Article
Construction & Building Technology
Nadia Bentlemsan, Walid Yahiaoui, Said Kenai
Summary: The excessive use of natural resources is caused by the increasing demand for infrastructure, while the marble industry produces a significant amount of waste that can be recycled. This research investigates the effects of substituting natural sand with marble waste on the properties of self-compacting mortar (SCM) and its durability against sulfate attack. The results show that up to 50% substitution of natural sand by marble waste can improve workability, strength, and durability of the mortar.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Zakaria Skender, Abderrahim Bali, Ratiba Kettab
Summary: This study investigates the use of limestone fines as a replacement material in self-compacting concrete, showing that up to 20% substitution can lead to improved properties in fresh state. Results also indicate enhancements in compressive strength and reduction in water and chloride-ion diffusion at 15% sand replacement, while improvements in compressive strength and chloride ions diffusion were noted at 5% cement replacement.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zengfeng Zhao, Jianzhuang Xiao, Zhenhua Duan, Julien Hubert, Sophie Grigoletto, Luc Courard
Summary: This paper investigates the feasibility of using recycled sand from crushed brick in self-compacting mortar. The results show that partial substitution of crushed limestone sand with recycled sand can reduce the compressive strength of the mortar, but it still falls within the European standard requirements. In addition, the incorporation of recycled sand also improves the resistance to chloride diffusion of the mortar.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zengfeng Zhao, Adele Grellier, Mohamed El Karim Bouarroudj, Frederic Michel, David Bulteel, Luc Courard
Summary: The study investigated the feasibility of using waste brick powder (WBP) in the manufacture of self-compacting mortar. It was found that WBP-mortars showed higher rheological properties than WBP-free mortars, and the compressive strength of WBP-mortars was equivalent to reference mortars after 28 days. The substitution of limestone filler by WBP did not seem to significantly impact the durability behavior of mortars.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zengqing Sun, Qingyu Tang, Xiaohui Fan, Min Gan, Xuling Chen, Zhiyun Ji, Xiaoxian Huang
Summary: This article critically reviews recent progress in self-compacting alkali-activated materials (SCAAMs), including mixture proportions, properties, mechanical strength, and more. The study normalizes data to facilitate direct comparison and explores the correlation between different materials. The article also highlights current research challenges and future perspectives.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Song Yang, Jingbin Zhang, Xuehui An, Bing Qi, Wenqiang Li, Dejian Shen, Pengfei Li, Miao Lv
Summary: The study investigated the impact of different types of sand on the rheological properties of self-compacting mortar. Through testing and analysis, shape-weight parameters were defined to quantify the compound effects of sand type on mortar rheology. Regression analysis demonstrated a linear correlation between particle shape-weight parameters and rheological properties, allowing for the prediction of mortar properties based on sand type.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Daniyar Akhmetov, Sungat Akhazhanov, Ainur Jetpisbayeva, Yuri Pukharenko, Yelena Root, Yelbek Utepov, Akbulat Akhmetov
Summary: The study shows that dispersed reinforcement with fibers can significantly improve the physical and technical properties of SCC, especially in terms of flexural strength and shrinkage deformations. The use of low-modulus fibers in production enhances the characteristics of SCC, and practical recommendations can help determine the optimal fiber size and quantity.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Suiwei Pan, Anqi Ren, Yongli Peng, Min Wu, Wanguo Dong, Chunlin Liu, Depeng Chen
Summary: This study focuses on the workability and compressive strength of ceramsite self-compacting concrete with fine aggregate partially substituted by steel slag sand. The experiment results indicate that CSLSCC with 20% VPS performs better workability, higher strength, and higher specific strength.
JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hassan Abdolpour, Pawel Niewiadomski, Lukasz Sadowski, Agnieszka Chowaniec
Summary: The novelty of this study lies in investigating the impact of partially replacing cement with waste catalysts from the petrochemical industry on the properties of environmentally-friendly self-compacting ultra-high performance mortar. In-depth analysis and discussion revealed that the addition of spent catalysts reduced the rheology of the mortar, increased its mechanical strength, decreased porosity, and positively influenced cement hydration.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sihem Hammat, Belkacem Menadi, Said Kenai, Carlos Thomas, Mehmet Serkan Kirgiz, Andre Gustavo de Sousa Galdino
Summary: Mineral admixtures such as natural pozzolana can impact the rheological properties, compressive strength, shrinkage characteristics, and water absorption of self-compacting mortar. The fineness and content of natural pozzolana play a crucial role in these effects, with higher replacement levels and finer particles affecting the performance of the mortar.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Boyuan Cheng, Liu Mei, Wu-Jian Long, Shicong Kou, Lixiao Li, Songyuan Geng
Summary: This study introduces a novel approach by utilizing a random forest algorithm to predict the rheology, workability, and mechanical properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). The models exhibit high accuracy and provide valuable insights for designing SCC mixtures tailored to specific requirements. The findings contribute to the advancement of SCC technology and have significant implications for the construction industry.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jingjun Li, Delin Tan, Xinan Zhang, Chaojun Wan, Gang Xue
Summary: A new mixture design method based on the rheology and strength of mortar was proposed to predict the workability and strength of Self-compacting Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (SCLC).
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Changwei Qu, Yongjun Qin, Ling Luo, Liangliang Zhang
Summary: This study aims to reduce the consumption of natural sand and improve the utilization rate of desert sand in western China. By replacing natural sand with desert sand and mixing it with different ratios and steel fiber, the mechanical properties and microstructures of the samples were tested. The study found that a 40% substitution rate of desert sand has good comprehensive properties, with improved tensile strength and deformation properties. The optimized group with 1.5% steel fiber content achieved a compressive strength of 58.7 MPa. The study provides reference for engineers using desert sand in their designs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sunbo Zheng, Jiajian Chen, Wenxue Wang
Summary: Manufactured sand is an effective solution to the shortage of natural sand in the construction industry. This study investigates the influence of high fines content on the durability of high-strength manufactured sand concrete using granite and limestone manufactured sand, and analyzes the mechanism behind it through macro and micro tests. The findings indicate that the carbonation depth of manufactured sand concrete is minimized when the fines content is 10%. Additionally, a fines content of less than 15% effectively improves the chloride and sulfate impermeability of the concrete. It is observed through tests that the filling effect of fines is the primary reason for improving concrete durability, while excessive fines hinder cement hydration and adversely affect durability. Therefore, the fines content of high-strength manufactured sand concrete should be controlled within the range of 5% to 15%, with the optimal durability achieved at a fines content of 10%.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Farshad Zahedi, Mehdi Dehestani
Summary: This research investigated the mechanical properties of mortar under high temperatures by conducting various mix designs and exposing them to different temperature levels. Through extensive tests, optimal water to cementitious material ratios and material percentages were determined for different target temperatures, providing valuable insights into the behavior of mortar under extreme heat conditions.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Salem Merabti, Said Kenai, Rafik Belarbi, Jamal Khatib
Summary: This paper investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of cement composites with waste cork under different curing conditions, and also studies the effect of including granulated blast furnace slag on these composites. The results show that the strength of cork cement composite is adequate and meets the standards requirements for heat insulation elements.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hasan Biricik, Mehmet Serkan Kirgiz, Andre Gustavo de Sousa Galdino, Said Kenai, Jahangir Mirza, John Kinuthia, Ahmed Ashteyat, Anwar Khitab, Jamal Khatib
Summary: Increasing water curing temperature significantly reduces capillary water sorption; capillarity coefficient remains stable across different Blaine fineness of GGBFS; variation in Blaine fineness of GGBFS affects the unit weight and water sorption properties of GPMs.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mehmet Serkan Kirgiz, Andre Gustavo de Sousa Galdino, John Kinuthia, Anwar Khitab, Muhammad Irfan Ul Hassan, Jamal Khatib, Hesham El Naggar, Carlos Thomas, Jahangir Mirza, Said Kenai, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Moncef Nehdi, Muhammad Syarif, Ahmed Ashteyat, Ravindran Gobinath, Ahmed Soliman, Trinity A. Tagbor, Manoj A. Kumbhalkar, Naraindas Bheel, Chandra Sekhar Tiwary
Summary: The use of carbon flake and colloid carbon flake has shown significant progress in improving the physical and mechanical properties of construction materials, leading to accelerated setting time of plaster and increased compressive stress of grouts. This novel material has potential applications in the construction industry.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Syarif, Mehmet Serkan Kirgiz, Andre Gustavo de Sousa Galdino, M. Hesham El Naggar, Jahangir Mirza, Jamal Khatib, Said Kenai, Moncef Nehdi, John Kinuthia, Anwar Khitab, Carlos Thomas, Ravindran Gobinath, Muhammad Irfan Ul Hassan, Yan Kai Wu, Ahmed Ashteyat, Ahmed Soliman, Khairunisa Muthusamy, Thaarrini Janardhanan, Trinity Ama Tagbor, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Naraindas Bheel, Manoj A. Kumbhalkar, Chandra Sekhar Tiwary
Summary: The study showed that NC cement has the potential to be an alternative for producing greener concrete, with chemical composition and physical properties comparable to traditional Portland cement.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Sihem Hammat, Belkacem Menadi, Said Kenai, Carlos Thomas, Mehmet Serkan Kirgiz, Andre Gustavo de Sousa Galdino
Summary: Mineral admixtures such as natural pozzolana can impact the rheological properties, compressive strength, shrinkage characteristics, and water absorption of self-compacting mortar. The fineness and content of natural pozzolana play a crucial role in these effects, with higher replacement levels and finer particles affecting the performance of the mortar.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Boukhelkhal Aboubakeur, Kenai Said
Summary: This study investigates the effects of using marble powder as a substitution for ordinary Portland cement on self-compacting concrete. The results show that adding marble powder can improve the fresh properties of concrete, but it may decrease the compressive strength. An appropriate level of marble powder substitution can produce eco-efficient self-compacting concrete with high fluidity and acceptable strength.
FRATTURA ED INTEGRITA STRUTTURALE-FRACTURE AND STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Samir Benimam, Mohamed Bentchikou, Farid Debieb, Said Kenai, Mohamed Guendouz
Summary: The study found that using plastic waste corrugated fibers can improve the tensile strength of mortar, while the water absorption and density rate are lower than that of ordinary mortar.
ADVANCES IN CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Siham Hammat, Belkacem Menadi, Said Kenai, Jamal Khatib, El-Hadj Kadri
Summary: The study investigated the performance of Self-Compacting Mortars (SCM) containing ground granulated blast furnace Slag (S) of varying fineness. Results indicated that higher slag content and fineness reduced plastic viscosity and yield stress, while increasing shrinkage properties.
CIVIL ENGINEERING JOURNAL-TEHRAN
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Jad Bawab, Jamal Khatib, Said Kenai, Mohammed Sonebi
Summary: This paper reviews the use of MSWI-BA as aggregates in cementitious materials, highlighting its differences from natural aggregates and treatment methods. Although replacing natural aggregates with MSWI-BA in cementitious materials decreases workability, density, and strength, they can be treated to ensure suitable quality for construction purposes. Further research, especially on durability, is required before MSWI-BA can be efficiently used in the production of sustainable cementitious materials.
Article
Engineering, Civil
A. Jahami, Y. Temsah, J. Khatib, O. Baalbaki, S. Kenai
Summary: This study numerically investigated the effect of using CFRP as a strengthening technique for RC beams subjected to blast loading, including flexural and shear strengthening. The results showed that using CFRP on the bottom tensile face of RC beams helps absorb blast energy and reduces tensile strain in beam reinforcements.
MAGAZINE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mahmoud Serraye, Said Kenai, Bakhta Boukhatem
Summary: Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a modern type of concrete with high workability and cement replacement materials. This study successfully developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the compressive strength of SCC with silica fume, achieving high accuracy and practicality.
CIVIL ENGINEERING JOURNAL-TEHRAN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
El-Hadj Meziane, Said Kenai, Bensaid Boulekbache, Abdelkader Bougara
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING STRUCTURES
(2020)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Debbih Amina, Kenai Said, Kaci Abdelhak, Kadri El Hadj, Mehmet Serkan Kirgiz
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. Kenai, M. Rezagui, W. Yahiaoui, B. Menadi, S. Kenai
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
W. Benhaoua, K. Grine, S. Kenai
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Diego J. De Souza, Leandro F. M. Sanchez, Juarez Hoppe Filho, Marcelo H. F. Medeiros
Summary: This paper evaluates the physical and chemical properties of mortar mixtures with different binders and exposed to different sulphate solutions. A theoretical approach to describe the susceptibility of cementitious mixtures against sulphate attack is proposed. The results show that the amount of portlandite and the potential of ettringite formation are well correlated with the expansion and damage caused by sulphate attack.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yu Chen, Hossein Rahmani, Erik Schlangen, Og uzhan Copurog
Summary: This study presents a method to accelerate the production of limestone-calcined clay-based cementitious materials using Ca(NO3)2 solution in 3D printing, and investigates the effects of adding Ca(NO3)2 solution on the material's properties. The results show that adding Ca(NO3)2 solution can improve buildability, accelerate initial setting, and increase compressive strength.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jing Xu, Xianzhi Wang, Wu Yao, Qing Chen, Hehua Zhu, Surendra P. Shah
Summary: Concrete cracks in marine engineering are caused by the hostile seawater environment, leading to serious deterioration of infrastructures. Microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an effective and environmentally friendly approach for self-healing of concrete cracks. However, the formation and structure of MICP products for crack healing in seawater are still unclear, which hinders the application of MICP in marine structures.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhenbo Wang, Peng Sun, Yurun Fan, Yudong Han, Yudong Hu
Summary: This study investigates the potential use of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) with strain-hardening and self-healing characteristics as a cover material in wet coral sand exposure. The results show that ECCs can effectively close cracks, reduce water permeability, and restore the load-carrying capacity of structures. Additionally, lower strain levels are associated with decreased rebar corrosion.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhengxian Yang, Xiaoli Xiong, Kang Li, Bruno Briseghella, Giuseppe Carlo Marano, Shanghong Chen
Summary: This study investigates the long-term volume stability and strength development of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) containing high-volume steel slag (SS). It is found that the strength of ECC with SS starts to decline after 90 days, while the decline is more significant compared to the matrix. The expansion of SS reduces the fracture toughness of the matrix, leading to an increase in toughness and ductility of the ECC. The introduction of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and PVA fibers can reduce the volume expansion and strength loss caused by SS expansion.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bin Xi, Zhewen Huang, Salam Al-Obaidi, Liberato Ferrara
Summary: This study investigates the self-healing capabilities of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) under the combined influence of mechanical and environmental factors. The results reveal that UHPC with narrow cracks exhibits a higher degree of self-healing, especially when exposed to tap water. Furthermore, prolonged exposure mitigates the inhibitory effect of aggressive ions on self-healing.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhichao Xu, Huayang Sun, Yanlin Huo, Minjie Jia, Zhitao Chen, Yingzi Yang
Summary: In this study, MXene was used to modify the surface of polyethylene fiber, improving the interfacial properties and tensile properties of strain hardening cementitious composites. The MXene-coated fiber showed increased tensile stress and strain, reduced crack width and spacing, and enhanced frictional bond strength between the fiber and matrix.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bao Lu, Yeqiang Zhou, Lei Jiang, Zhensen Liu, Guihua Hou
Summary: This study investigated the leaching rate of Ca2+ from magnesium slag (MS) and developed a leaching-carbonation method to convert MS into high-purity vaterite and supplementary cementitious materials. The wet carbonation process with glycine as a crystal modifier successfully produced spherical vaterite with high purity and surface area. The leachate solid residue (LSR) obtained from the leaching process of MS showed a smaller size destruction and higher surface area compared to Portland cement, leading to accelerated hydration process and improved compressive strength and pore structure development. This work provides a novel treatment method for MS and enables its high value-added utilization.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Gustavo Henrique Nalon, Jose Carlos Lopes Ribeiro, Leonardo Goncalves Pedroti, Roberto Marcio da Silva, Eduardo Nery Duarte de Araujo, Gustavo Emilio Soares de Lima
Summary: The mechanical behavior of mortar joints is crucial for masonry's structural performance. This study investigated the effects of different lime/cement ratios and carbon black nanoparticles content on the properties of mortars. The results showed that increasing lime content decreased mortar strength but increased self-sensing properties at the end of the percolation zone.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yifei Wang, Lei Lei, Caijun Shi
Summary: The effects of DEIPA and EDIPA at dosages of 0.02% and 0.05% on the hydration and strength development of cement-fly ash-limestone ternary blend were investigated. It was found that both dosages of DEIPA and EDIPA promote the chemical effect of limestone and the hydration of aluminates from cement and fly ash. The hydration of silicates was accelerated by 0.02% of DEIPA or EDIPA but delayed by 0.05% due to excessive aluminates hydration. DEIPA and EDIPA also refine the pore structure and increase compressive strength of the blend mortar.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Du Pan, Ditao Niu, Zongjin Li
Summary: A thick-walled cylinder model was developed in this study to analyze the cracking behavior of seawater sea-sand concrete (SSC) cover. Damage variables were introduced to determine the extent of damage for each cracked ring, and a predictive model for the cracking time of SSC cover was established. The accuracy of the model was verified using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jiangyu Wu, Hong S. Wong, Hao Zhang, Qian Yin, Hongwen Jing, Dan Ma
Summary: This study explores a method of strengthening cemented rockfill by using well-graded gangue and partially replacing Portland cement with fly ash and a premixed low-alkalinity activator. The research investigated the effects of activator dosage and curing time on the mechanical properties, composition, and microstructure of cemented rockfill. Results show improved performance with low cement content and the use of a low-cost activator. The addition of premixed activator to fly ash enhanced the formation of specific minerals and caused densification of the microstructure. The study reveals an effective and low-cost method for recycling mining wastes and reducing cement.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Juntao Dang, Xiaosong Tang, Jianzhuang Xiao, Aihong Han
Summary: This study proposes a solution to improve the fresh stability and thermal insulation of alkali-activated foamed concrete by adding recycled brick powder. The study investigates the effects of activator modulus and Na2O concentration on the properties of alkali-activated foamed concrete with different bases. The presence of alkaline activator negatively affects the foamability and foam stability, but adjusting the activator concentration can achieve shorter initial setting time and higher fluidity loss. In addition, the increased activator concentration resulted in changes in the pore structure of the foamed concrete.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jiandong Zuo, Bo Wu, Biqin Dong, Feng Xing, Jun Ma, Guanqi Wei
Summary: Nitrite ion intercalated Ca-Al and Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were successfully synthesized using two modified methods. The Ca-Al LDH synthesized by hydrothermal method (H-C-LDH) exhibited the best properties. The intercalated LDHs improved the mechanical properties, chloride penetration resistance, and permeability resistance of cement mortars without affecting the fluidity. Additionally, the intercalated LDHs provided better corrosion resistance.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Jingbin Yang, Zhenping Sun, Nele De Belie, Didier Snoeck
Summary: This review paper provides an overview of internal curing mechanism, common internal curing agents, and the most promising agent-superabsorbent polymers in alkali-activated materials (AAM) systems. The introduction of voids by internal curing agents typically has a negative impact on mechanical properties, but continuous water release during internal curing counteracts this effect by promoting hydration. While the effect of internal curing in reducing autogenous shrinkage of AAM systems has been well-established, the impact on drying shrinkage varies widely in different studies.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)