Review
Construction & Building Technology
Darssni Ravichandran, Prabhat Ranjan Prem, Senthil Kumar Kaliyavaradhan, P. S. Ambily
Summary: This article provides a detailed review and analysis of the effect of fibers on the fresh and hardened properties of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC). The study examines the fiber-to-binder interaction mechanism, geometrical and strength properties of various types of fibers, as well as the impact of fiber dosage and geometry on workability, rheology, microstructure, compressive strength, tensile strength, and durability properties. The findings offer valuable insights for stakeholders in terms of potential applications, current challenges, and an overall summary of UHPC.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Wei -Chien Wang, Hoang Trung Hieu Duong, Chen -Hong Zhang
Summary: Recently, early-strength concrete has been widely used in high-rise buildings and rigid pavement maintenance due to its advantages in time and cost reduction, and construction efficiency. However, the mechanism of setting accelerators and hardening accelerators in the early age of cement hydration has not been clearly examined. This research investigated the influence of these admixtures on cement paste hydration and found that the combination of a setting accelerator and a hardening accelerator greatly improved the early compressive strength of the cement paste.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tesfaalem Gereziher Atsbha, Semion Zhutovsky
Summary: Even with the introduction of high-strength and high-performance concretes, normal strength concrete remains widely used in the construction industry. Curing concrete is a critical step and must be applied appropriately for any concrete structure to develop the desired mechanical and durability-related properties.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mei-Yu Xuan, Run-Sheng Lin, Tae-Beom Min, Xiao-Yong Wang
Summary: A large amount of eggshell waste is produced annually worldwide, and proper disposal is crucial for environmental pollution reduction and sustainable development. In this study, eggshell powder was added to cement, and its properties were evaluated under sealed and carbonation-curing conditions. The addition of eggshell powder had a dilution effect under sealed-curing conditions, causing a decrease in several properties. However, under carbonation-curing conditions, the addition of eggshell powder improved carbon capture capacity, increased compressive strength, and reduced strength loss.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xianhua Yao, Zhaowen Xu, Junfeng Guan, Lijun Liu, Linjian Shangguan, Junyi Xi
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility and impact of using high concentration wastewater as mixing water for concrete instead of potable water. The results showed that using wastewater reduced workability but had a positive effect on concrete compressive strength, durability, and pore structure. Recycling wastewater for concrete mixing is a viable and beneficial practice in terms of environmental protection, economy, and environmental benefits.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Andre Valente Monteiro, Arlindo Goncalves, Jean-Paul Balayssac, Marie-Pierre Yssorche-Cubaynes, Antonio Costa
Summary: This paper evaluates the effect of poor compaction on the properties of concrete in structures and proposes a new compaction indicator and correction factors for estimating the potential properties of concrete.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Harshit Varshney, Rizwan Ahmad Khan, Iqbal Khaleel Khan
Summary: Concrete production consumes a huge amount of water, impacting the environment. The effects of wastewater on the physical and chemical properties of concrete are significant.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hu Feng, Ahmed Jawad Shaukat, David Rin, Pu Zhang, Danying Gao, M. Neaz Sheikh
Summary: The incorporation of up to 30% fly ash significantly improved the ductility of the HDMPCC. The composite with 30% fly ash, W/B ratio of 0.14, and S/B ratio of 0.12 exhibited the highest strain corresponding to peak tensile stress at 0 degrees C. The ultimate tensile stress ranged from 0.41% to 2.22%, with the highest of about 1.28 MPa observed for HDMPCC specimens cured at low temperatures.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xu Yang, Xiao-Yong Wang
Summary: This study investigated the performance of specimens blended with different biochar contents and found that the addition of biochar decreases workability, compressive strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. It also increases chloride diffusivity and electrical resistivity, and impacts the formation of hydration products.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guanghao Yang, Qiuyi Li, Yuanxin Guo, Haibao Liu, Shidong Zheng, Mingxu Chen
Summary: The study demonstrates that pre-wetted recycled coarse aggregate can be used as internal curing material, improving the mechanical properties and durability of recycled aggregate concrete, especially with sustained increase in compressive strength after 28 days, and inhibiting internal humidity and early shrinkage.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mohamed Amin, Abdullah M. Zeyad, Bassam A. Tayeh, Ibrahim Saad Agwa
Summary: This study explores the impact of curing regimes for SC on NSC and HSC, as well as the effect of high temperatures on SC concrete. The study suggests three self-curing regimes based on compressive strength, durability, and performance under high temperatures. The combination of 2% PEG and 10% PCWA achieved the highest compressive strength, while a 3% PEG dose showed optimal durability properties. Coarse aggregate replacement with PCWA up to 25% helped mitigate the negative effects of high temperatures on concrete properties.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ahmed M. Tahwia, Ashraf M. Heniegal, Mohamed Abdellatief, Bassam A. Tayeh, Mohamed Abd Elrahman
Summary: This paper investigates the effects of waste glass on ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete (UHPGC). The study finds that the addition of waste glass improves the flowability but reduces the compressive strength of the concrete. Waste glass also contributes to the durability and thermal stability of the concrete after high temperature exposure.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Alaa M. Rashad
Summary: Natural aggregate is commonly used in mortar and concrete. However, in some places, it may not meet the construction demands in terms of quality or quantity, so alternative resources need to be sought. Steel slag, a by-product of steelmaking, has caused serious environmental problems and researchers have been studying methods to recycle it. This review summarizes studies on the use of steel slag as an aggregate in concrete and mortar, focusing on its effects on various properties. The findings are summarized and analyzed, including the effects on workability, strength, absorption, permeability, resistance to various factors, and methods to modify the properties of steel slag.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Wenkai Shen, Caijun Shi, Kamal Khayat, Qiang Yuan, Youhong Ji, Rong Zeng, Wei Li, Zuhua Zhang, Zheng Chen
Summary: This paper investigates the impact of long-distance pumping on the fresh properties of HSC, revealing that pumping results in increased yield stress, decreased initial tangential viscosity, and elimination of shear-thickening phenomenon. The longer the pumping distance, the more significant the effects.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tawsif Mohammad Hasan, Levi Gilbert, Srinivas Allena, Josiah Owusu-Danquah, Anthony Torres
Summary: This research developed six UHPC mixtures with high workability by optimizing the material proportions and admixture dosage. These mixtures exhibited good mechanical properties and durability.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Songsong Lian, Shaoqin Ruan, Shulin Zhan, Cise Unluer, Tao Meng, Kuangliang Qian
Summary: This study analyzed the impact of pore structures in recycled concrete on chloride permeability, proposed key pore parameters, and constructed a model for the chloride permeability of recycled concrete.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Chen, Yuying Zhang, Lei Wang, Shaoqin Ruan, Junfeng Chen, Huanyu Li, Jian Yang, Viktor Mechtcherine, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: This study introduces a new design of biochar-augmented concrete, which promotes cement hydration and enhances the strength of concrete by incorporating biochar as aggregate and supplementary cementitious materials. Life cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis demonstrate that biochar-augmented concrete can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and generate economic profit.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Minghao Dong, Shaoqin Ruan, Shulin Zhan, Siyi Shen, Guangcheng Sun, Xiaoqian Qian, Xiangming Zhou
Summary: This study finds that using red mud in autoclaved aerated concrete can reduce its radiation and environmental pollution. Although the introduction of red mud has some drawbacks, it can alleviate drying shrinkage and promote the formation of tobermorite.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lifeng Zhang, Xiaoqian Qian, Tianle Lin, Shaoqin Ruan, Dongming Yan, Kuangliang Qian
Summary: This study explains the early drying shrinkage of cement paste with different types/contents of minerals added and proposes a corresponding prediction model. The results show that early drying shrinkage is correlated with water loss in the capillary pores of the cement paste, rather than the mesopore content.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Lifeng Zhang, Gaohang Lin, Xiaoqian Qian, Dongming Yan, Kuangliang Qian, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: This study investigated the effects of nano-CaCO3 on early shrinkage and tensile properties of cement paste, finding that the addition of NC increased early total shrinkage but had different impacts on drying shrinkage. A quantitative relationship between rs and early drying shrinkage was established, along with a total shrinkage model for 1-day.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yufeng Song, Xiaoqian Qian, Dongming Yan, Cise Unluer, Yu Peng, Deyu Kong, Chuanlin Hu, Su Wang, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: In this study, different types and contents of seeds were introduced in reactive magnesia cement (RMC) systems. The results showed that seeded RMC samples exhibited accelerated hydration/carbonation, resulting in faster strength development. Among the seeds, magnesite performed the best due to its more homogenous microstructures. Further experiments confirmed the nucleation effects of seeds in RMC formulations, and it was found that seeds had a higher affinity for Mg2+ ions, making them effective accelerators for curing RMC-based concrete products on a large scale.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yufeng Song, Yi Zhang, Siyi Shen, Chenyu Pan, Dongming Yan, Zhiguang Wang, Su Wang, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effects of different Ca(OH)(2) contents on the mechanical performance and corrosion behaviors of steel in Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement. The results showed that appropriate addition of Ca(OH)(2) (approximately 6%) in CSA mortar had positive effects on strength, while excessive addition delayed the hydration reaction of CSA. Furthermore, the quantity of certain hydration phases such as Al(OH)(3) reduced with increased Ca(OH)(2) content, resulting from their reaction with Ca(OH)(2). The study also provided insights into the relationship between corrosion current density and mortar resistivity in the CSA/Ca(OH)(2) system.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yufeng Song, Minghao Dong, Zhiguang Wang, Xiaoqian Qian, Dongming Yan, Siyi Shen, Lifeng Zhang, Guangcheng Sun, Junying Lai, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: Red mud poses a severe threat to the environment and needs to be properly disposed of. When using red mud in autoclave aerated concrete (AAC), its low activity and small particle size negatively impact the workability and strength of AAC. Additionally, a higher amount of red mud results in worse pore structure and excessive content of tobermorite, leading to reduced strength. The optimal ratio of red mud to replace fly ash in AAC is 22.5%, and the overall performance of AAC with red mud can be greatly improved by using polycarboxylic acid or adjusting the water-solid ratio, meeting the standard requirements.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tao Meng, Haiying Yu, Yuxi Zhao, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: Based on Zhejiang Province, this study evaluates the CO2 emissions, environmental impacts, and energy consumption associated with the production of natural concrete, recycled concrete, and nano-SiO2 intensified recycled concrete. The results show that using concrete in a marine environment and using recycled aggregates can shorten the service life of concrete structures, but the addition of nano-SiO2 can extend it. The environmental impacts and carbon footprint of recycled concrete and nano-SiO2 intensified recycled concrete were significantly lower than those of natural concrete. Therefore, this pioneer study's strength and service life-oriented environmental assessment can promote the upcycling of construction waste in the concrete production field.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Chenyu Pan, Yufeng Song, Yuxi Zhao, Tao Meng, Yanlin Zhang, Ruohong Chen, Xiangming Zhou, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: This study investigates the impact of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) on the performances of reactive magnesia cement (RMC) formulations. The results suggest that RMC samples with carbonated RCA show the best 28-day strength and a faster strength gain, which is attributed to the refined microstructure.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Songsong Lian, Tao Meng, Yuxi Zhao, Zhicheng Liu, Xiangming Zhou, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: The diffusion behavior of chloride in recycled concrete was found to be different from that in normal concrete due to the high porosity of recycled aggregates. The maximum chloride concentration in the drying-wetting environment increased rapidly, but the decrease in the chloride diffusion coefficient was slower. The relationship between several parameters related to chloride diffusion was established, and a more sophisticated model considering key indexes was proposed.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Liyun Pu, Shaoqin Ruan, Chenyu Pan, Yufeng Song, Fangjun Zhou, Junying Lai, Kuangliang Qian, Qiang Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of carbonation degree on the strength and pore structures of reactive magnesia cement (RMC) concrete by pretreating recycled aggregates using the carbonation technique. The results show that a higher carbonation degree contributes to strength improvement by forming well-developed carbonates and reducing porosity. However, a lower water-to-cement ratio improves mechanical performance by refining pore structures. The correlation between carbonation degree and strength is weaker due to different types of hydrated magnesium carbonates formed. The study also demonstrates that CO2 diffusion in RMC samples occurs through interfacial transition zones (ITZs) rather than capillary pores.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Guangcheng Sun, Zhiguang Wang, Chengkun Yu, Xiaoqian Qian, Ruohong Chen, Xiangming Zhou, Yiwei Weng, Yufeng Song, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: The producibility of calcium sulphoaluminate cement-based foam concrete (CSA-FC) with nano-clay and industrial by-products through concrete extrusion was confirmed. The use of appropriate amounts of nano-clay and desulfurized gypsum improved the hydration acceleration and extrudability of samples. A suitable mix design of CSA-FC with satisfactory performance, low carbon footprint, and cost was proposed through the extrusion technology.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhiguang Wang, Liyun Pu, Yuchen Yao, Jie Yang, Liping Li, Jinrong Luo, Shengquan Zhu, Qiang Zeng, Shaoqin Ruan
Summary: This study investigated the use of hydrated magnesia carbonates as the binding material for the production of aerated concrete, and studied the impacts of material design on the properties of aerated concrete. The results showed that the selection of Ca/Mg ratio and water/binder ratio in raw materials directly determined the properties of the aerated concrete.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(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)