Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yucheng Fan, Jinlong Yang, Zhi Ni, Ziyan Hang, Chuang Feng, Jie Yang, Yu Su, George J. Weng
Summary: The incorporation of graphene and its derivatives into cement for electrically conductive composites is currently being extensively studied for their potential use as smart materials. However, there is a lack of theoretical models to predict the electrical conductivity and piezoresistive properties of these composites, considering the effects of pores and graphene ripples. To address this gap, this paper proposes a two-step micromechanical modelling to predict the electrical conductivity and strain-sensing response of graphene nanoplatelet reinforced cement composites (GNPRCCs), taking into account the effects of pores and graphene ripples.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Dong Lu, Xianming Shi, Jing Zhong
Summary: This study demonstrates a low-cost, simple, and targeted approach to improve the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of cement mortar and concrete using sand particles pre-saturated in a graphene oxide dispersion. The use of this approach significantly increased compressive and flexural strengths, reduced porosity, and enhanced hydration product formation in the ITZ region.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Felipe Basquiroto de Souza, Xupei Yao, Junlin Lin, Zunaira Naseem, Zhao Qing Tang, Yaoxin Hu, Wenchao Gao, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil, Wenhui Duan
Summary: Due to their special properties, graphene-based nanosheets (GNS) have the potential to be used in the production of high-performance and sustainable cement composites. This review focuses on the recent advancements in GNS-reinforced cementitious composites, specifically the strategies used to effectively incorporate GNS into cement/concrete mixes (such as dispersion, hybridization, coating, and dry mixing approaches). The impacts of GNS-reinforcement on the mechanical, durability, and functional performance of cementitious materials are also analyzed. Additionally, the increasing understanding of the distribution and interplay of GNS within the complex cement microstructure is highlighted, with the aim of confidently translating GNS into the construction industry.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hoan D. Nguyen, Qianhui Zhang, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil, Wenhui Duan
Summary: The study showed that using graphene oxide-coated sand can improve the properties of cement composites, including reducing water absorption, increasing compressive and tensile strengths, and enhancing the strength and toughness of the interface.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Emad Sobhani, Amir R. Masoodi, Rossana Dimitri, Francesco Tornabene
Summary: The vibration behavior of porous nano-composite Assembled Paraboloidal-Cylindrical Shell (APCS) structures is evaluated using Graphene Oxide Powder (GOP) nanomaterials to improve the mechanical features of hybrid polymer and metal matrices. The mechanical features of the hybrid matrix structures are determined using the Halpin-Tsai and Rule of Mixture methods. The governing equations of APCSs are determined using the First Shear Deformation Hypothesis (FSDH) and Hamilton's principle, and the frequency responses of the structures are calculated using the eigenvalue strategy.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Wei Wang, Shu Jian Chen, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil, Wenhui Duan
Summary: In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was used to reinforce and modify the interface of lightweight cement composites. The results showed that GO significantly reduced high-porosity regions between the cement matrix and polymer scaffold, leading to the formation of low-density calcium-silicate-hydrates. The GO-reinforced composites exhibited significantly increased compressive strength and specific energy absorption. This study enhances our understanding of the reinforcing mechanism of GO in thin-shell structures and demonstrates its effectiveness in improving the performance of lightweight cementitious composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yucheng Fan, Zhi Ni, Shengchang Mu, Ziyan Hang, Yu Wang, Chuang Feng, Yu Su, George J. Weng
Summary: The incorporation of graphene and its derivatives in electrically conductive cement composites is being extensively studied for their potential applications in structural health monitoring. The electrical conductivity of the composites is highly influenced by porosity and fluid content in the pores. Therefore, it is necessary to quantitatively predict the overall electrical conductivity while considering the effects of pores and fluid content.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Yuxia Suo, Rongxin Guo, Haiting Xia, Yang Yang, Bin Zhou, Zhiman Zhao
Summary: This study summarises the hot topics and research trends of graphene oxide/cement composites (GO/CCs) using bibliometric methods. It reviews the effects of GO/CCs on mechanical performance, transport properties, self-sensing performance, and enhancing mechanisms. Previous studies have shown that the uniform dispersion of GO can significantly improve the strength and resistance of cement composites. Future research should investigate the self-sensing and long-term service performance of GO/CCs under various environmental factors.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed A. Haroun, Amany M. El nahrawy, Samir Kamel
Summary: Cellulose/graphene nano-platelet (GNP) and/or polypyrrole (PPy) composites were prepared using an emulsion and sonication technique. The resulting composites were characterized using FTIR, TEM, and DLS. The introduction of GNP increased the thermal stability of the cellulose/PPy composite. Dielectric properties of the composites were also investigated.
ECS JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhidan Rong, Maopeng Jiao, Jiaqi Zhang
Summary: The effect of modified nano-SiO2 on the performance of high-performance cementitious composites was investigated and it was found that the addition of MNS improved the fluidity, compressive strength, durability, and autogenous shrinkage of HPCC. Additionally, MNS accelerated the hydration process, resulting in increased heat release and better microstructure and interface transition zone of HPCC.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Dong Lu, Xianming Shi, Hong S. Wong, Zhenliang Jiang, Jing Zhong
Summary: This study proposes an efficient method for developing smart sensing composites through nano-surface engineering of sand. The use of conductive aggregates in mortars demonstrates outstanding electrical conductivity and resistivity change under cyclic compressive loading, along with minor benefits such as enhanced flowability and reduced water sorptivity, without a substantial reduction in compressive strength.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. W. Bokhari, A. Ellis, M. Uceda, S. Wei, M. Pope, S. Zhu, W. Gao, P. C. Sherrell
Summary: This study synthesized a nanocomposite of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide and mixed-phase molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers using a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis. The nanocomposite exhibited high surface area and electrical conductivity, and the interconnected charge transport channels facilitated robust ion transport and minimized charge transfer resistance. As a result, the electrodes showed excellent electrochemical activity, high specific capacitance, and exceptional energy and power densities, with excellent capacitance retention during long-term cycling.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kai Cui, Jun Chang
Summary: This study investigates the effects of multi-layer graphene (MLG) on the hydration, microstructure, and mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) prepared with sulphoaluminate cement. The results show that adding MLG can significantly enhance the macro performance of UHPC, improving its flexural strength and compressive strength at different curing times. The study also reveals the reinforcing mechanism of MLG, which includes filling pores and preventing micro-crack extension.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ahmed Ali A. Shohan, Osama Zaid, Mohamed M. Arbili, Saleh Hamed Alsulamy, Wafeek Mohamed Ibrahim
Summary: This study aimed to develop eco-friendly, ultra-high-performance lightweight concrete by incorporating dehydrated cement powder and aerogel. The addition of these materials improved the strength, durability, and thermal/acoustic properties of the concrete. However, higher content of dehydrated cement powder and aerogel led to reduced flowability and decreased density, while also increasing resistance to sulfate attack and compressive strength retention.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE CEMENT-BASED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jingxian Yang, Wei She, Wenqiang Zuo, Kai Lyu, Qunchao Zhang
Summary: The study found that nano-silica can counterbalance the retarding effect of silane on cement hydration and early strength development, and the dispersing effect of silane on nano-silica has a positive impact on the flowability of cement paste; the synergistic enhancement effects of nano-silica and silane on water resistance of cement paste result in remarkable 3D superhydrophobic behavior and lower water absorption rate.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Qi Jiang, Wei Liu, Shaopeng Wu, Xuanwen Gou
Summary: This study analyzes the erosion mechanisms of NaCl solution on asphalt concrete and finds that NaCl solution softens asphalt and promotes the intrusion of crystalline salt into it. Salt crystallization alters the surface roughness of aggregates, resulting in a decrease in skid resistance but an improvement in compressive strength. Additionally, the concentration of NaCl solution initially has no significant impact on the mechanical performance of asphalt concrete, but its domination gradually increases with the intensification of cyclic effects.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lili Kan, Lan-qing Dai, Ning Kong, Bin Peng, Fei Wang
Summary: This paper investigates the effect of freezing and thawing cycles on the tensile behavior of cracked ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). The results show that long-term freezing and thawing action deteriorates the cracking strength, tensile strength, tensile strain, and strain energy of cracked UHPC. On the other hand, the action of water generally favors the development of tensile properties of UHPC. The crack distribution tends to be unsaturated under freezing and thawing environment, and the re-hydration reaction is hindered. The pore structure near the crack varies under different environments.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xin Xiao, Jingwei Li, Qingke Meng, Xiangshan Hou, Yanhui Liu, Xujiang Wang, Wenlong Wang, Shengtao Lu, Yuzhong Li, Yanpeng Mao, Tong Li
Summary: Preparing gypsum-based self-leveling mortar (GSLM) using beta-hemihydrate gypsum and solid wastes-derived sulfoaluminate cement (WSAC) can improve the mechanical performance of the mortar, but phosphorus impurities can weaken the hydration speed and degree.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sihang Bao, Junzhen Di, Yanrong Dong, Ziqing Gao, Qing Gu, Yuanfang Zhao, Hongyu Zhai
Summary: Tailings dam break and leakage accidents pose a threat to the safety of people in mining areas and cause severe environmental pollution. This study focuses on solidifying tailing sand using microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) to improve strength and fix heavy metals. The curing time of MICP bio-cemented tailings is found to significantly impact the strength of tailings, while its effect on heavy metal fixation is minimal. The optimized MICP curing time is 10 days, resulting in improved strength and cementation of tailings particles.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ferhat Benmahiddine, Fares Bennai, Achraf Charaka, Ameur El Amine Hamami, Abdelkader Tahakourt, Rafik Belarbi
Summary: This paper studied the effects of hysteresis on the hygrothermal behavior at the building scale. Through laboratory validation and numerical simulations, it was found that hysteresis has a significant impact on the relative humidity and total heat fluxes in buildings, while it does not have a noticeable effect on temperature variations.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
You Gao, Wei He, Xiayang Zhang, De'an Sun, Pei Li
Summary: This study determined the boundary line between the swelling and compression deformation zone in lateritic clay through wetting tests, and proposed a simple bimodal SWRC model. It also found that the existing strength model underestimated the tested values in the medium to high suction range, therefore a segmented strength equation was introduced for enhanced predictions of the strength properties of lateritic clay.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Prabhath Ranjan Kumar Soda, Asheer Mogal, Kalyan Chakravarthy, Nikhil Thota, Nimish Bandaru, Sanjay Kumar Shukla, K. M. Mini
Summary: This study investigates the use of encapsulated bacteria to improve the self-healing ability of concrete. Through various tests, it is found that using 20% cement-coated alginate beads (CCAB) and 5% nanosilica (NS) can achieve optimal strength and healing. This research is significant for enhancing the durability of concrete.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shizhe Wang, Haiping Wu, Wen Yang, Wei Wang, Zhibo Zhu, Kun Nie, Luoxin Wang, Hua Wang, Jing Wu
Summary: In this study, photothermal-heat storage concrete (PHSC) was developed with excellent photothermal conversion performance and heat storage capacity. By absorbing and storing solar energy during the day and releasing it at night, PHSC can effectively reduce energy consumption in buildings.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Robin Deb, Jialuo He, Geetika Mishra, Yaghoob (Amir) Farnam
Summary: Incorporation techniques of phase change materials in cementitious composites have a significant influence on thermal properties. This study investigated the thermal behavior of low-temperature PCM when subjected to varying temperature change rates and pore confinement inside the porous network of lightweight aggregates. The results showed that ramp rates affect the nucleation and crystallization growth process during the phase transition, and the pore structure of the aggregates affects the supercooling phenomenon and confinement pressure of the PCM.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Eduardo Ferreira, Payam Sotoudeh, Dagmar Svecova
Summary: This study investigates the fatigue behavior of concrete under different stress reversal conditions. The results indicate that stress reversal generally causes more severe damage and reduces the cycles to failure compared to tensile fatigue. Additionally, adding some level of compression contributes to the energy required for failure under stress reversal fatigue. Specimens with higher concentration of fractured aggregates achieve longer fatigue lives.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mag Raj Gehlot, Sandeep Shrivastava
Summary: This study evaluates the compatibility relationship between plaster bonds and the substrate under an accelerated aging environment, and finds that incorporating an appropriate amount of granite cutting waste can improve the strength parameters and adhesion of the cement mortar.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Min Zhang, Qirui Luo, Mingke Deng, Shixing Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the bond behavior between carbon FRCM composites with added short fibers and concrete substrates. The effects of different factors were considered and 36 specimens were tested and discussed. The experimental results were analyzed in terms of failure mode, load-slip curve, and characteristic parameters, and the contribution of weft yarns was taken into account in the developed bondslip model.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Dengkai Liu, Hongniao Chen, Ray Kai Leung Su
Summary: The susceptibility of building stones to fire and high temperature was investigated in this study by examining their physical and mechanical properties. The results show that both compressive and tensile properties of stones are affected by temperature changes. The tensile strength is particularly sensitive to temperature changes, requiring special attention to the components subjected to tensile stress in stone buildings. Principal component analysis was used to predict the mechanical properties of stones, providing a new method for calculating the residual mechanical properties after high temperature or fire.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Joso Maria Raposo, Eduardo Cavaco, Luis Costa Neves, Eduardo Julio
Summary: This paper investigates the correlation between the friction coefficient and the surface roughness of concrete-to-concrete interfaces. Experimental tests were performed on specimens with different surface treatments, and the surface roughness parameters were analyzed and correlated with the shear strength and friction coefficient. The results showed that certain roughness parameters had a strong positive correlation with the friction coefficient, while others had little or no correlation. A novel combined roughness parameter with optimized correlation was proposed.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chiara Riccardi, Massimo Losa
Summary: The interest in using bio materials in asphalt pavements is growing due to economic reasons and environmental benefits. This study aimed to review the use of bio extenders as additives in binders, with a focus on replacements greater than 20% of fossil binder. The properties of bio-extended binders were found to vary substantially depending on the biomass source and production process.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)