Article
Construction & Building Technology
Manuel Lagos-Varas, Diana Movilla-Quesada, Aitor C. Raposeiras, Daniel Castro-Fresno, Angel Vega-Zamanillo, Matias Cumian-Benavides
Summary: The research investigates the possibility of incorporating hydrated ladle furnace slag (LFSh) into asphalt mastics and evaluates its performance under different temperature conditions. The results show that the addition of LFSh can increase the stiffness of the asphalt mastic, but it performs poorly at low temperatures.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vanesa Ortega-Lopez, Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Amaia Santamaria, Aimar Orbe, Marta Skaf
Summary: This study presents four high-workability concrete mix designs incorporating steelmaking slags with metallic and polymeric fibers. The addition of metallic fibers and ladle furnace slag (LFS) was found to reduce shrinkage and improve dimensional stability of the concrete, while the use of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and LFS helped to mitigate internal damage and enhance the compliance of the cementitious matrix.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Marta Skaf, V Ortega-Lopez, V Revilla-Cuesta, J. M. Manso
Summary: This paper presents a pilot experience of using Ladle Furnace Slag (LFS) in Porous Asphalt (PA) mixtures for pavements. The laboratory mix design was validated through large-scale mixing, laying, and compacting, followed by extensive laboratory and field tests. The results showed that incorporating up to 10% LFS in the PA mixtures was feasible and met regulatory limits for voids content, wear resistance, moisture susceptibility, and skid resistance. The execution of the pavement did not encounter any workability or compactability issues, and the surface remained intact during the initial months of use.
ROAD MATERIALS AND PAVEMENT DESIGN
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Yun Zhou, Rong Zhu, Guangsheng Wei
Summary: Powder injection metallurgy has shown significant improvements in converter steelmaking, electric arc furnace steelmaking, and ladle refining processes, leading to enhanced reaction efficiency, reduced production costs, and improved steel properties.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mansour Fakhri, Sajad Javadi, Mohammad Amin Norouzi, Behnam Baveli Bahmai, Mohammad M. M. Karimi
Summary: The use of copper slag as a new material in asphalt pavement is being evaluated to reduce waste accumulation and lower production costs due to environmental pollution and the shortage of nonrenewable natural resources. This study assessed the feasibility of using copper-slag filler as a substitute for lime in warm-mix asphalt (WMA) to enhance its self-healing and thermal/electrical conductivity potential. The results showed that the mixtures containing copper slag had high thermal/electrical conductivity and improved self-healing potential.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Maria Terrones-Saeta, Jorge Suarez-Macias, Francisco Javier Iglesias-Godino, Francisco Antonio Corpas-Iglesias
Summary: This research proposes the use of industrial by-products to create bituminous mixtures which are more resistant and durable than traditional ones. By characterizing these by-products and comparing the physical and mechanical properties of the mixtures, it was found that the use of cellulose fibers can absorb a greater percentage of bitumen, while electric arc furnace slag and ladle furnace slag create mixtures with greater Marshall stability. Sustainable, durable, resistant, and high waste mixtures were developed in this investigation.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ahmad Goli
Summary: The study shows that using waste materials such as steel slag and recycled aggregates to produce recycled asphalt pavement can improve sustainability and enhance mechanical properties such as rutting resistance, marshall stability, moisture susceptibility, resilient modulus, and fatigue life.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kwadwo Appiah Boateng, Yaw Adubofour Tuffour, Daniel Obeng-Atuah, Stephen Agyeman
Summary: The prevalence of premature patch failures in bituminous pavement maintenance in Ghana, involving pothole and partial-depth repairs using cold-mix asphalt (CMA), has raised major concerns due to limited budgets and repeated disruption to traffic. The most common failures associated with CMA patches in the country are disintegration, shoving, and dishing, which suggest deficiencies in binder and aggregate functionality. Analysis of samples indicated poor CMA aggregate structure and lower binder content may be key factors contributing to patch failures.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Murat Vergi Taciroglu, Fatih Ergezer, Tahsin Baykal, Ekinhan Eriskin, Serdal Terzi
Summary: The usability of waste quartz sand as a filler material in hot bituminous mixtures was investigated. The strength values and moisture sensitivity of the samples were determined. The results showed that the samples with 50% content had the best strength and track performance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Francisco Javier Nebreda-Rodrigo, Juan Maria Terrones-Saeta, Jorge Suarez-Macias, Evaristo Rafael Moreno-Lopez, Francisco Antonio Corpas-Iglesias, Carmen Martinez-Garcia
Summary: Road construction consumes a large amount of raw materials, leading to high environmental impact. Research projects are utilizing waste as raw materials to reduce environmental impact. Evaluation of ladle furnace slag as a filler in bituminous mixtures showed that it can replace commercial fillers, providing higher Marshall stability and acceptable physical properties.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Juan Maria Terrones-Saeta, Jorge Suarez-Macias, Francisco Javier Iglesias-Godino, Francisco Antonio Corpas-Iglesias
Summary: The study characterized ladle furnace slag for use as filler, analyzed its environmental feasibility, and compared it with conventional filler. The research found that ladle furnace slag has good feasibility as a filler and environmental advantages, suitable for bituminous mixtures, contributing to the creation of more sustainable pavements.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Omar Najm, Hilal El-Hassan, Amr El-Dieb
Summary: This study investigates the impact of various parameters on the properties of alkali-activated composites made with unprocessed ladle furnace slag. By using the Taguchi method, a series of experiments were designed, and the optimal mixture proportions were determined using TOPSIS analysis. The results show that the optimum mix can maximize strength and workability or maximize workability and setting time.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Erlend L. Bjornstad, Gabriella Tranell
Summary: Oxidative ladle refining (OLR) is the most commonly used refining method in the industrial production of metallurgical grade silicon, involving a process where oxygen-enriched air reacts with the liquid alloy to form a specific slag. This study aims to understand and control slag nucleation, enhancing the capability to predict and control process behavior.
METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS B-PROCESS METALLURGY AND MATERIALS PROCESSING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kumari Monu, Surya Kant Sahdeo, G. D. R. N. Ransinchung
Summary: In recent years, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) has gained popularity among researchers for its low-impact development abilities and socioeconomic factors. This study investigated the possibilities of increasing RAP integration for foam-mix asphalt synthesis with alternative mineral fillers - fly ash and sugarcane ash. The study evaluated the influence of RAP and other fillers on the structural and functional properties of foam-mix asphalt and assessed CO2 emissions. The results showed that the addition of sugarcane ash and fly ash improved the indirect tensile strength of the foam mixtures.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hugo Alexander Rondon-Quintana, Juan Carlos Ruge-Cardenas, Fredy Alberto Reyes-Lizcano, Juan Gabriel Bastidas-Martinez, Carlos Alfonso Zafra-Mejia
Summary: The present study evaluated the performance of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) when the natural filler (NF) is completely replaced by phosphorites (PF). Tests were carried out on NF and PF particles using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Asphalt mastic with a weight ratio of 1:1.2 of filler to asphalt binder was manufactured, and various tests were performed on the asphalt mastic and mixes. The results showed that the HMA-PF mix displayed better performance in all evaluated properties without increasing the optimal asphalt binder content.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Francisco Fiol, Priyadharshini Perumal, Vanesa Ortega-Lopez, Juan M. Manso
Summary: Numerous laboratory test results have confirmed the effectiveness of Recycled Aggregate (RA) in enhancing the durability and mechanical behavior of concrete. This research focuses on evaluating the feasibility of using RA in real industrial applications, specifically in the production of precast-concrete components. The study showed that the addition of coarse RA did not compromise the flowability and mechanical properties of the concrete, and even resulted in increased strength. However, the durability performance of the concrete deteriorated, especially when produced at an industrial scale. The analysis also revealed that the use of coarse RA is cost-effective and contributes to a greener construction sector.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Marta Skaf, Jose A. Chiea, Vanesa Ortega-Lopez, Juan M. Manso
Summary: Recycled Aggregate (RA) increases porosity and weakens Interfacial Transition Zones (ITZs) of concrete, leading to internal thermal damage. Four Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) mixes with coarse and fine RA underwent cyclic temperature variations to characterize and quantify thermal damage. Two damage mechanisms were identified: micro-cracks in ITZs and micro-cracks from micro-pores propagating through the cementitious matrix. Coarse and fine RA enhanced these damage mechanisms respectively, with the most significant damage occurring at sub-zero temperatures and with the addition of coarse RA. Compressive strength was primarily affected, while ultrasonic pulse velocity and hardened density served as non-destructive indicators to indirectly quantify the level of thermal internal damage of SCC.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Marta Skaf, Ana B. Espinosa, Vanesa Ortega-Lopez
Summary: This paper studies the changes to civil-engineering teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learnt by civil-engineering teachers. Six major lessons are identified, including enlivening classes and promoting autonomous learning, bringing concepts closer to real applications, and utilizing online communication tools for flexible interaction with students.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Marta Skaf, V Ortega-Lopez, V Revilla-Cuesta, J. M. Manso
Summary: This paper presents a pilot experience of using Ladle Furnace Slag (LFS) in Porous Asphalt (PA) mixtures for pavements. The laboratory mix design was validated through large-scale mixing, laying, and compacting, followed by extensive laboratory and field tests. The results showed that incorporating up to 10% LFS in the PA mixtures was feasible and met regulatory limits for voids content, wear resistance, moisture susceptibility, and skid resistance. The execution of the pavement did not encounter any workability or compactability issues, and the surface remained intact during the initial months of use.
ROAD MATERIALS AND PAVEMENT DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana B. Espinosa, Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Marta Skaf, Flora Faleschini, Vanesa Ortega-Lopez
Summary: Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) is a non-destructive measurement technique that evaluates the quality of concrete elements. The relationship between UPV readings and mechanical behavior of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with different types of recycled aggregates was studied. The study found a monotonic relationship between UPV and mechanical properties. Multiple-regression models linking compressive-behavior-related properties provided the best estimation accuracy for UPV.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Marta Skaf, Vanesa Ortega-Lopez, Juan M. Manso
Summary: This paper proposes a multi-parametric flowability classification for Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) containing sustainable raw materials. By analyzing a dataset of 663 SCC mixes with sustainable aggregates and binders, three types of flowability zones are defined. The classification provides a complete picture of the fresh behavior of SCC, and recommends the application fields for each SCC mix with sustainable raw materials.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Francisco Fiol, Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Marta Skaf, Carlos Thomas, Juan M. Manso
Summary: The use of recycled aggregate improves the sustainability of concrete. This study conducted an experimental campaign with the participation of a precast-concrete manufacturer to test a self-compacting concrete mix designed for structural applications, containing maximum amounts of 100% coarse recycled aggregate. The results showed that the mix met all standard technical specifications of the precast-concrete manufacturer.
STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Victor Revilla-Cuesta, M. Skaf, R. Serrano-Lopez, V. Ortega-Lopez
Summary: This study evaluates the importance of out-of-class communication between teachers and students in university engineering courses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that email usage was common at the beginning of the pandemic, but online videoconferencing tools became more popular due to their flexibility and personal nature. The success of videoconferencing was attributed to teacher training, fixed meeting schedules, and the use of digital whiteboards. Despite the resumption of face-to-face meetings, students still found video calls useful for theoretical and easy practical questions. Videoconferencing tools for educational communication in engineering courses are likely to continue being used.
INTERACTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Victor Revilla-Cuesta, Marta Skaf, Javier Manso-Morato, Jose T. San-Jose, Vanesa Ortega-Lopez
Summary: This paper reports on a service-learning project conducted with agricultural engineering students to address the problem of rural depopulation. The students showed awareness of the social problem, critical thinking skills, and a global perspective. The project helped them reflect on the issue and consider how engineers can contribute to society.
EDUCATION SCIENCES
(2023)
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)
