This study examines plastic wood as a crucial element for environmental sustainability, highlighting its role in plastic waste reduction and the promotion of the circular economy. By transforming plastic waste into a useful construction material, plastic wood not only decreases plastic pollution but also provides a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. The research reveals how plastic wood production significantly contributes to the conservation of natural resources by minimizing the need for extracting new raw materials, thus reducing the carbon footprint and energy consumption associated with the manufacturing of conventional construction materials. Additionally, the analysis of the social and economic impact of plastic wood adoption indicates that its implementation fosters job creation, drives innovation in green technologies, and promotes local economic development. These benefits underline the importance of plastic wood not only from an environmental perspective but also as a driver for sustainable development and social inclusion.

Sustainable utilization of industrial furnace slags as CO2-reactive materials for construction

YOLO-material: Advanced construction material recognition using YOLOv8 with multi-level attention fusion and hierarchical channel shuffle

Assessing the regional and temporal feasibility of urban-industrial symbiosis: meeting the demand for low-carbon construction materials with urban waste incineration ashes

The synergistic effect of carbide slag and thermal treatment on immobilizing soluble phosphorus and fluoride in phosphogypsum.

Dose assessment of indoor radon, thoron, and progeny concentrations in northern region of Haryana, India.

The paper summarizes modern methods for forming protective and decorative coatings on construction materials using low-temperature plasma. The evolution of plasma treatment technologies is analyzed, and the key factors affecting the quality and service life of the resulting coatings are identified. It is shown that the use of plasma spraying and plasma remelting leads to a significant increase in coating adhesion to the substrate, improvement of surface appearance, reduction in water absorption, and enhancement of chemical resistance. It has been established that due to the localized high-energy воздействие of plasma, a dense fine-crystalline surface layer with reduced porosity and high structural homogeneity is formed. This, in turn, increases the wear resistance and frost resistance of the treated materials, as well as their resistance to aggressive environments and ultraviolet radiation. It is noted that surface pretreatment and the selection of the sprayed material composition play a decisive role in achieving stable performance characteristics of the coatings. Special attention is paid to the influence of process parameters—plasma discharge power, plasma torch travel speed, distance to the treated surface, and the composition of the plasma-forming gas—on the formation of the structure and physicochemical properties of the surface layer. It is shown that optimization of these parameters makes it possible to purposefully control the coating thickness, surface roughness, and the level of residual stresses.

This study investigates the tensile performance of cementless fiber-reinforced slag composites incorporating recycled tire powder (RTP). The primary objective is to enhance the ductility and crack-control capabilities of the material while promoting sustainability by using industrial by-products (slag) and waste materials (tires). RTP is used to replace the fine aggregate (silica sand) by volume in five increments from 0% to 80%. Dog-bone-shaped specimens are fabricated and subjected to direct tensile testing after 28 days of air curing. Crack patterns are analyzed using Digital Image Correlation (DIC). The results indicate that increasing the RTP content leads to a higher number of microcracks and more effective crack width control, which is attributed to the matrix-weakening and crack-bridging effects of the RTP particles. RTP content of 60% was found optimal and significantly enhancing the tensile performance, achieving a tensile strength of 8.25 MPa and strain capacity of 8.16%. This demonstrates the potential of RTP for creating highly ductile, durable, and eco-friendly construction materials.

This study comprehensively considered the issue of improving the roofing structures of vertical cylindrical steel tanks for storing oil and oil products under conditions of high external load. Such tanks are widely used in the energy and oil and gas industries, so their strength and reliability are of particular importance for production safety. Currently, tanks mainly use conical and spherical roofs. However, each of them has its own advantages and limitations. Although conical roofs are easy to manufacture and install, they are susceptible to asymmetric accumulation of snow mass and eccentric loads in large diameter tanks. While spherical roofs can effectively distribute the load, the complexity of their manufacturing preparation and metal losses are relatively high. The main goal of the study is to ensure the reliability of the overall structure while increasing the bearing capacity of the roof, as well as the economical use of material. During the study, the effect of aerodynamic and static loads on the roof surface was calculated, the nature of changes in snow and wind loads over time was studied. As a result of calculations, it was found that in traditional conical tents there is a concentration of stress, especially when exposed to high snow load. This, in turn, reduces the life of the structure and increases the risk of plastic deformations. Based on the results obtained, a hybrid roof structure reinforced with spherical elements was proposed. Such a structure evenly distributes the load and reduces the eccentric effect caused by asymmetric fall of the snow mass. In addition, spherical reinforcing elements increase the rigidity of the roof and limit deformation. According to research results, hybrid tents demonstrate high resistance to snow load up to 25-30%compared to traditional designs. The proposed engineering solution will not only increase the strength and reliability of tanks, but also increase their service life and reduce the frequency of maintenance. In addition, this approach will save construction materials and increase overall economic efficiency. Thus, the research results are an important scientific and practical direction for improving the infrastructure for storing oil and oil products.

This study focuses on identifying and quantifying the mineralogical composition of two diatomite samples collected in the Faya-Largeau region (Borkou, northern Chad) in order to assess their mechanical suitability and potential use as local construction materials. The research is set within the Saharan context, where imported materials remain expensive and difficult to transport, making the development of local geological resources essential. Diatomite, a lightweight sedimentary rock rich in silica originating from fossilized diatoms, is a key material for sustainable construction thanks to its porosity, thermal insulation capacity, and ease of shaping. Two samples from the Tchang-Sousse and Dozanga districts were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify their mineral phases and determine their behavior during firing and their suitability for local brick production.

ABSTRACT The presented article discusses the preparation of polymer composites from bacterial cellulose (BC) and epoxy resin (EP), emphasizing their potential use as bio-based construction materials replacing traditional glass fiber composites. The key objective was to enhance the compatibility of BC with epoxy resin through chemical modification using N-2-Aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AAPS) and plasma treatment. BC/EP composites obtained by hot pressing were subjected to surface analysis (FTIR, contact angles, optical microscopy) and thermal tests (TGA). The studies demonstrated that plasma treatment altered the surface topology of cellulose, thereby enhancing the integration of BC with EP. Thermogravimetric results confirmed satisfactory thermal stability of the composites, with the greatest resistance demonstrated by composites with plasma modification. Solar aging tests showed minor damage, but the material remained structurally stable. Biodegradation tests showed that BC composites degraded faster than glass fiber-reinforced composites, making them environmentally friendly. The presented research indicates that BC can be used as a natural reinforcing material for composites and potentially replace traditional materials in industrial applications.

In the pursuit of sustainable and energy-efficient construction materials, earth-based technologies such as compressed earth blocks (CEBs) offer a promising alternative to conventional fired bricks. This study investigates the physico-mechanical performance of CEBs formulated with 85% sandy granite saprolite from Chétaïbi and 15% marble waste, stabilized with varying cement contents (6%, 9%, and 12% by weight) and subjected to different compaction pressures. The produced blocks were evaluated in terms of dry density, total water absorption, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Results indicate that increasing the cement content significantly improves the mechanical properties while reducing water absorption. All formulations exceeded the minimum compressive strength of 2 MPa required by the French standard XP P 13-901, and water absorption values remained below the 15% threshold established by the Indian standard IS 1725. These findings confirm the potential of these blocks as a viable, low-impact alternative to traditional masonry units, supporting the development of more environmentally responsible construction practices.

The pursuit of high-performance and sustainable construction materials has driven significant research into supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and industrial by-products. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the individual and combined effects of basalt powder (BP) and recycled steel filings (SF) on the mechanical and durability properties of reinforced concrete. An experimental program was designed incorporating four concrete mixtures: a control mix (M0), mixes with 15% cement replacement by BP (M1) and SF (M2) individually, and a hybrid mix with 10% BP and 10% SF (M3). The properties evaluated include workability, density, compressive strength (at 7, 14, and 28 days), splitting tensile strength, and water absorption. Results indicate that both additives enhance concrete performance, albeit through distinct mechanisms. The BP mix (M1) demonstrated superior durability characteristics, reducing water absorption by 10.8% compared to the control, attributed to pozzolanic activity and pore refinement. The SF mix (M2) showed the most significant improvement in mechanical strength, with a 17.1% increase in 28-day compressive strength, owing to improved packing density and crackarresting capabilities. The hybrid mix (M3) exhibited a synergistic effect, achieving the optimal balance of properties, including the highest compressive strength (43 MPa), tensile strength (4.0 MPa), and the lowest water absorption (5.4%). This suggests that the combination of BP and SF leverages the microstructural densification of the former and the mechanical reinforcement of the latter. The findings advocate for the integrated use of these sustainable materials to produce concrete with enhanced performance and a reduced environmental footprint, promoting the recycling of industrial waste.

The motivation of this study is due to the Sundanese vernacular settlements’ growing needs in terms of reconstruction and relocation in West Java, Indonesia, as affected by architectural design failures and natural disasters. The approaches implemented recently are not thoroughly supportive, as they either involve the conventional methods that are vulnerable or the foreign approach, which is less culturally acceptable. This study concerns the initial stages in generating an architectural design for the Sundanese houses as a manifestation of local identity. Kampung Dukuh Luar is the focus of the case study. This research conducts an architectural ethnosemantic approach incorporated with empirical observation on the architects’ and cultural experts’ focused group discussion. The design foundation of the contemporary Sundanese architecture is observed in this study, particularly in maintaining the mythical values for rational aims. Moreover, the innovations in construction materials and techniques are additionally discussed. The research finding contributes to the improvement of the community life for resilient and traditionally suitable housing-related issues, and at the same time, enriches the vernacular architecture insights. Thus, the study contributes to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on sustainable cities and communities.

Abstract The sustainable utilization of wood waste is critical for reducing environmental impact and promoting more resource-efficient construction materials. This study investigates the effects of wood flour particle size, wood content, and extrusion parameters—specifically extrusion rate—on the fabrication of wood flour–epoxy composites designed for extrusion-based 3D printing. Through a factorial experimental design, the effects of these parameters on mechanical, physical, and fire-resistant properties were systematically evaluated. Characterization included flexural and compressive strength tests, water absorption, dimensional stability, and fire resistance assessments. Statistical analyses revealed that the epoxy-to-wood ratio is the most influential factor, with a 55:45 ratio yielding optimal results enhanced mechanical strength, improved dimensional stability, and superior fire resistance, while minimizing surface defects. These findings highlight the importance of precise extrusion parameter optimization to produce high-performance composites that incorporate renewable wood resources. The results provide valuable insights for developing partially bio-based materials capable of reducing reliance on petroleum-derived polymers, supporting improved sustainability and performance in construction applications.

The selection of criteria for action, as well as the proper use of appropriate materials and techniques, are decisive for the conservation of architectural heritage. The construction technologies and materials used in historic buildings must be considered in any decision, which involves different criteria at the time of intervention: aesthetic, constructive, historical, physical, chemical, among others. By doing so, it is possible to minimize the incompatibility between traditional and contemporary materials used in heritage buildings. Intervening in historic buildings is an extremely complex task, because bringing together theoretical concepts, old construction techniques and the use of appropriate materials in vogue requires multidisciplinary knowledge involving different areas of knowledge. The aim is to contribute to the investigation of the appropriate use of the most compatible porcelain tiles available on the market to be applied in interventions in pre-existing contexts, along with the successful and unsuccessful examples applied in the city of Belém. thus, the possibilities for preservation actions that are more appropriate for architectural heritage are found, extending its use/function for more years by users and, consequently, bringing new meaning to the building in the urban space, instructing future adjustments without the application of radical contrast to the false history and the technical and material understanding in the correct application in the scope of the choices of porcelain tiles for coatings in the specifications of the floors.

Coal fly ash (FA) is generated in vast quantities, yet remains underutilized. Here, we systematically tuned its surface chemistry and porosity through sequential water washing, HCl digestion (2, 4, and 6 M), and calcination (500, 700, and 900 °C). Water washing followed by acid treatments at higher molarities (4, 6 M) and subsequent calcination at 700 °C proved most effective. The optimized sample (PFA-6M-C700) exhibited a Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 11.0 mg/g for methylene blue (MB). Furthermore, under identical conditions, PFA-6M-C700 achieved an equilibrium uptake approximately nine times higher than that of as-received FA. This enhancement was attributed to selective leaching of surface carbon, surface enrichment of siliceous phases, removal of Cl-containing residuals, a marked increase in surface area and pore size, and a decreased point of zero charge (PZC) upon modification. In contrast, 2 M HCl was insufficient to enhance porosity and calcination at 900 °C induced sintering. Adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics for all modified samples and fitted the Langmuir model for PFA-6M-C700, which retained 82% of its initial capacity after eight successive uses. Density functional theory calculations revealed that efficient MB binding requires SiO2 surfaces having a balanced ensemble of lattice oxygen, surface -OH groups, and exposed Al centers, a configuration confirmed in the high-performing adsorbents according to characterization results. Beyond highlighting FA as an adsorbent, this work establishes a systematic modification strategy that can be readily transferred to other fields such as catalysis, construction materials, and additional high-value technologies, opening new economic and environmental opportunities.

Construction logistics is central to optimising site operations and delivery processes, yet the need to meet dynamic site requirements while minimising transport movements presents a persistent challenge. Transport efficiency can be improved through both strategic and operational interventions at the business-unit level. This study examines transport-related distribution practices within the plasterboard supply chain in Auckland, New Zealand, and evaluates opportunities to enhance efficiency using established performance metrics. By integrating supply chain management and circular economy principles through spatial analysis and supply chain modelling, the research demonstrates the potential to achieve up to a three-fold improvement in vehicle capacity utilisation. The operational analysis—focused on general-purpose (non-specialist) transport—is grounded in real-world transport data that extends beyond conventional trip-centricity to capture a broader supply chain perspective. This approach addresses a key methodological gap by empirically validating analytical models in a specific operational context. In addition to quantifying efficiency gains, the study identifies context-specific inefficiencies that constrain construction transport performance and proposes sustainable solutions that extend beyond technological fixes. These include strategic organisational measures for improving fleet management, transport contracting and pricing, collaborative planning across supply chain actors, waste management practices, and collaborative logistics through integrated warehousing. By linking technical analysis with business-oriented insights, the research provides proof-of-concept for practical, scalable strategies for improved construction logistics and wider freight transport efficiency grounded in empirical evidence.

Intensive calcination, selection and metallurgical joint comprehensive utilization of solid waste blast furnace gas ash generated by a Chinese iron and steel plant. The main valuable elements in the gas ash are Fe, Pb, Zn, and C, with contents of 22.46%, 3.22%, 10.57%, and 27.02%, respectively. The iron minerals are mainly magnetite and hematite/limonite. Lead exists primarily in the form of lead vanadate and basic lead chloride. Zinc is associated with oxygen, sulfur, and iron in the form of zinc ferrite crystals. The effects of calcination temperature, calcination time, and reducing agent dosage on gasification and reduction indices were investigated. Results showed that using a gasification and reduction calcination–magnetic separation process with weak magnetism, at a calcination temperature of 1150 °C, with 20% anthracite as the reducing agent and a calcination time of 2 h, the volatilization rates of lead and zinc reached 96.70% and 98.26%, respectively. When the roasted ore was ground to a particle size of D90 = 0.085 mm, high-quality iron concentrate with 65.61% iron grade and low lead and zinc contents of 0.08% and 0.17% was obtained, meeting the quality requirements for iron concentrate. The tailings from iron selection can be used as additives in cement and other construction materials. This integrated process combining pyrometallurgy and mineral processing enables the efficient and comprehensive utilization of blast furnace gas dust.

This research investigates the potential of utilizing industrial technogenic waste materials as hybrid mineral additives in the production of composite Portland cement (CPC), aiming to reduce clinker consumption and promote environmentally friendly construction practices. The studied materials include active ash and slag (AAS) from the Angren thermal power plant, microsilica (MS), and processed steelmaking wastes such as ladle slag (LS), furnace slag (FS), and recycled steel slag (RSS) from Uzmetkombinat JSC. The chemical, mineralogical, and mechanical properties of these materials were characterized in accordance with national and international standards. Compressive strength tests and lime absorption measurements evaluated their pozzolanic and hydraulic activities. Experimental results demonstrated that AAS exhibited the highest activity, capable of replacing up to 45% of clinker without compromising mechanical strength. When combined with less active components (MS, RSS, FS, and LS), hybrid additives showed synergistic effects. Among these, the AAS+MS blend had the most significant pozzolanic effect, evidenced by reduced calcium oxide (CaO) concentration in the surrounding liquid and lower solution alkalinity. The statistical validation using the Student’s t-test confirmed the effectiveness of each additive, with t-values significantly exceeding the threshold required to classify them as active mineral additives. The findings support the development of “green” CPCs using hybrid additives derived from local industrial waste, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional raw materials. These formulations can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, and natural resource depletion while maintaining cement performance, thus aligning with global trends toward low-clinker and low-carbon construction materials.