization of waste from sand wash muds of an aggregates plant: Evaluation as a supplementary cementitious material

AbstractThe reuse and reincorporation of waste generated in the production processes are becoming increasingly important in the world, due to the double effect that it has in terms of sustainability. The first one is the environmental factor, since the impact generated is reduced by reducing the amount of wastes. The second one is the financial factor, since new products are developed that companies did not initially have, generating financial profitability. Therefore, this research evaluates the possible reuse of waste from gravel and sand wash mud of an aggregate plant as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) after being thermally activated, seeking to promote the circular economy in the construction materials sector. The physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization of the waste is presented and its pozzolanic activity was evaluated by means of the SAI‐strength activity index. It was found that despite its low content of clay minerals, the thermally activated waste had very good performance as SCM with SAI between 81 and 106 with a tendency to increase with the age of cure. Showing that this can be a very promising potential use for this kind of waste.

Развитие системы исследования рынка строительных материалов

The building materials market research is a complex process, one of the main problems of which is the collection and processing of information. The article presents a characteristic of the methods of analysis of this market. The aim of the study was to develop an integrated approach and methods for analyzing the building materials market to ensure the development of the construction materials sector and the construction industry as a whole. The analysis made it possible to develop indirect methods of market research based on indicators of realized demand and realized supply. The triune methodical complex includes: the method of material costs of the executor of construction and installation works, the method of economic results of the manufacturer of building materials and the analysis of the market of final construction products. The proposed indirect methods, combined with direct methods, constitute a system for researching the construction materials market.

The use and benefits of Quick Response Codes for construction materials in South Africa

This article explores the use and potential benefits of Quick Response (QR) Codes on construction materials in an attempt to ensure that the construction industry continues to be more technologically advanced. This qualitative research study consisted of interviews and case studies. A sample of 30 construction material suppliers in the Durban region were purposively selected and interviewed, using a semi-structured interview schedule. Five case studies were randomly sampled from the Durban region where QR Codes were implemented for selected material samples. Knowledge, experience and the impact of QR Codes on construction materials were examined. The investigation chiefly found that most of the participants are in favour of the concept of using QR Codes, even though these are currently not widely used for construction materials in South Africa. Positive feedback was obtained from those participants who are using QR Codes on products. The findings provided the opportunity to improve the construction materials sector by introducing and implementing QR Codes as a technological advancement in the construction industry. Keywords : QR Codes, construction industry, construction materials

Effects of different autoclaving pressure on mechanical properties of AAC

AbstractAutoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks are widely used as a walling material in construction sector in Turkey. They are produced from the mixture of chemically suitable raw materials with water. Prepared slurry is poured into the metallic molds and left to expand and for hardening process in curing area. Thereafter, expended mud, called a cake, is sent to the autoclave stage. This stage is one of the most important process involved in the crystalline structure forming of AAC products. Furthermore, development of mechanical properties of AAC blocks is also strictly related to the conditions of those process. In this study, the effects of different autoclaving pressure and curing time on the mechanical properties of AAC products were investigated to increase production capacity and to save energy by optimizing these parameters. At the first stage, sized specimens were cured in autoclave under varied pressures between 5.5 and 12 bars at different period in a laboratory scale autoclave to determine optimum curing conditions for the samples of G2/350 and G2/400. Before using laboratory scale autoclave, the correlation coefficient between laboratory and industrial one was determined by producing samples from each group. According to the experimental results, the autoclaving process using 10 bars and 5.5 h could be recommended to obtain the best suitable products (for both crystalline structure and mechanical performance) for all groups of AAC blocks. The compressive strength of the specimens were 2.6 and 2.7 MPa for G2/350 and G2/400, respectively when compared with standard one (2.5 MPa) produced under 12 bars and 5.5 h. It is also concluded from this experimental study that the production pressure can be reduced from 12 to 10 bars although all the technical properties of experimental samples remain the same.

Effect of Porous Aggregate Size on the Techno-Mechanical Properties of Cementless Lightweight Mortars

The use of natural and porous materials is becoming increasingly common in construction applications. To reduce the dead load and to construct the high-energy efficient buildings, the products made from lightweight aggregates are often observed in civil engineering practices. One of the newest natural and porous aggregates is Alacati-Alapietra stone. This tuff-like rock type with the natural and porous characteristics is also nowadays gaining importance in construction materials sector. In addition to this, another important issue in the construction materials sector is the effort to create cement-free construction products due to environmental concerns. In this paper, the results of a comprehensive research work that is carried out on using of Alacati-Alapietra stone as a lightweight aggregate in cementless lightweight mortars were evaluated. Specially, the technical properties to be needed in developing a product with Alacati stone were presented in detail.

Recycling and utilization assessment of waste fired clay bricks (Grog) with granulated blast-furnace slag for geopolymer production

In the present study, the alkali-activation process potential of the industrial by-product called waste fired clay bricks (Grog) as well as the effects of the addition of another industrial by-product known as granulated blast-furnace slag (S) on the properties of the final products has been studied. Granulated blast-furnace slag has been employed as 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% replacement of waste fired clay bricks (Grog) in the production of geopolymers. At the same time, the effects of curing time on the properties of geopolymers were investigated. The study proved a successful method for the feasibility of recycling and valorization process of two industrial by-products and converts them into valuable geopolymer products. These potential recycling processes can generate significant benefits for environmental sector and many economic impacts to the construction materials sector by using it as alternative raw material resources for the production of the geopolymer.

Radioactivity and associated radiation hazards in ceramic raw materials and end products

Studies have been planned to obtain activity and associated radiation hazards in ceramic raw materials (quartz, feldspar, clay, zircon, kaolin, grog, alumina bauxite, baddeleyite, masse, dolomite and red mud) and end products (ceramic brick, glazed ceramic wall and floor tiles) as the activity concentrations of uranium, thorium and potassium vary from material to material. The primordial radionuclides in ceramic raw materials and end products are one of the sources of radiation hazard in dwellings made of these materials. By the determination of the activity level in these materials, the indoor radiological hazard to human health can be assessed. This is an important precautionary measure whenever the dose rate is found to be above the recommended limits. The aim of this work was to measure the activity concentration of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in ceramic raw materials and end products. The activity of these materials has been measured using a gamma-ray spectrometry, which contains an NaI(Tl) detector connected to multichannel analyser (MCA). Radium equivalent activity, alpha-gamma indices and radiation hazard indices associated with the natural radionuclides are calculated to assess the radiological aspects of the use of the ceramic end products as decorative or covering materials in construction sector. Results obtained were examined in the light of the relevant international legislation and guidance and compared with the results of similar studies reported in different countries. The results suggest that the use of ceramic end product samples examined in the construction of dwellings, workplace and industrial buildings is unlikely to give rise to any significant radiation exposure to the occupants.

Radiometric analysis of raw materials and end products in the Turkish ceramics industry

This study presents the findings of radiometric analysis carried out to determine the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in raw materials (clay, kaolin, quartz, feldspar, dolomite, alumina, bauxite, zirconium minerals, red mud and frit) and end products (glazed ceramic wall and floor tiles) in the Turkish ceramics industry. Hundred forty-six samples were obtained from various manufacturers and suppliers throughout the country and analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometer with HPGe detectors. Radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity, activity concentration index and alpha index were calculated to assess the radiological aspects of the use of the ceramic end products as decorative or covering materials in construction sector. Results obtained were examined in the light of the relevant national and international legislation and guidance and compared with the results of similar studies reported in different countries. The results suggest that the use of ceramic end product samples examined in the construction of dwellings, workplaces and industrial buildings in Turkey is unlikely to give rise to any significant radiation exposure to the occupants.

Effect of sonication on the reactivity of silica fume in Portland cement mortars

Currently, the use of silica fume for the production of mortars and high-performance concrete is of great importance to the construction materials sector. Different applications of silica fume have generated extensive studies about its high reactivity as a pozzolanic material, in addition to its effect on the properties of some materials within which it is incorporated. In this study a sonication process was applied by means of which the deagglomeration of the larger particles of densified silica fume (CSF) was achieved. The result is a CSF treated with the ultrasound probe, which is obtained for different tests where the parameters of sonication such as sonication power level and sonication time are varied. This treatment makes it possible to increase the quantity of submicrometric particles in the sample. The effect of sonication process on CSF produces a greater quantity of very fine particles, which improve the pozzolanic reactivity of silica fume and increase the fixation of hydrated lime. This behaviour also produces higher mechanical strength in mortars manufactured with sonicated silica fume (SSF). The mechanical strengths of SSF mortars were greater than those for control and CSF mortar. Different percentages of cement were substituted (between 0 and 15% by weight), and in all cases the SSF mortars showed important differences from the CSF mortar. It was observed that for the longest sonication times and highest sonication power levels, mechanical strengths were increased.

Compression, cleavage, and shear resistance of composite construction materials produced from softwoods and hardwoods

AbstractThe process of manufacturing laminated wood board is an effective technique for reducing or eliminating the negative properties of solid wood materials and for obtaining high‐performance materials. More economical composite laminated materials, which use different types of wood together and have the strength suitable for the purpose, can be produced with this technique. In the present study, composite laminated specimens containing beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), a type of hardwood, and poplar (Populus nigra), a softwood, were produced with layers of two thicknesses: 4 and 5 mm. Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and polyurethane (PU) glues were used in gluing. The results of the tests were compared with those for the solid wood specimens, and it was found that new composite building materials with high mechanical strength and lower cost could be produced for the construction materials sector in Turkey instead of solid wood. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3673–3678, 2006

Information needs and use in the construction materials sector in Kuwait

PurposeThis study was designed to investigate the information needs and use of the private construction materials sector in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approachA structured instrument, expert‐reviewed and pilot‐tested, was used for data collection. A total of 20 companies were surveyed by interviewing a senior official identified by each firm.FindingsThese firms mostly used financial, marketing, legal, forecasting, and managerial information. Personnel and statistical information was the least used. The most important sources of information included government agencies, the internet, the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), and financial service agencies in addition to several informal sources. Information use activity was found to be at a low level.Research limitations/implicationsSince the study was limited to private companies that dealt with construction materials, its findings should be used for this sector only.Practical implicationsThe KCCI, following one of its official roles of supplying information to the business community, needs to upgrade its resources and services and conduct vigorous marketing of its services. Similarly, Kuwait University has a stake in conducting research and educating business leaders in improving their in‐house information services and making optimal use of KCCI services.Originality/valueThis is the first study of its type in the Arabian Gulf region. Hopefully, government agencies, the KCCI and the business community will use its findings to improve the current business information infrastructure, which is less than satisfactory.

Housing and Employment in Indonesia: Prospects for Employment Generation in the Construction Materials Sector1

Indonesia experienced rapid growth in the housing sector in the 1980s, accompanied by large-scale improvement of existing dwellings. There are clear signs of a large potential demand for more and better dwellings; though several bottlenecks exist which hamper this potential. This paper critically examines the credit-related bottleneck and the subsidised credit schemes designed to address it. Input-output analysis is used in the paper to study the structure of the construction materials sector. Examination shows that the adverse effects of a stimulation of housing demand on the balance of payments are small, and that employment in the construction materials sector is dominated by small-scale and household industry. Finally, an analysis of roofing materials shows that there is scope for further introduction of labour-intensive construction materials.