Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jialiang Wang, Xinyue Wang, Siqi Ding, Ashraf Ashour, Feng Yu, Xingjun Lv, Baoguo Han
Summary: The addition of nanofillers can optimize the pore structure of ultra-high performance cementitious composite (UHPCC). Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can significantly reduce the porosity of UHPCC, while nano-SiO2 is more conducive to refining the pore size. Nano-SiO2 has the most obvious effect on the pore structure, reducing the porosity, specific pore volume, and most probable pore radius of UHPCC by 31.9%, 35.1%, and 40.9%, respectively. Additionally, the addition of nanofillers can decrease the fluid permeability of UHPCC by 15.7%-79.2%.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yongcheng Ji, Yunfei Zou, Yulong Ma, Haoxiang Wang, Wei Li, Wenyuan Xu
Summary: This study examines the performance change patterns of different fiber cementitious materials under the influence of freeze-thaw action and fiber dosage. The results show that carbon fiber has the best frost resistance. ABAQUS finite element modeling is used to predict the strength of the fiber cement-based composite materials, and a numerical equation for bending strength is presented.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Guo Lu, Wei She, Xinxin Tong, Wenqiang Zuo, Yunsheng Zhang
Summary: This study systematically optimized the radiative properties of cementitious composites to achieve high solar reflectance and middle infrared emissivity, resulting in a significant temperature drop. Factors such as lighter surface color, smaller pore size, and TiO2 particle diameter contribute to higher reflectance in visible and near-infrared regions, enhancing the passive radiative cooling effect.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jialin Liu, Wei Jian, Denvid Lau
Summary: Research shows that the addition of boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) can enhance the shear performance and stability of concrete, indicating promising applications in 3D printed concrete.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Cong Lu, Jiajie Wang, Christopher K. Y. Leung, Yiming Yao, Bofan Yu
Summary: In this study, a micromechanics-based crack propagation model for ECC under bending load is developed to guide the design of flexural performance of ECC. The entire crack propagation process is simulated by considering the microstructure of ECC and the crack propagation criterion, and the simulated results agree well with experimental results. Insights from this model can facilitate the design of ECC members with excellent bending properties through fiber tailoring and surface treatment.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yading Xu, Erik Schlangen, Mladena Lukovic, Branko Savija
Summary: This research investigates the compressive behavior of auxetic cementitious cellular composites using experiments and finite element simulations. Results show that CCCs with chiral sections exhibit auxetic behavior, with a unique cracking initiated section rotation mechanism and re-entrant confinement zone under restrained boundary conditions. The unique properties of auxetic CCCs make them promising for various civil engineering applications.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junbo Sun, Yufei Wang, Kefei Li, Xupei Yao, Binrong Zhu, Jiaqing Wang, Qianqian Dong, Xiangyu Wang
Summary: Conductive fillers play an important role in the design of electrically conductive cementitious composites, and the chemical components of the fillers influence the strength and electrical resistance of the materials. This study investigates the interfacial properties of graphite particles, steel slags, and ground granulated blast furnace slag in the composites at the molecular level, and proposes a hybrid mixing design to balance the mechanical and conductive performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jialin Liu, Ning Hu, Cheuk Lun Chow, Denvid Lau
Summary: A classical molecular dynamics simulation was conducted to study the unfolding behavior of self-folded boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) in cementitious composites. The study revealed that the unfolding of BNNSs occurs at the weaker interlayer interface, as compared to the BNNS-tobermorite interface under tensile and shear deformation. The presence of mechanical interlocking and hydrogen bonds between BNNSs and tobermorite contributes to a robust interfacial interaction. The atomistic scale reinforcement of self-folded BNNSs improves the ductility of cementitious composites.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
S. H. Chu
Summary: Infilled cementitious composites (ICC) are a new type of fiber composite material with high sustainability and overall high performance. Research has shown that successful mix design of ICC involves optimization of fiber-particle packing, control of paste volume, and use of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) technology. Furthermore, testing has demonstrated the feasibility and superiority of ICC over traditional UHPC in terms of cost reduction, decreased CO2 emissions, and improved performance, positioning ICC as a milestone in the development of fiber reinforced concrete.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Yukyung Kim, Sanghyuck Lee, Hyeonseok Yoon
Summary: Polymers are currently competing with metals and ceramics for various material characteristics, but their organic composition makes them vulnerable to fire hazards. Developing fire-resistant or flame-retardant polymers is crucial, and introducing flame retardants and utilizing nanofillers are key strategies to enhance their fire performance.
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Praveenkumara Jagadeesh, Madhu Puttegowda, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Suchart Siengchin
Summary: Continuous generation of E-waste from petroleum-based products causes environmental issues. Biodegradable materials can alleviate this burden, but they lack certain properties. Current research focuses on enhancing biodegradable composites by introducing nanostructures.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Duo Zhang, Brian R. Ellis, Beata Jaworska, Wei-Hsiu Hu, Victor C. Li
Summary: The study demonstrates that ECC can sequester CO2 through carbonation curing while increasing the material's strength and ductility, which has potential environmental significance for precast construction elements.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zere Bekzhanova, Shazim Ali Memon, Jong Ryeol Kim
Summary: The review paper provides comprehensive information on self-sensing concrete, including its components, dispersion methods, mix design, recent progress, as well as self-sensing materials for smart composites, properties, measurement of self-sensing signal, and behavior under different loading conditions. Additionally, factors influencing the electrical resistance of self-sensitive concrete, such as dry-wet cycle, ice formation, freeze thaw cycle, and current frequency, are discussed in detail. Finally, emphasis is placed on the application of self-sensing technology in existing and new structures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aparna Guchait, Anubhav Saxena, Santanu Chattopadhyay, Titash Mondal
Summary: Nanofillers are widely used in technological innovations, especially in adhesive science and technology. They can tune the properties of adhesives and translate their functional benefits. The addition of nanofillers significantly improves the performance of adhesives.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lenka Klecandova, Damian S. S. Nakonieczny, Magda Reli, Grazyna Simha Martynkova
Summary: In this study, the antimicrobial and biocompatible properties of low-density polyethylene composites with 3 wt.% hybrid nanoclay filler were investigated. It was found that the antimicrobial activity was mainly related to the filler, where inorganic clay minerals were intercalated with organic chlorhexidine diacetate and subsequently decorated with Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite. Functional property testing showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and the biocompatibility prediction demonstrated the formation of Ca- and P-containing particles through an in vitro experiment, making it suitable for medical use.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yanming Liu, Shu Jian Chen, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil, Wenhui Duan
Summary: Microstructural characterization and reconstruction (MCR) is crucial for understanding the relationship between processing, structure, and properties in materials. This study proposes a framework that mimics quantum computing to enhance the speed of reconstructions, using a deep learning algorithm to calibrate parameters. This method enables material scientists to establish meaningful links between processing, structure, and properties through simulation and data-mining techniques.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Junlin Lin, Yanming Liu, Hao Sui, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil, Wenhui Duan
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the microstructure of cement reinforced with graphene oxide (GO)-silica using backscattered electron (BSE) images. The effects of GO on microstructural refinement are demonstrated, and deep learning is shown to be effective in extracting representative features. This provides a new pathway for characterizing nano-reinforced cement composites.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shu Jian Chen, Qianhui Zhang, Hoan D. Nguyen, Yizhen Ren, Yanming Liu, Wei Wang, Wenchao Gao, Jiawei Ren, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil, Wenhui Duan
Summary: A novel production scheme is proposed to neutralize the CO2 generated from natural gas-based hydrogen production by direct deposition of 2-dimensional carbon as a cement nanoadditive. This approach can significantly reduce carbon nanosheets costs and cement usage, leading to carbon-neutral hydrogen production.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hao Sui, Pengkun Hou, Yanming Liu, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil, Felipe Basquiroto de Souza, Wenhui Duan
Summary: The pore structure development and hydration process of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) were analyzed using a metal intrusion-enhanced imaging approach. It was found that the microstructural development of LC3 is initially inhomogeneous but becomes more uniform at later ages, leading to improved mechanical performance. LC3 exhibits more efficient particle packing, reducing the volume/connectivity of micro-pores and accounting for its notable flexural strength.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE CEMENT-BASED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Afifa Tamanna, Ezzatollah Shamsaei, Robert Urquhart, Hoan D. Nguyen, Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil, Wenhui Duan
Summary: This research developed an empirical model using gene expression programming (GEP) to predict residual solvent (alpha) in sprayed seal performance assessment. The model showed a good correspondence with experimental results and can save time and expenditure in laboratory testing.
ROAD MATERIALS AND PAVEMENT DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Gao, Yanming Liu, Ziyu Zhang, Hongwen Jing, Weiqiang Chen
Summary: Membrane separation technology, represented by the graphene kirigami (GK) membrane, plays a crucial role in natural gas processing due to its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and low energy consumption. The GK membrane demonstrated superior permeability and selectivity, achieving a separation rate of 4.1 x 106 GPU with nearly 100% selectivity for the permeating gases mixture over the non-permeating gas. Furthermore, the unique geometry of the GK structure enhances the membrane's efficiency by introducing a funnel-shaped adsorption channel.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuan Gao, Shuaijie Lu, Weiqiang Chen, Jinyuan Zhang, Chundi Feng, Yanming Liu
Summary: The thermal conductivity of graphene kirigami (GK) was investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. The degree of defects on GK has a significant impact on thermal conductivity, and reducing defects is the most effective method to decrease thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of zigzag-incised GK sheets changes at a high rate, while the heat transfer of armchair-incised GK sheets is more uniform. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of GK can be adjusted by stretching.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuaijie Lu, Yuan Gao, Weiqiang Chen, Jinyuan Zhang, Ziheng Wang, Jun Zhang, Yanming Liu
Summary: By using a selective tearing method, nano-incised graphene kirigami (STGK) membranes with ultra-high water permeability have been fabricated. The results show that periodic wrinkles can be generated on defective graphene through the selective tearing method, leading to the breakage of C-C bonds and the formation of nano-incisions. The desalination simulation demonstrates that the STGK membrane achieves a water permeability of 1197 L/m2/h/bar with 100% salt rejection, surpassing nanoporous graphene and current reverse osmosis membranes by 5.2-6.3 times and more than two orders of magnitude, respectively. This work is expected to inspire the development of next-generation separation and purification membranes.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yuan Gao, Hao Sui, Zixuan Yu, Jiangyu Wu, Weiqiang Chen, Yanming Liu
Summary: This study utilized industrial graphene oxide (GO) and fly ash (FA) to create a high-performance, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly material for backfill. The GO-FA hybrid significantly improved the microstructural matrix of hydrated cement, leading to a significantly reinforced compressive strength of the CWRB specimens. Compared to traditional backfill materials, the addition of 0.008 wt% industrial GO assisted FA in reducing cement consumption by over 20% and improving engineering properties by 2.6-53.6% at the same time.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jia Wang, Wen Li, Wenzhong Huang, Yuan Gao, Yanming Liu, Qian Hui Teng, Qi Zhao, Mingting Chen, Yuming Guo, Wei Ma
Summary: This study investigates the association between ambient PM2.5 exposure and tuberculosis (TB) incidence in China, and whether temperature modifies this association. The results show a J-shaped relationship between PM2.5 and TB at the national level, with higher PM2.5 concentrations associated with increased TB risk. However, no significant modifying effects of temperature were found. Approximately 20% of TB cases in the study cities were attributed to PM2.5 exposure.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuan Gao, Wenzhong Huang, Rongbin Xu, Danijela Gasevic, Yanming Liu, Wenhua Yu, Pei Yu, Xu Yue, Guowei Zhou, Yan Zhang, Hong Liu, Jiangning Song, Yuming Guo, Shanshan Li
Summary: Using data from the UK Biobank cohort, this study explored the associations between long-term exposure to wildfire-related PM2.5 and mortality. The results showed a slight positive correlation between a 10 μg/m3 increase in wildfire-related PM2.5 exposure and all-cause mortality, nonaccidental mortality, and neoplasm mortality. However, no significant associations were observed between wildfire-related PM2.5 exposure and mortality from cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental diseases. Targeted health protection strategies should be implemented to reduce the risk of premature mortality caused by wildfire-related PM2.5 exposure.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhangjianing Cheng, Yanming Liu, Jiangyu Wu, Xiaonong Guo, Weiqiang Chen, Yuan Gao
Summary: Graphene oxide (GO) offers a new approach to reduce carbon footprint in the construction industry and improve cementitious composites. However, the limited dispersion of GO has hindered its practical application. In this study, a coating method was used to successfully disperse GO on fly ash particles, resulting in improved workability, mechanical strength, and impermeability of the modified cementitious slurry.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yuan Gao, Guangzhi Li, Weiqiang Chen, Xinshuai Shi, Chen Gong, Qiuhu Shao, Yanming Liu
Summary: In this study, graphene oxide (GO) coated fly ash was used to enhance the dynamic tensile behavior of cement-based matrixes, resulting in high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly cementitious composites. The test results showed that the GO-coated fly ash significantly improved the dynamic tensile properties of the cementitious composites. GO nanosheets accelerated the cement hydration process and improved the chemical composition of hydration products, leading to macroscopic nucleation and crack-bridging effects on the cement matrixes, thereby enhancing the tensile resistance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pei Yu, Rongbin Xu, Zhengyu Yang, Tingting Ye, Yanming Liu, Shanshan Li, Michael J. Abramson, Michael Kimlin, Yuming Guo
Summary: Controlling modifiable risk factors is crucial for reducing cancer burden, but climate change widens the cancer inequities. Government actions are necessary to address this issue.
ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU
(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)