Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sakchai Naenudon, Anousit Vilaivong, Yuwadee Zaetang, Weerachart Tangchirapat, Ampol Wongsa, Vanchai Sata, Prinya Chindaprasirt
Summary: This study investigated the use of waste fiber cement in making high flexural strength lightweight fly ash geopolymer mortar. The results showed that the workability, density, and strength of mortars decreased with an increase in waste fiber cement content. Incorporating 30-40% waste fiber cement resulted in high flexural strength mortar with thermal and sound insulating properties.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cynthia Guardia, Gonzalo Barluenga, Irene Palomar
Summary: Using microencapsulated paraffin wax Phase Change Materials (PCM) in cement-lime mortars with cellulose fibres and lightweight aggregates can enhance energy efficiency of buildings. This study evaluates the thermal performance and energy storage capacity of mortars with PCM, cellulose fibres, and lightweight aggregates under different thermal conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bentian Yu, Shuangyang Li, Huaitai Zhu, Qi Jiang, Dayan Wang, Yanfei Chen
Summary: More than 50% of engineering structures on earth experience long-term freeze-thaw cycles, causing significant damage and reducing durability. In order to improve the freeze-thaw resistance of cement-based materials, a new composite phase change cement mortar (PCCM) was developed using n-tetradecane encapsulated in expanded graphite as a phase change material (PCM). The physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the new PCCM were tested, and excellent freeze-thaw resistance performance was observed. Numerical simulation of heat transfer was used to analyze the PCCM's ability to reduce freeze-thaw cycles. The results provide important references for industrial production and contribute to the understanding of freeze-thaw mechanisms in cement mortars.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jaeyoo Choi, Chaochao Dun, Carlos Forsythe, Madeleine P. Gordon, Jeffrey J. Urban
Summary: This paper introduces a lightweight wearable thermoelectric cooler with a flexible heatsink, achieving efficient cooling performance and long cooling capacity. With the optimized ternary composite heatsink, cooling at 5K temperature was achieved under ambient conditions, demonstrating potential applications in real-world scenarios.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Young Uk Kim, Ji Hun Park, Beom Yeol Yun, Sungwoong Yang, Seunghwan Wi, Sumin Kim
Summary: The study found that impregnating carbon materials and phase change materials in lightweight aggregates can improve the thermal performance of artificial stone, but may slightly decrease compressive strength. By adjusting the type and amount of carbon materials added, thermal conductivity can be enhanced and peak temperature adjusted.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Phattharachai Pongsopha, Piti Sukontasukkul, Buchit Maho, Darrakorn Intarabut, Tanakorn Phoo-ngernkham, Sakonwan Hanjitsuwan, Donguk Choi, Suchart Limkatanyu
Summary: The study showed that the ASF coating can effectively reduce PCM leakage, improve the mechanical properties of RC mixed with ASF-PCMA, and have positive and negative effects on the thermal conductivity of RC depending on the state of PCM.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sarah Kadhim, Abdulkadir Cevik, Anil Nis, Derya Bakbak, Maysam Aljanabi
Summary: The research demonstrated that the incorporation of ALWA reduced the workability, density, and compressive strength of LGPM, while 1% PVA fiber inclusions significantly enhanced the uniaxial tensile and flexural behaviors of LGPM. After exposure to elevated temperatures, mechanical strength improvements were observed at 250 degrees C due to further geopolymerization, but reductions were seen at 500 degrees C.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
A. Moron Barrios, D. Ferrandez Vega, P. Saiz Martinez, E. Atanes-Sanchez, C. Moron Fernandez
Summary: Through experimental analysis of mortars, it was found that the addition of fibers can improve the mechanical properties of the material and reduce shrinkage, which is beneficial for the use of recycled aggregates in mortar manufacturing. Carbon fiber has been shown to be the best performing reinforcing material in this statistical analysis.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Qingmeng Xu, Feifan Xu, Chen Sun, Xiao Huang, Hongjie Luo
Summary: Sticky rice-lime mortar has been widely used in traditional buildings, but its edible nature and complex composition restrict its large-scale use. In this study, cellulose nanocrystals were used as a substitute material to prepare lime mortars with similar properties to traditional sticky rice-lime mortar. The organization of cellulose nanocrystals and the molar percent of calcium carbonate were found to be closely related to the compressive strength of lime mortars.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rapeeporn Srisuk, Laongdaw Techawinyutham, A. Vinod, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Suchart Siengchin
Summary: This study focused on extracting and characterizing natural fibers from Bambusa flexuosa, a type of bamboo, to evaluate their capacity as a substitute for synthetic fibers in construction materials. The researchers utilized discarded bamboo stems for fiber extraction and conducted an analysis on the fibers' physical, chemical, thermal, and morphological properties. The results indicate that these extracted fibers, particularly after alkali treatment, possess the potential to be used as a reinforcing element in lightweight structural polymer composites due to their improved properties.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amit Kumar, Imen Kebaili, Imed Boukhris, Rahul Vaish, Anuruddh Kumar, Hyeong Kwang Benno Park, Yun Hwan Joo, Tae Hyun Sung
Summary: A thermoregulating smart textile based on phase change material (PCM) polyethylene glycol (PEG) was prepared by chemically grafting carboxyl-terminated PEG onto cotton. Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were further deposited on the PEG-grafted cotton to improve the fabric's thermal conductivity and UV protection. The GO-PEG-g-Cotton showed enhanced thermal stability, increased thermal conductivity, and improved UV blocking ability.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Khizar Nazir, Orhan Canpolat, Mucteba Uysal
Summary: This research developed a geopolymer mortar with steel, polyamide, and polyethylene fiber reinforcement, using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and waste glass powder (GP) as fillers. The durability behavior of the manufactured geopolymer mortar was studied through tests on resistance against high temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, and sulfate attacks. Results showed that using GP as a filler material and adding fibers improved the strength and durability properties of the mortar.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Plinio Campos de Assis Neto, Leane Priscilla Bonfim Sales, Palloma Karolayne Santos Oliveira, Iranilza Costa da Silva, Ilana Maria da Silva Barros, Aline Figueiredo da Nobrega, Arnaldo Manoel Pereira Carneiro
Summary: Global temperatures have increased the demand for air conditioning systems, resulting in improved thermal and energy efficiency of buildings. The Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 15.575-4/2013 sets minimum parameters for sealing elements, which classify the thermal efficiency of buildings. The study focused on expanded vermiculite, and found that its usage in mortars negatively affects workability and mechanical strength, but increases porosity and water absorption. However, it reduces specific weight and thermal conductivity, leading to better thermal insulation. Mitigation strategies include using chemical admixtures, mineral additions, and alternative mix designs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chiara D'Erme, Walter Remo Caseri, Maria Laura Santarelli
Summary: This study investigates the effects of adding nanocellulose to traditional lime-based mortars, and finds that a dosage of 0.3% significantly improves the flexural and compressive strengths of the mortars, without affecting crack propagation after material failure.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
E. Haily, H. Ait Ousaleh, N. Zari, A. Faik, R. Bouhfid, A. Qaiss
Summary: This study introduces a novel geopolymer matrix containing fatty acids encapsulated in polyurethane foam as phase change materials (PCMs). The geopolymer mortar with PCM showed a continuous three-dimensional network and suitable operating temperature range (10-22°C) with good energy storage capacity (Delta Hf = 164 J/g). The addition of PCM slightly reduced the compressive strength but still met the mechanical requirements for construction applications, and significantly improved the heat capacity and slightly reduced the thermal conductivity of the composites. The geopolymer mortar with the highest PCM content shows promise for developing energy-efficient buildings in the future, with good thermal performance and acceptable mechanical strength.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hugo Varela, Gonzalo Barluenga, Irene Palomar, Alberto Sepulcre
Summary: Nanoclays, nanosilica, and viscosity modifying admixtures can be used to enhance the rheological properties of cement pastes, reducing the required amount of high range water reducing admixture. The type and amount of admixtures and nanocomponents also have an impact on yield stress, viscosity, and structural build-up of cement pastes.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Mikel Lumbreras, Roberto Garay-Martinez, Benat Arregi, Koldobika Martin-Escudero, Gonzalo Diarce, Margus Raud, Indrek Hagu
Summary: This paper introduces a data-driven model for characterizing and predicting heating demand in buildings connected to a District Heating network. The model utilizes various climatic variables, time factors, and data from smart meters to accurately forecast heat loads. With low computational cost and high accuracy, the model is suitable for deployment over large building datasets.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ajitanshu Vedrtnam, Santosh Kumar, Gonzalo Barluenga, Shashikant Chaturvedi
Summary: This study presents an efficient method for capturing real-time crack propagation in concrete structures using a modified spectral analysis based algorithm and finite element modeling (FEM). Crack propagation was successfully captured in cement-based composite (CBC) using a simple mobile phone camera under compressive loading. The combination of FE modeling and the developed algorithm can provide real-time inputs for early crack detection and preventive support and management of concrete structures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mikel Lumbreras, Gonzalo Diarce, Koldobika Martin-Escudero, Alvaro Campos-Celador, Pello Larrinaga
Summary: This paper presents a novel methodology for assessing the energy and economic feasibility of new district-heating networks in existing urban areas for the integration of industrial waste heat sources. The methodology utilizes geographic information systems and data analysis tools to provide optimal area choices and pipeline layouts, resulting in a payback period of around six years.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cynthia Guardia, Gonzalo Barluenga, Irene Palomar
Summary: Using microencapsulated paraffin wax Phase Change Materials (PCM) in cement-lime mortars with cellulose fibres and lightweight aggregates can enhance energy efficiency of buildings. This study evaluates the thermal performance and energy storage capacity of mortars with PCM, cellulose fibres, and lightweight aggregates under different thermal conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gonzalo Diarce, Ander Rojo, Laura Quant, Lourdes Bouzas, Ana Garcia-Romero
Summary: Xylitol possesses good thermophysical properties, including noticeable supercooling and low crystallization rate, which make it a suitable material for long-term heat storage applications. Stability test results showed that the thermal properties and structure of xylitol remained stable for 150 days at a temperature 10 degrees C above its melting point, with degradation observed at higher temperatures. The thermal endurance of xylitol is noticeably better than other sugar alcohols such as mannitol, dulcitol, erythritol, and inositol.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Andreas Konig-Haagen, Gonzalo Diarce
Summary: This study investigates enthalpy methods for solving solid/liquid phase change problems, and recommends two solvers for accurate results.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Irene Palomar, Gonzalo Barluenga
Summary: Noise pollution is a major concern in urban areas, prompting the need for enhanced acoustic insulation in building materials. This study investigated the acoustic performance of porous lime-cement mortars with various compositions, including fibers and lightweight aggregates. The results showed that mortars with lower density, lower vapor permeability, larger open porosity, and higher stiffness exhibited improved sound insulation. Lightweight aggregates significantly increased sound insulation compared to traditional sand, and the addition of cellulose fibers enhanced noise absorption. The study proposed a multiscale model for predicting acoustic performance based on key parameters such as paste thickness and pore connectivity.
Review
Ecology
Shashikant Chaturvedi, Ajitanshu Vedrtnam, Maged A. A. Youssef, Martin T. T. Palou, Gonzalo Barluenga, Kishor Kalauni
Summary: Fire accidents pose significant risks to human life and civil infrastructure. Different countries have established standards for evaluating the performance of construction elements in fire exposure. This article summarizes and compares the fire-resistance testing standards, emphasizing the need for timely updates to accommodate new materials, structural systems, and regional fire scenarios. The article also highlights research areas that require significant focus in experimental structural fire-resistant testing.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hugo Varela, Gonzalo Barluenga, Arnaud Perrot
Summary: 3D printing technology has provided new design and structural opportunities for cement-based systems in architectural construction. This study evaluates the impact of nanoclays and viscosity modifying admixtures on the rheological properties and extrusion of cement-based systems for 3D printing. The results show that the combination of certain additives improves extrusion and structural build-up, but requires larger amounts of water-reducing admixture.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hugo Varela, Gonzalo Barluenga, Javier Puentes, Irene Palomar, Angel Rodriguez
Summary: Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is widely used for various construction applications due to its energy efficiency. However, the high flowability of fresh SCC leads to increased lateral pressure on the formwork compared to conventional concrete. This study explores the use of nanocomponents, such as nanoclays and nanosilica, combined with viscosity modifying admixtures (VMAs) to reduce the maximum lateral pressure (P-max) in nanoengineered SCC (NE-SCC). The pressure exerted by NE-SCC on cylindrical columns under self-weight and air pressure was measured using wall and capillary pressure sensors. It was found that the addition of attapulgite and bentonite nanoclays with VMAs could effectively reduce P-max, and a predictive model for P-max and its evolution over time was proposed.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(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)
