Construction Materials Research Articles

Scientometric review of strategies to mitigate embodied carbon emissions in the construction industry

Purpose While operational carbon (OC) emission reduction strategies have received substantial attention in past literature, very few studies have focused on embodied carbon (EC) emission reduction in the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims at undertaking a scientometric review of strategies to mitigate EC emissions in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Scopus search engine was used to search for articles. VOSViewer software was used for scientometric analysis using science mapping approach. Using a total of 151 documents, keywords, authors, papers and their sources were analysed. Furthermore, scientometric analysis was undertaken comprising co-occurrence of keywords, documents source analysis and author co-citation analysis. Findings The significant strategies identified to mitigate EC emissions were: offsite manufacturing/use of prefabricated elements, decarbonisation of energy grid, enhanced policies and regulations by governments, construction sector policies and regulations, guidelines for increased use of low EC materials and reuse and recovery of EC construction materials. Practical implications This study identifies practical strategies that contribute to reduction of EC emissions. Originality/value This study is significant and contributes to the construction industry’s agenda to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Effect of natural zeolite in enhancing rutting behaviour of bituminous binder

In the current scenario, the pavement industry focuses on incorporating sustainability and use locally available materials for road construction. Generally, road construction done using Hot Mix Asphalt requires high working temperature ranges. Warm Mix Asphalt is one of the ways that can be used to reduce the working temperature by adding suitable modifiers. This study aims to investigate the effect of locally available materials such as Natural Zeolite (NZ) to reduce the working temperature of mixes and in addition improve the performance of the pavement. Four dosages of NZ were used and the base binder was Viscosity Grade 30 (VG30).The modified binder was subjected to short-term aging and was tested for rutting performance using Multiple Stress Creep Recovery. With a low Jnr value of 0.1234 and 0.1364 along with higher value of percentage recovery of 31.77 and 25.45 for both stress levels of 0.1kPa and 3.2kPa respectively, it was concluded that adding 5% NZ to VG30 effectively enhanced pavement rutting performance and promoted sustainability.

Investigation of the Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of ABS Composite Reinforced With Bentonite and DEHPA‐Modified Bentonite

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the mechanical, thermal, and surface characteristics of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) composites reinforced with bentonite and bis(2‐ethylhexyl) phosphate (DEHPA)‐modified bentonite. The addition of bentonite significantly reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break due to the filler's inherent brittleness. Pure ABS exhibited a tensile strength of 42.2 MPa, which decreased by 16.1% with the incorporation of 20% bentonite (ABS1). Impact strength tests showed that the inclusion of bentonite lowered impact resistance, particularly in notched samples. Bentonite also increased the hardness and density, reflecting improved rigidity but reduced flexibility. Surface gloss changed from semigloss to matte, and FT‐IR spectroscopy confirmed the successful integration of bentonite. Water absorption tests revealed that DEHPA‐modified bentonite composites had higher absorption over time, highlighting the modification's effect on hydrophilicity. While bentonite improves certain properties, the balance between mechanical strength and flexibility needs to be further explored to meet the requirements of specific applications such as automotive components, electronics casings, and construction materials.

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Poultry Bird Defeathering Machine

The poultry processing industry is under high demand due to the increasing demand for chicken meat worldwide, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where manual defeathering is the norm. The primary objectives of this study were the design, construction, and performance evaluation of a chicken defeathering machine using locally accessible materials. Standard equations and formulae were used in the design of the machine's main parts, which include the electric motor, sheave, belt, pulley, bearing, feather plate, rubber fingers, cylindrical drum, and rubber pluckers. Fifteen cockerel chickens of different weights were evaluated at three different speeds of 450, 500, and 550 rpm in order to assess the performance of the chicken feather plucking machine. The data obtained was analyzed using Excel 13. The highest defeathering efficiency of 84.49% was recorded at a machine speed of 450 rpm, followed by a defeathering efficiency of 81.70% at a machine speed of 500 rpm, while the lowest defeathering efficiency of 80.98% was recorded at a machine speed of 550 rpm, respectively. The highest plucking time of 22.80 s was recorded at a machine speed of 450 rpm, followed by a plucking time of 20.40 s at a machine speed of 500 rpm, while the lowest plucking time of 19.80 s was recorded at a machine speed of 550 rpm, respectively. It will take an average of 21.00 seconds to defeat a medium cockerel used for the testing of the defeathering, which implies that the developed defeathering machine can defeat 171 chickens per hour. The machine is powered by a 5.5-hp, three-phase electric motor and has a production cost of $250, with the construction materials being locally available at affordable costs. The machine is recommended to both small and medium-scale farmers and food processors due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and improvement over the previous ones in terms of efficiency and capacity.

A State‐of‐the‐Art Review on Effectiveness of Geopolymer Technology Toward Dye Degradation, Heavy Metal Encapsulation and Its Future Prospects on Environmental Remediation

ABSTRACTGeopolymers are an innovative class of environmentally friendly materials gaining significant attention in construction, materials science, and sustainable technology. As alternatives to traditional cement‐based materials, geopolymers exhibit unique mechanical properties suitable for various construction applications, including use as construction materials, coating materials, and high‐temperature‐resistant materials. Notably, geopolymers can effectively adsorb heavy metals, dyes, and radioactive pollutants, offering substantial environmental benefits. This review paper explores the process and mechanism of geopolymerization, as well as the application of geopolymers in the treatment of contaminants. It details how aluminosilicate precursors contribute to the photocatalytic degradation of dyes, examining the role of different raw material sources, types of activators or additives used, and preparation methods. This paper highlights the effectiveness of geopolymers in dye degradation, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the review delves into the interaction of geopolymers with heavy metals through mechanisms such as chemisorption, complexation, adsorption, ion exchange, intraparticle diffusion, and the solidification of heavy metals within the geopolymer matrix. This comprehensive analysis of existing research aids researchers in understanding the capabilities and limitations of geopolymer materials in environmental remediation. Beyond waste reduction, the review addresses the broader environmental impact of geopolymers, particularly their potential for reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional cement. This aspect is crucial for evaluating the overall sustainability of geopolymers. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes the importance of life cycle durability assessments (LCA) to evaluate the ecological footprint of this eco‐friendly concrete throughout its lifetime, from raw material to end‐of‐life disposal. LCA provides a complete perspective on the sustainability of geopolymers, guiding future research and applications in sustainable construction. By synthesizing current research on geopolymers, this review paper serves as a valuable resource for researchers in geopolymer technology, offering insights into future research directions and potential applications.

Diminishing Environmental Impact in the Construction Industry: The Use of Brick Coarse Aggregates Instead of Natural Coarse Aggregates

The rapid growth of infrastructure, urbanization, and industrialization has increased global concrete demand, putting pressure on natural resources and creating ecological challenges. In response, using Brick Waste (BW) as a substitute for natural aggregates in concrete offers a promising solution to enhance sustainability in construction materials. This study specifically investigates the replacement of Natural Coarse Aggregates (NCA) with Brick Coarse Aggregates (BCA) at substitution rates of 25%, 45%, 65%, and 85%. The experimental results show that replacing 25% of NCA with BCA leads to a 12% decrease in workability and a 2.48% reduction in density compared to a control concrete mix. In its hardened state, this substitution results in a slight decrease of 6.45% in compressive strength (fc). At higher substitution rates, such as 85%, the decrease is intensified, with a 32% reduction in workability, 7.93% in density, and 50.32% in compressive strength, all compared to the control concrete after 56 days. The present study also emphasizes a significant correlation between the measured compressive strength and that estimated by non-destructive methods, such as the Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test. Optimizing substitute materials is crucial for achieving high performance while ensuring environmental benefits. This research proposes an innovative approach to sustainable construction, providing a unique opportunity to reconcile performance and sustainability in the construction sector. The importance of this work lies in its potential to transform waste management practices and promote more ecological construction materials.

Assessing the Effects of Libyan Iron Slag on Self-Compacting Concrete Characteristics

The current study addresses the growing environmental issue of waste from blast high furnaces, particularly iron and steel plants in Libya. It investigates the fresh and mechanical properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) by substituting conventional aggregate with slag aggregate. The fresh properties of SCC were assessed using slump flow diameter, T50 flow time, J-ring, and L-box tests. Its mechanical properties were also evaluated, including compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV). Various replacement ratios were tested, 30%, 60%, and 100% for coarse aggregate, 10%, 20%, and 30% for fine aggregate, and combinations of coarse and fine aggregate at specified ratios. The results indicated that higher slag powder content slightly increased the setting times. The coarse slag aggregate proportions negatively impacted the filling ability, while fine aggregate proportions enhanced it. The passing ability decreased when 60% of coarse slag was used as a replacement, but it improved with a 100% coarse slag replacement. Interestingly, replacing 60% of coarse aggregate with slag enhanced compressive strength. Meanwhile, the best flexural and splitting tensile strengths were observed with 20%-30% replacements of both coarse and fine aggregates with slag. All slag aggregate mixtures were classified as of excellent quality based on UPV assessments, highlighting their potential as sustainable construction materials.

Production of Sustainable Foam Concrete using Foam Concrete Block Waste as Partial Cement Replacement

As the global population continues to grow, the cost and environmental challenges associated with traditional construction materials, like cement and river sand, are becoming increasingly significant. The present study examines an alternative environmentally friendly approach to typical building materials. It thus aims to evaluate the feasibility of using foam concrete block waste as a partial replacement for cement to create eco-friendly foamed concrete products. The experimental program involved the deployment of specific machines to prepare finely ground foam concrete waste with a particle size equivalent to that of cement. The replacement levels were 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight of cement. The effects of the different replacement ratios on the foamed concrete properties were investigated and compared with the control cement-foamed concrete.

Radiation doses received by humans in their dwellings – A baseline report on radionuclides exposure from construction materials used in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Gamma-ray spectrometry was employed to assess the activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in various construction materials, including those used for building, roofing, furnishing, flooring, and plastering. The measured activity concentrations of the radionuclides ranged as follows: 238U (25 to 477Bqkg–1), 232Th (below detection limit to 239Bqkg–1), and 40K (285 to 1915 Bq kg–1). Based on these values, the materials were categorized in descending order of radioactivity threat as: Furnishing > Roofing > Building > Flooring > Plastering. The potential radiation dose and radiological hazards to occupants from continuous exposure were estimated using risk parameters. The absorbed dose rates for flooring (217.7 nGy h–1), building (286.9 nGy h–1), furnishing (353.1 nGy h–1), roofing (322.5 nGy h–1), and plastering (176.8 nGy h–1) were all found to exceed both the world average value and the typical indoor gamma dose rate of 84 nGy h–1. This study highlights significant radiological risks to inhabitants associated with the use of certain materials in building construction. These include clay tiles for roofing, wood, specific granite varieties (reddish/brown granite), and certain types of bricks (fly ash, burnt, and AAS). Environmental ImplicationMaterials used for construction of buildings contain naturally occurring radioactive materials such as uranium, thorium, potassium and radon, which can emit radiation. The radioactivity in these materials becomes a significant concern for both health and safety as it impacts the building and its occupants. When exposed to such natural radioactivity constantly, over a period of time, the dwellers might be at significant radiological risks and by monitoring radionuclides, potential health risks can be identified early, allowing for preventive measures to be taken before significant exposure occurs. This helps protect occupants from unnecessary radiation exposure and health hazards.

Characterization of PFAS residuals: A case study on PFAS content in a firefighting foam delivery system of an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle.

When fire suppression systems that held aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) are transitioned to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-free firefighting formulations, PFAS can dissolve from the wetted surfaces of the systems and release into the new firefighting formulations. The overall objective of this work was to characterize PFAS residual mass on the wetted surfaces of aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle on-board fire suppression system components from the water, mixed fire water, and foam concentrate systems with various geometries, materials of construction, and locations within the fire suppression system. The ARFF vehicle components were dismantled from the system after a triple water rinse procedure which removed 19,600mg total measured PFAS post-TOP assay from the foam concentrate system and 23mg total measured PFAS post-TOP assay from the water system. Results for total mass of PFAS on each part indicate most of the residuals were present on parts which have large surfaces areas or the rubber or brass parts. For large surface area plastic parts (i.e., foam and water tanks), the overall mass on these parts was greater than other parts even as the PFAS residual concentrations were lower compared to other material types due to larger surface areas for accumulation. Parts constructed of rubber or brass appeared to have higher measured PFAS surface residual concentrations as compared to parts constructed of plastic or stainless steel.

Non-Destructive Estimation of Moisture Percentage in Fired Red Brick Using Digital Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence

In this study, we present a novel methodology for reducing uncertainties in detecting high-permeability regions in bricks by integrating brick imagery, color theory, unsupervised learning, and petrophysical concepts. Leveraging smartphone technology, our methodology identifies and analyzes moisture regions in red bricks, demonstrating its potential as a cost-effective tool for moisture characterization. This approach complements specialized moisture detection devices, highlighting the versatility of existing technology. Applied within the context of traditional red brick manufacturing in San Agustín Yatareni, Oaxaca, México, our results show that this methodology effectively identifies moisture-related anomalies, with water absorption values verified according to the NMX-C-404-ONNCCE-2012 and NMX-C-037-ONNCCE-2013 Mexican standards. We observed a significant inverse correlation between luminosity and moisture content, and a direct correlation between hue and moisture content. These findings suggest a reliable, non-invasive indicator of moisture levels, potentially improving the longevity of construction materials. The broader applicability of this approach in construction material analysis, particularly for bricks incorporating organic fibers, underscores its value as a tool for quality control. Furthermore, the integration of smartphone technology and interdisciplinary techniques contributes to advancing sustainable construction practices and improving material durability.

The Valorization of Coffee By-Products and Waste Through the Use of Green Extraction Techniques: A Bibliometric Analysis

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. This has motivated the coffee industry to adopt sustainable practices, with an increased emphasis on environmentally friendly extraction methods. The objective of this study was to explore, through a bibliometric analysis, the identification of influential researchers, institutions, emerging topics, and gaps concerning the valorization of coffee by-products and residues using green extraction techniques. A total of 7306 scientific publications on green extraction were identified, 72 specifically addressing coffee or its by-products. The analysis highlights a focus on innovative green technologies, such as natural deep eutectic solvents, ultrasound-assisted or microwave-assisted extraction. These methods enable the efficient and sustainable extraction of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, caffeine, with potential applications in food, pharmaceutical, and energy industries. Despite this, research on coffee by-products remains limited, partly due to their use in other applications, such as biochar, animal feed, and construction materials, which do not rely heavily on green technologies. Key contributors to the field include countries such as Spain, Italy, Brazil, and China. This study emphasizes the potential of coffee waste to generate high-value products through sustainable methodologies, identifies noteworthy research and key actors in the field, and underscores the necessity for further innovation and collaboration.

Behavior of bamboo properties as a construction material under artificial aging and weathering acceleration factors

Behavior of bamboo properties as a construction material under artificial aging and weathering acceleration factors

Effective carbon footprint assessment strategy in fly ash geopolymer concrete based on adaptive boosting learning techniques.

In light of the growing need to mitigate climate change impacts, this study presents an innovative methodology combining ensemble machine learning with experimental data to accurately predict the carbon dioxide footprint (CO2-FP) of fly ash geopolymer concrete. The approach employs adaptive boosting to enhance decision tree regression (DTR) and support vector regression (SVR), resulting in a robust predictive framework. The models used key material features, including fly ash concentration, fine and coarse aggregates, superplasticizer, curing temperature, and alkali activator levels. These features were tested across three configurations (Combo-1, Combo-2, Combo-3) to determine optimal predictor combinations, with Combo-3 consistently yielding the highest predictive accuracy. The performance of the developed models was assessed based on standard metric indicators like mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), Nash Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and correlation coefficient between the predicted and actual CO2-FP. Results demonstrated that the Adaboost-DTR model with Combo-3 configuration achieved the best performance metrics during testing (CC=0.9665; NSE=0.9343), outperforming both standalone and other ensemble models. The findings underscore the value of feature selection and boosting techniques in accurately estimating CO2 emissions for sustainable construction applications. This research offers remarkable benefits for policymakers and industry stakeholders aiming to optimize concrete compositions for environmental sustainability. The results support future integration with IoT systems to enable real-time CO2 monitoring in construction materials. Finally, this study establishes a foundation for developing efficient CO2-FP emission management tools.

Valorization of cardboard waste in the production of polyurethane biocomposites: A new and environmentally friendly material for civil construction

Valorization of cardboard waste in the production of polyurethane biocomposites: A new and environmentally friendly material for civil construction

How Legal Systems Have Affected Sino–US Relations: Counterfeiting of Construction Products and Materials

How Legal Systems Have Affected Sino–US Relations: Counterfeiting of Construction Products and Materials

Investigation of the mechanical properties of C-S-H and α-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 interfaces: A reactive molecular dynamics study

Corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete is a significant cause of structural failure, particularly in environments exposed to chloride ions and mechanical stress. The passivation film on steel reinforcement, composed of hematite or magnetite, plays a crucial role in protecting the steel from further corrosion. However, the intrusion of harmful ions or mechanical stress can compromise the film’s integrity, transforming it into a loose structure and accelerating the corrosion process, leading to structural failure. This study investigates the mechanical behaviors at the interfaces between corrosion products (hematite and magnetite) and CSH using reactive molecular dynamics. CSH and interfacial models incorporating hematite and magnetite were developed, with stress–strain analysis refined by filtering raw data and using true strain rather than engineering strain to improve the precision of the stress–strain responses. The results indicate that the Magnetite-CSH interface is more prone to loosening under external forces compared to the Hematite-CSH interface, thereby reducing its corrosion resistance. Structural evolution analysis under uniaxial tension highlights the detrimental effects of passivation film degradation on interfacial mechanical properties. This study contributes to improving the precision of stress–strain responses in MD models and facilitates comparison of mechanical properties at the nanoscale with results from other scales. The findings provide valuable guidance for improving the durability and performance of construction materials in corrosive environments, helping to bridge the gap between molecular-level simulations and macroscopic experimental data.

Utilization of bauxite residue as fine aggregate for the development of structural concrete: An approach towards sustainable construction materials

Utilization of bauxite residue as fine aggregate for the development of structural concrete: An approach towards sustainable construction materials

Machine learning-based automated waste sorting in the construction industry: A comparative competitiveness case study.

This article presents a comparative analysis of the circularity and cost-efficiency of two distinct construction material recycling processes: ML-based automated sorting (MLAS) and conventional sorting technologies. Empirical data was collected from two Finnish companies, providing a robust foundation for this comparison. Our study examines the operational specifics, economic implications, and environmental impacts of each method, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks. By leveraging data-driven insights, we aim to illustrate how MLAS can enhance recycling efficiency and sustainability compared to traditional methods. In our cost modeling over a seven-year period, MLAS achieved a cumulative cost of €12.76 million, significantly lower than CS, which incurred €21.47 million, underscoring the long-term cost efficiency of MLAS. The findings underscore the potential for advanced AI technologies to revolutionize waste management practices, offering significant improvements in sorting accuracy, material recovery rates, and overall cost-effectiveness. This analysis provides valuable perspectives for stakeholders in the construction and waste management industries, emphasizing the importance of integrating innovative technologies to achieve higher circularity and sustainability goals.

Integrating renewable energy in sewage sludge treatment through greenhouse solar drying: A review.

Sewage sludge is the main by-product of wastewater treatment plants, requiring significant environmental and economic burdens for its management and disposal. Recently, solar drying processes, often performed through solar greenhouses, received interest due to their limited energy requirement and renewable energy exploitation. The dried sludge shows significant volume and mass reductions, reducing transportation and disposal costs. However, its physicochemical and microbiological characteristics must be properly assessed, especially if agricultural reuse is the final sludge destination, due to the possible accumulation of (micro)pollutants in the soil. This review depicts the state-of-the-art solar drying processes of sewage sludge, with a focus on the technological aspects and the sludge quality. The review discusses greenhouse-specific features, sludge composition (organic matter, pathogens, heavy metals and emerging pollutants) and drying conditions (seasonality, ventilation, sludge mixing and thickness, and drying speed). The economic aspects connected to sludge solar drying are presented. The limitations of this technology are discussed as well, including the limited applicability to wet sludge and the environmental issues connected to greenhouse structure degradation. A wider application of sludge solar drying is recommended to increase the sustainability of small and medium wastewater treatment plants, especially in areas with high amounts of solar radiation and dry weather conditions, while thermal drying still appears preferable for large plants. More agronomic studies must be conducted to assess the possible pollutant accumulation in crops, and alternative uses of the dried sludge (e.g., energy recovery through incineration, pyrolysis or gasification; utilization in construction materials) should be explored, also using life cycle assessment.