Innovative Construction Research Articles

The Role of Different Clay Types in Achieving Low-Carbon 3D Printed Concretes

Concrete 3D printing, an innovative construction technology, offers reduced material waste, increased construction speed, and the ability to create complex and customized shapes that are challenging to achieve with traditional methods. This study delves into the unique fresh-state performance required for 3D printing concrete, discussing buildability, extrudability, and shape retention in terms of concrete rheology, which can be modified using admixtures. Currently most 3D printing concretes feature high cement contents, with little use of secondary cementitious materials. This leads to high embodied carbon, and addressing this is a fundamental objective of this work. The research identifies attapulgite, bentonite, and sepiolite clay as potential concrete admixtures to tailor concrete rheology. Eight low-carbon concrete mixes are designed to incorporate GGBS at a 50% replacement level and are used to measure the influence of each clay on the concrete rheology at varying dosages. A comprehensive rheological test protocol is designed and carried out on all mixes, together with other tests including slump-flow and compression strength. The objective is to determine the applicability of each clay in improving the printability of low-carbon concrete. The findings reveal that at a dosage of 0.5%, sepiolite was seen to improve static yield stress, dynamic yield stress, and rate of re-flocculation, resulting in improved printability. The addition of attapulgite and sepiolite at a dosage of 0.5% by mass of binder increased compressive strength significantly; bentonite had very little influence. These gains are not repeated at 1% clay content, indicating that there may be an optimum clay content. The results are considered encouraging and show the potential of these clays to enhance the performance of low-carbon concrete in 3D printing applications.

Experimental investigation on fatigue and fracture behaviour of cold recycling materials

Cold Recycled Material (CRM) has emerged as a highly innovative road construction material, offering numerous advantages over conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), such as reduced construction costs, decreased energy consumption, and enhanced resistance to reflective cracking. CRM is primarily composed of Reclaimed Asphalt (RA) and bitumen emulsion, with the addition of cement as a co-binder. However, the presence of cement in CRM can lead to increased susceptibility to cracking under heavy traffic loads. In this study, the fracture-fatigue behaviour of CRM modified with by-product fillers was investigated in order to improve the overall performance of CRM mixtures. The Cyclic Indirect Tensile Fatigue test (CIT-CY) and Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) fracture tests were conducted on the CRM mixtures and mortars, respectively. The findings reveal that CRM materials incorporating specific fillers demonstrated a balanced combination of fatigue and fracture resistance, indicating the potential for these modified CRMs to enhance road construction applications.

Enhancing Trace Pb2⁺ Detection via Novel Functional Materials for Improved Electrocatalytic Redox Processes on Electrochemical Sensors: A Short Review

The efficient detection of lead ions (Pb2⁺) is significant for environmental protection and public health. Electrochemical detection has emerged as one of the most promising technologies due to its low detection limits, high sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness. However, significant challenges remain, including issues related to sensitivity, selectivity, interference, and the stability of electrode materials. This review explores recent advancements in the field, focusing on integrating novel catalytic materials and innovative sensor construction methods. Particular emphasis is placed on enhancing the electrocatalytic redox processes on sensor surfaces using advanced nanomaterials such as MXenes, ferrite-based nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Additionally, the role of biomaterials and enzymes in improving electrochemical sensors’ selectivity and anti-interference capabilities is discussed. Despite the impressive low detection limits achieved, real-world applications present additional challenges due to the complex composition of environmental samples. The review concludes with future perspectives on overcoming these challenges by leveraging the unique properties of catalytic materials to develop more effective and reliable electrochemical sensors for trace Pb2⁺ detection.

Multisite Assembly of Gateway Induced Clones (MAGIC): a flexible cloning toolbox with diverse applications in vertebrate model systems.

Here we present the Multisite Assembly of Gateway Induced Clones (MAGIC) system, which harnesses site-specific recombination-based cloning via Gateway technology for rapid, modular assembly of between 1 and 3 "Entry" vector components, all into a fourth, standard high copy "Destination" plasmid backbone. The MAGIC toolkit spans a range of in vitro and in vivo uses, from directing tunable gene expression, to driving simultaneous expression of microRNAs and fluorescent reporters, to enabling site-specific recombinase-dependent gene expression. All MAGIC system components are directly compatible with existing multisite gateway Tol2 systems currently used in zebrafish, as well as existing eukaryotic cell culture expression Destination plasmids, and available mammalian lentiviral and adenoviral Destination vectors, allowing rapid cross-species experimentation. Moreover, herein we describe novel vectors with flanking piggyBac transposon elements for stable genomic integration in vitro or in vivo when used with piggyBac transposase. Collectively, the MAGIC system facilitates transgenesis in cultured mammalian cells, electroporated mouse and chick embryos, as well as in injected zebrafish embryos, enabling the rapid generation of innovative DNA constructs for biological research due to a shared, common plasmid platform.

Risk management and its relationship with innovative construction technologies with a focus on building safety

Risk management and its relationship with innovative construction technologies with a focus on building safety

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Mycelium Composite for Innovative and Sustainable Construction Materials

Fiber-reinforced mycelium (FRM) composites offer an innovative and sustainable approach to construction materials for architectural structures. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be combined with various natural fibers (NF) to create a strong and lightweight material with environmental benefits. Incorporating NF like hemp, jute, or bamboo into the mycelium matrix enhances mechanical properties. This combination results in a composite that boasts enhanced strength, flexibility, and durability. Natural FRM composites offer sustainability through the utilization of agricultural waste, reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional construction materials. Additionally, the lightweight yet strong nature of the resulting material makes it versatile for various construction applications, while its inherent insulation properties contribute to improved energy efficiency in buildings. Developing and adopting natural FRM composites showcases a promising step towards sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. Ongoing research and collaboration between scientists, engineers, and the construction industry will likely lead to further improvements and expanded applications. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research and applications of natural FRM composites for innovative and sustainable construction materials. Additionally, the paper reviews the mechanical properties and potential impacts of these natural FRM composites in the context of sustainable architectural construction practices. Recently, the applicability of mycelium-based materials has extended beyond their original domains of biology and mycology to architecture.

Global Container Urbanism and Sustainable Urban Development

The crisis of urbanization, marked by rising property values, a lack of affordable housing, and chronic homelessness in cities, has fueled experiments with sustainable alternatives such as shipping container architecture. Shipping container homes are more cost-effective, energy-efficient, ecologically sustainable, versatile, have a lower carbon footprint, and are more durable than conventional construction methods. This study uses semi-structured interviews with container modular firms in selected cities to demonstrate the potential and challenges of construction innovation and the diffusion of container architecture in urban space. The findings call into question the fetishization of environmental friendliness and the allure of rational, mass-produced container homes as a solution to the urban housing crisis. Instead, the study draws attention to the paradox of sustainability, competition, and opposition from the traditional real estate market, regulations, and planning permitting systems, and the standardization-customization divergence of container urbanism.

Sustainability in (engineering) education through reclaiming and reusing electronic components from e-waste: a last decade research review

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the e-waste aspect of sustainability in education, with a specific interest in engineering education. Specifically, it focuses on recycling through reclaiming electronic components from e-waste and reusing them in repairs or in the design and construction of new devices. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review is performed according to the PRISMA methodology. In total, 27 articles are analysed as to publication parameters, characteristics and evaluation of educational interventions on e-waste and evaluation results across major domains of learning (cognitive, affective and 21st century skills). Findings The reviewed subject is under-research; publications are rare and mostly in conference proceedings. The majority of interventions take place at university level, in face-to-face mode, using a practical approach in hands-on labs. Educational methods draw from modern, learner-centred pedagogies such as collaborative learning and constructionism. Topics focus on innovative design and construction, while interventions tend to become embedded in engineering curricula/courses. Evaluation of learners’ gains across domains of learning is rare and follows informal procedures that shake the reliability of results. Domains other than the cognitive are scarcely and subjectively evaluated. Originality/value Contrary to other aspects of sustainability, the aspect of e-waste has not been reviewed. The applied, hands-on approach and the analytic, synthetic, collaboration and creativity skills it requires are all much valued in education. The current review, therefore, comes to inform, inspire and guide educators and researchers in planning and implementing activities on this subject.

Innovative BIM technology application in the construction management of highway

Within the global architecture, engineering, and construction industry, the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has significantly expanded. However, given the unique characteristics of road infrastructure, the application of BIM technology is still being explored. This article focuses on the Yuanchen Expressway, exploring innovative applications of BIM technology in comprehensive construction management. The project employs advanced technologies, including BIM, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Internet of Things (IoT), to precisely identify critical nodes and breakthroughs. Supported by a detailed BIM model and a multi-level, diversified digital management platform, the project effectively addresses construction challenges in multiple tunnels, bridges, and complex interchanges, achieving intelligent construction innovation throughout the Yuanchen Expressway with BIM technology. By guiding construction through BIM models, utilizing a BIM+GIS-based management cloud platform system, and employing VR safety briefings, the project effectively reduces the difficulty of communication and coordination in project management, shortens the project measurement cycle, improves on-site work efficiency, and ensures comprehensive control and safety management. This article provides an exemplary case for the application of full-line construction management using BIM technology in the highway sector both in China and globally, offering new perspectives and strategies for highway construction management.

Enhancing the Properties of Steel Fiber Self-Compacting NaOH-Based Geopolymer Concrete with the Addition of Metakaolin

There is a demand for innovative construction materials that offer enhanced mechanical characteristics while also being cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This paper examines the fresh properties and mechanical properties of geopolymerized self-compacting concrete (SCC) reinforced with steel fibers, containing 0–100% metakaolin (MK) by mass, as an eco-friendly substitute for Portland cement. SCC combinations included one or more waste cementitious materials (WCMs), such as metakaolin (MK), NaOH as an alkaline activity, and double-hook end steel fibers. For every NaOH geopolymer SCC blend, the mechanical characteristics (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength), as well as the new properties (lump flow, V-Funnel, L-box test), were read up. The findings indicate that combining metakaolin and steel fibers reduces the flowability of NaOH-based geopolymer SCC. On the other hand, incorporating MK and steel fibers enhances the compressive and flexural strength of NaOH-based geopolymer SCC with 25% metakaolin and 0.3% steel fiber. In contrast to the fiber-reinforced NaOH-based geopolymer SCC samples, which could transfer a sizable load even when the crack mouth opening deflection rose at flexural strength, the fiber-free SCC samples showed a brittle and abrupt fracture. The findings showed that the addition of NaOH as an alkaline activator, MK, and steel fiber had a negative impact on the fresh state properties; however, their combined use greatly enhanced the bond strength and flexural performance of the NaOH geopolymer SCC specimens. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-07-011 Full Text: PDF

Održivost u gradnji cesta – Dvije studije slučaja

Sustainability in the field of traffic route construction should be considered against the background of intelligent resource conservation. A holistic assessment of sustainability, including life cycle considerations and assessments, is essential. In the first case study, the pavement structure at the heavily loaded Daimler intersection was constructed using concrete in the direct intersection area and using both concrete and asphalt in the connecting areas of all four axes. A 31 cm thick unbound frost protection layer with a grain size of 0/45 mm was placed over the existing road surface. This was followed by an 8 cm thick asphalt base course (AC 32), applied using an asphalt paver. Finally, a 26 cm thick concrete layer was placed over the asphalt base course. In the second case study, a horizontal hybrid construction method is presented using the German motorway BAB A61 in the Koblenz area as an example. Horizontal hybrid construction combines the advantages of asphalt and concrete to create a durable and resistant pavement surface capable of withstanding high traffic loads. This innovative construction method enables the optimum use of different materials and ensures efficient rehabilitation and improvement of motorway infrastructure.

CULTIVATING HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: INSIGHTS FROM THE REAL-WORLD PROJECTS

This study examines the impact and performance of sustainable building practices through selected case studies. It assesses sustainable design, construction, production, and supply chains, emphasizing the use of advanced materials like Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and coated glass to enhance durability and energy efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Nanotechnology and wood innovation in construction are explored alongside insights into reducing energy consumption, utilizing renewable energy, and managing waste across a building's lifecycle. Case studies, including The Edge building in Amsterdam and the Treet building in Bergen, illustrate the efficacy of sustainable practices in creating enduring, eco-friendly structures. The study also highlights successful waste management techniques, exemplified by the Eden Project, demonstrating effective waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in construction. Overall, this research offers a comprehensive view of implementing sustainable building practices to achieve superior performance while minimizing environmental effects.

Применение инновационных подходов к развитию инфраструктуры горных территорий на примере объектов образования

The goal is to develop proposals for the sustainable development of mountain areas based on the use of innovative approaches to the development of social infrastructure taking into account the example of educational facilities. Methods.The set of methods was used to achieve the stated purpose of the study, namely: literature analysis – to identify the main problems of the sustainable development of mountain areas, including in the field of social infrastructure using the example of educational facilities; analogy – to develop the proposals for the development of educational organizations of higher and secondary education according to the principles of campus organization of space, methods of sociological research (including methods of data collecting and processing) – to determine the possibilities of involving small businesses in the processes of innovative construction of campuses of educational organizations in mountainous areas (construction using information modeling technologies). Results and discussion. The authors proposed some measures for the development of infrastructure in the mountainous areas using the example of educational facilities, combining management and technological innovations: – as a management innovation it is proposed to apply the principles of forming an innovative educational environment taking into account the example of campuses for educational institutions of higher, secondary vocational (and, possibly, general secondary education in some cases and with some restrictions) within the framework of the development of a network of educational institutions in the mountainous areas of our country both at newly constructed facilities and at existing ones; – as a technological innovation, the use of building information modeling was proposed within the framework of projects for the development of educational organizations, based on the campus principle, in the mountainous areas. Conclusions. The proposed measures are aimed at solving significant problems characteristic of the mountainous territories of our country, such as reducing the outflow of young people (including for education), providing conditions for the development of human capital, developing social infrastructure and creating preconditions for increasing the investment activity and business development, as well as innovative activity of enterprises in the region, including small organizations.

Exploration and Innovative Research on the Construction of Practical Training Bases for Art Majors in Science and Engineering Universities from the Perspective of "Double First Class" Construction

With the country's high-quality evaluation requirements for the construction of "double first-class" university majors, the construction universities have reorganized the development direction and positioning of majors to play a supporting role in the construction of "double first-class" and lay a solid foundation for high-quality talent cultivation. As an art major in a science and engineering university, how to support the "double first-class" discipline construction system through innovative education and teaching systems is a problem that needs to be solved for art majors. Practical training as an important part of practical teaching in art majors, practical training plays an important role in practical education and is an effective channel to transform knowledge into skills. Over the years, the college has attached great importance to the innovative construction of practical training bases. Through cooperation with enterprises, it has summed up successful experiences in the process of base construction, explored the collaborative education new model between schools and enterprises, innovated measures in practical teaching system reform, institutional guarantee, process supervision, assessment and evaluation system, and laid a solid foundation for the construction of "double first-class" university majors and high-quality talent cultivation.

Adaptive angle-weighted cumulative sum for interpretable machine condition monitoring

Health indicators (HIs) are important indicators in machine condition monitoring (CM) to determine whether downtime is required for maintenance. It can quantitatively characterize the degradation stages of machines in different operating conditions and provide theoretical guidance for predictive maintenance of machines. Therefore, the accurate construction of HIs is of great significance for the safe operation and economic savings of machines. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on numerous deep learning-based methods for HI construction. However, these approaches heavily depend on historical degradation data from machines. Furthermore, the HIs constructed through deep learning often lack sufficient interpretability, thus restricting their widespread application. To tackle this challenge, an innovative HI construction method tailored for interpretable machines is presented, employing the adaptive angle-weighted cumulative sum (AAWCS) approach derived from a thorough investigation of machine failure degradation mechanisms. Firstly, low-pass filtering is employed to mitigate the effects of rotational speed fluctuations and background noise interference existing in machines for actual industrial applications. Besides, the arctangent transform is applied to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the original run-to-failure (RF) vibration signal collected by the machine, which is transformed into the angle-domain for the next step of analysis. On this basis, an adaptive angle weight (AAW) assignment mechanism is performed to obtain an angle-domain weight matrix related to the degree of machine failure deterioration in depth, which has a clear interpretability. Besides, the Shannon entropy is employed to quantitatively evaluate the angle-domain weight matrix for measuring correlations with the degree of machine failure deterioration, which enables the accurate construction of HI that can characterize the machine health status. Finally, the validation of the AAWCS method is performed with a typical bearing RF data and two real industrial machines RF data, which demonstrate that the AAWCS method can be generalized to adaptive CM of wind turbines under variable working conditions.

China's green building revolution: Path to sustainable urban futures

This paper critically examines the significant strides China has made toward sustainable urban development, emphasizing the evolution of green building practices since 2015. Through a detailed analysis of green building policies under China's 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans, as well as the General Code for Building Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Utilization, this study highlights the progressive integration of sustainability in construction. Notable advancements include the implementation of stringent energy efficiency standards and the incorporation of renewable energy technologies, which have collectively shifted the paradigm of architectural practices in urban China. Moreover, the paper draws upon several case studies, such as the Shanghai Chenghuaxinyuan Project and Mini Sky City, to illustrate the tangible outcomes and the effectiveness of these policies in real-world settings. These examples not only demonstrate significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions but also reflect the scalability and replicability of such initiatives in other urban contexts. Key findings suggest that China's proactive policy landscape has catalyzed a national movement towards environmentally responsible construction, setting a global benchmark for sustainable urban development. The paper argues that these policy-driven initiatives have important implications for practitioners, who are encouraged to adopt innovative construction technologies and sustainable practices. For policymakers, the study underscores the necessity of continuous support for research and development in green technology, coupled with robust regulatory frameworks to sustain momentum in the green building sector. Finally, the paper offers comprehensive recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficacy and adoption of green building practices, proposing that future policy directions should focus on integrating smart city technologies to further optimize energy use and urban sustainability.

Investigation of Materials for Enhanced Vibrational Insulation in Ground Structures Using Concrete Mixtures: A Case Study of Rubber Aggregate Addition.

The reduction of vibrations in concrete has been a topic of discussion among scientists. This article presents research on designing concrete mixes for constructing ground barriers with enhanced vibration isolation using waste materials. This study discusses the design of concrete mixes for the construction of concrete partitions with increased vibration isolation, using the polish standards. The experiments were conducted at the Laboratory of Building Materials Engineering at the Cracow University of Technology as part of the project entitled "Innovative construction of vibration-insulating barriers to protect the environment from transport vibrations and similar sources". The concrete composition utilized blast furnace cement CEM III/A 42.5 N, with mineral and chemical additives. Recycled rubber aggregate from used tires was employed to enhance vibration isolation. Measurement results demonstrated the effectiveness of the concrete in dampening vibrations, confirming its suitability for practical use.

Construction-Game Experience of 5-7-Year-Old Children as Stimulus for the Cultivation of Technological Values and Culture

This article interprets innovative construction games for the successful cultivation of technological values and culture in 5 – 7-year-old children. The idea is to reveal the interaction of construction experience and games with technical objects and tools in the process of cultivating technological values and culture. Three construction games are presented with an innovative three-component structure, the content of which allows to define in a clearer way the manifestations of specific technical values and culture in preschool age. The effectiveness of the idea confirms that the cultivation of the foundations of some technical values contributes to their gradual transformation into a technological culture.

ELEMENTerial – Construction System Study for CLT Offcuts

The ELEMENTerial research project focuses on the development of an innovative design and construction system for Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) offcuts. CLT construction, while offering advantages for automation, raises concerns about offcut waste, which constitute 5-10% of the material production in Estonian CLT timber industry. This research highlights the importance of aligning timber construction with circular economy principles by effectively utilising offcuts. The study focuses on the development of a design method, creating a versatile and holistic construction system that breaks away from traditional orthogonal designs. Algorithmic tools are employed to streamline the design process and to help manage the complexities of working with smaller elements. The outcomes include a geometric strategy, offering variable configurations for assembly in walls, floors, ceilings and openings. The research demonstrates the potential to automate and pre-rationalise the design process, providing design freedom beyond orthogonal constraints and shell structures. The applications range from shelters to facade systems, building extensions to potentially large-scale construction systems. This study offers environmental benefits and design flexibility in the construction industry. It holds a potential to guide the sector towards reduced waste and increased material efficiency, fostering sustainability and economic value from waste materials. The prospects for future research include further automation, refinement of connection details, and efficiency in production and material usage.

Does innovative city construction promote tourist destination competitiveness? An analysis of a quasi-natural experiment

This article employs the multi-period difference-in-differences model to investigate the causal impact of innovative city construction on tourist destination competitiveness and its various dimensions based on panel data for 272 Chinese prefecture-level cities from 2005 to 2019. The findings indicate that innovative city construction significantly and positively impacts tourist destination competitiveness, with this effect growing over time. In particular, the impact on tourism industrial competitiveness is negative, whereas the effects on the competitiveness of tourism resources, ecological environment, and socio-economic support are positive and significant. The impact of innovative city construction on tourist destination competitiveness varies significantly across regions and administrative levels, with no variation found between the central and western regions. The possible mediating mechanisms include industrial structure, science and technology innovation, and environmental regulation. This article significantly contributes to the theoretical expansion of tourist destination competitiveness and its change mechanisms under innovative city construction.