Article
Construction & Building Technology
Alexandros Chatzopoulos, Kosmas K. Sideris, Christos Tassos
Summary: This study examines the use of slag aggregates as a replacement for traditional aggregates in producing concrete with improved mechanical and durability characteristics. The results demonstrate that slag aggregates can enhance the performance of concrete, resulting in environmentally friendly and durable mixtures.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
I. Sosa, P. Tamayo, J. A. Sainz-Aja, C. Thomas, J. Setien, J. A. Polanco
Summary: By utilizing electric arc furnace slags from the steel industry to manufacture siderurgical concrete, it not only addresses waste management and reduces carbon emissions, but also enhances the performance of concrete, making it particularly suitable for marine structures.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yanlin Huo, Jinguang Huang, Dong Lu, Xiaoyu Han, Huayang Sun, Tianan Liu, Jianghong Wang, Fei Wang, Peng Tan, Meng Wang, Jingya Zhou, Yingzi Yang
Summary: This study aims to improve the mechanical properties and durability of alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) by introducing rice husk ash (RHA) and silica fume (SF). The experimental results suggest that RHA and SF can substantially enhance the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of AASC. The study also finds that RHA has a more significant effect, possibly due to its higher silica content and finer particle size.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Markssuel Teixeira Marvila, Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo, Leandro Barbosa de Oliveira, Gustavo de Castro Xavier, Carlos Mauricio Fontes Vieira
Summary: The use of activated alkali cements (AAC) as a replacement for Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is a viable alternative due to its advantages in utilizing waste materials and industrial by-products, as well as superior mechanical properties. AAC based on blast furnace slag showed excellent performance in various tests compared to OPC.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yubo Sun, Zhiyuan Liu, Saeid Ghorbani, Guang Ye, Geert De Schutter
Summary: This study explores the possibility of using coal fly ash instead of blast furnace slag to produce alkali-activated material concrete with hybrid precursors. The effects of increasing fly ash content on reaction kinetics, fresh and hardened properties have been investigated. The study finds that increasing fly ash content delays the reaction kinetics, improves workability, and reduces compressive strength. Additionally, increasing fly ash content results in larger capillary pores, but with an appropriate proportion, it can reduce porosity and increase compressive strength.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
I Sosa, C. Thomas, J. A. Polanco, J. Setien, J. A. Sainz-Aja, P. Tamayo
Summary: By utilizing sustainable construction materials, a novel self-compacting concrete has been designed, which shows excellent durability performance including resistance to carbonation, freezing-thawing, and abrasion.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ali Amani, Amir Mohammad Ramezanianpour, Massoud Palassi
Summary: The construction industry consumes high amounts of energy, mainly in Portland cement production and aggregate crushing. Different methods, like alkali-activated slag concrete and recycled aggregates, can reduce CO2 emissions. Research shows that substituting natural aggregates with EAF slag in AASC does not significantly decrease mechanical properties, but using EAF slag fine aggregates does.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xuan Gao, Tao Yang, Aiguo Wang, Yingcan Zhu, Huanghang Zhu, Peizhi Zhuang, Qisheng Wu
Summary: The construction industry is facing a shortage of natural sands, and the use of metallurgical slags as fine aggregates provides a solution. This study found that air-cooled and water-quenched high-magnesium nickel slag fine aggregates exhibited stability and reduced expansion of alkali-silica reaction in alkali-activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag mortars.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hisham Hafez, Dany Kassim, Rawaz Kurda, Rui Vasco Silva, Jorge de Brito
Summary: The study found that alkali-activated concrete using electric arc furnace slag as a precursor shows great potential for sustainability and excellent durability performance. Through a whole-life cycle assessment of various mixes of electric arc furnace slag and fly ash, it was discovered that increasing slag content led to a decrease in mechanical performance, but equivalent durability performance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Quang Dieu Nguyen, Arnaud Castel, Taehwan Kim, Mohammad S. H. Khan
Summary: This study confirmed the significant potential of concrete containing 50% FNS sand and 25% fly ash, which can be used not only as a low-carbon concrete with comparable mechanical properties to conventional concrete, but also with better performance against ASR and chloride contamination.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Markssuel Teixeira Marvila, Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo, Paulo Ricardo de Matos, Sergio Neves Monteiro, Carlos Mauricio Fontes Vieira
Summary: The study investigated the fresh and rheological properties of alkali mortars activated by blast furnace slag, finding that sodium content influences mortar behavior, with lower sodium content behaving similarly to cementitious mortars, and higher sodium content exhibiting distinct dynamic viscosity properties.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Jinguang Huang, Chaoying Zou, Duo Sun, Bin Yang, Jiachuan Yan
Summary: Recycled fine aggregate (RFA) can be used as fine aggregate in alkali activated slag concrete (AASC) with superior early age compressive strength. However, in later age, the mechanical properties of AASC incorporating RFA are slightly lower than conventional AASC due to larger porosity in the concrete.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Alaa M. Morsy, Abd-Elmoaty M. Abd-Elmoaty, Ahmed Hassan Ali, Ali H. Shalan
Summary: This study focuses on using alkali-activated concrete (AAC) in nonstructural applications, such as producing bricks, taking advantage of its defects. Waste from the iron industry and slag were used as substitutes for cement and aggregates, resulting in AAC bricks with high compressive strength, reduced water absorption, and higher drying shrinkage.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Adeolu Adediran, Juho Yliniemi, Patrick N. Lemougna, Priyadharshini Perumal, Mirja Illikainen
Summary: The use of waste-based reactive co-binders improves the properties of alkali-activated materials, making them suitable for construction applications.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vanesa Ortega-Lopez, Flora Faleschini, Carlo Pellegrino, Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Juan M. Manso
Summary: This study analyzes the strength development and durability behavior of a fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete. The addition of fibers and GGBFS affects the strength and porosity of the concrete, but the mixes still comply with the requirements for use in aggressive environments.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Elisete Correia, Tiago Miranda, Adelaide Cerveira, Fernando Castro, Ana Fernandez-Jimenez, Nuno Cristelo, Joao Coelho
Summary: The use of industrial by-products to produce new cement-substitute binders is gaining momentum, particularly through alkaline activation. This study aimed to statistically analyze the effects of curing conditions (humidity and temperature) on the mechanical response of different aggregate/binder weight ratios. The results showed that the curing temperature had a greater impact on the mechanical response, with the best results obtained at 60 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOTECHNICS
(2022)
Article
Crystallography
Elisabete R. Teixeira, Aires Camoes, Fernando G. Branco, Jose Campos Matos
Summary: The study found that using BFA as a cement replacement material in high volume fly ash mortar and concrete has potential applications, with BFA showing similar performance to coal fly ash and performing well under certain conditions.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Iman Ferdosian, Aires Camoes
Summary: The study investigated the mechanical performances of a new eco-efficient composition for ultra-high performance concrete, including compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and flexural strength. Results showed high compressive strength and modulus of elasticity for the concrete.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
E. R. Teixeira, A. Camoes, F. G. Branco
Summary: Sustainable construction is important, especially in terms of building materials. Using biomass fly ash as a cement replacement material in high-volume fly ash concrete can improve its properties and contribute positively to its quality, durability, and sustainability.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Antonio Joaquim Coelho Marinho, Joao Couto, Aires Camoes
Summary: The traditional method of CDW management in Portugal, which involves disposal in licensed landfills, has resulted in environmental and social problems due to low recycling rates. This study aims to investigate the benefits and factors influencing the reuse and recycling of CDW in Portugal. The findings show that the majority of CDW is disposed of in landfills, and on-site reuse is minimal. Respondents recognize concerns about carbon emissions reduction and cultural resistance towards CDW materials or buildings. The lack of recycling equipment and government support inhibits CDW reuse. Increased investment and training are recommended for this sector.
JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hanne Vanoutrive, Philip Van den Heede, Natalia Alderete, Carmen Andrade, Tushar Bansal, Aires Camoes, Ozlem Cizer, Nele De Belie, Vilma Ducman, Miren Etxeberria, Lander Frederickx, Cyrill Grengg, Ivan Ignjatovic, Tung-Chai Ling, Zhiyuan Liu, Ines Garcia-Lodeiro, Barbara Lothenbach, Cesar Medina Martinez, Javier Sanchez-Montero, Kolawole Olonade, Angel Palomo, Quoc Tri Phung, Nuria Rebolledo, Marlene Sakoparnig, Kosmas Sideris, Charlotte Thiel, Talakokula Visalakshi, Anya Vollpracht, Stefanie Von Greve-Dierfeld, Jinxin Wei, Bei Wu, Maciej Zajac, Zengfeng Zhao, Elke Gruyaert
Summary: This article introduces standards and experimental methods for evaluating the resistance of mortar and concrete to carbonation, finding that carbonation depth can be used as an indicator of carbonation resistance potential and that the ranking of carbonation resistance of various cement types is the same. However, there are significant differences between laboratories, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. The study also found that sealed curing leads to larger carbonation depths, while reducing the water curing time results in higher carbonation depths.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fernando Castro, Pedro B. Tavares, Nuno Cristelo, Tiago Teixeira, Joana F. Garcia, Nuno M. G. Parreira
Summary: This article presents a comprehensive characterization of fluorspar residue from an industrial plant in Vieira de Leiria, Portugal, which is mainly composed of a mixture of calcium fluoride and calcium sulfate with some heavy metals content. The thermal behavior analysis revealed that the material melts at around 950 degrees C. The study also investigated the influence of calcining operation on the residue, particularly in terms of the leachability of certain elements. Potential valorization options for this industrial residue are discussed based on the characterization results.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Patricia P. L. de Souza, Rute Eires, Raphaele Malheiro
Summary: Each year, a substantial amount of sugarcane waste is generated and usually used for combustion for energy generation. This research proposes an alternative use for sugarcane bagasse as the sole aggregate in composites for building materials. The composites with lime binder achieved better thermal insulation and mechanical strength.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Raphaele Malheiro, Aurora Morillas, Adriana Ansolin, Jorge Fernandes, Aires Camoes, Maria Teresa Amorim, Sandra Monteiro Silva, Ricardo Mateus
Summary: Bio-based and natural building materials can help reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. This study evaluated the performance of giant reed as a thermal insulation material in experimental research. Reed was chosen for its availability and relevance to Portuguese vernacular architecture. The study assessed the origin, physical characteristics, and durability aspects of the reed. The results showed that reed boards performed well as thermal insulation material, regardless of their origin, with denser boards yielding better results. However, mold growth was observed under favorable moisture conditions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Katya Coelho, Joao Almeida, Fernando Castro, Andre Ribeiro, Tiago Teixeira, Paulo Palha, Nuno Simoes
Summary: Green roofs are composed of waterproofing and drainage layers, substrate, and vegetation. The substrate is crucial for the healthy growth of vegetation, water retention, and thermal behavior. By developing ecological substrates containing industrial by-products, the environmental performance of green roofs can be further improved. Sixteen newly developed substrates were characterized to study their properties related to thermal conductivity, specific heat, emissivity, water vapor transmission, hygroscopic sorption, and water retention/drainage capacity. The results showed that these ecological substrates have comparable properties to conventional substrates already available on the market, and temperature, moisture content, and density play significant roles in their behavior.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Joana Carvalho, Lucas Nascimento, Margarida Soares, Nadia Valerio, Andre Ribeiro, Luciana Faria, Andre Silva, Nuno Pacheco, Jorge Araujo, Candida Vilarinho
Summary: This study critically analyzes the life cycle assessment of biochar production from different sources and technologies, demonstrating the great potential of biochar in circular economy for carbon-efficient resource circulation, climate change mitigation, and economic sustainability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aiuba Suleimana, Barbara C. Peixoto, Jorge M. Branco, Aires Camoes
Summary: This study analyzes the potential of Portuguese eucalyptus wood to produce glued-laminated timber (glulam) for structural applications. The experimental results demonstrate that this hardwood has higher compression and bending strength than current glulam made of softwoods. Further studies are encouraged to explore the application of this wood species in construction.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sandra Cunha, Raphael Silva, Jose Aguiar, Fernando Castro
Summary: The lost wax foundry industry generates a large amount of waste, which is currently being deposited in landfills due to the lack of practical applications and challenges in recycling. This study demonstrates the potential of incorporating the industry's waste, such as ceramic mold shells and paraffin wax, as substitutes for natural aggregates in cementitious mortars for the construction sector. The results show that the mortars with waste incorporation exhibit adequate performance under normal operating conditions and freeze-thaw actions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Joao Pedro Lopes, Vladimir Jose Ferrari, Aires Camoes, Aloysio Souza, Raul Fangueiro
Summary: This study focuses on the effects of carbon nanotubes on concrete and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). The experiments demonstrate that carbon nanotubes reduce water absorption and improve the flowability of mixtures. Furthermore, the addition of carbon nanotubes leads to increased axial compression strength and flexural strength in both concrete and SFRC materials.
MATERIA-RIO DE JANEIRO
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
