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Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction

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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2024) | Viewed by 7904

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jiaxiang Lin

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Guest Editor

School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: sustainable, high-performance and multifunctional cementitious composites; fiber-reinforced concrete materials and structures; experimental methods for civil engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Karolos Kontoleon

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Building Construction & Building Physics, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.), University Campus, Gr-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: building construction; building physics; heat transfer; thermal inertia; energy efficiency of buildings; fire safety of buildings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Zhanbiao Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: high-performance concrete; fatigue and fracture; experimental mechanics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The construction industry is at a pivotal juncture, facing the dual challenges of ensuring sustainability and meeting the increasing demands for higher-performance materials. Cementitious composites, as the backbone of construction, are evolving to address these challenges. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in sustainable, high-performance, and multifunctional cementitious composites, highlighting their potential to revolutionize construction practices and contribute to more resilient, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly structures.

We invite contributions that explore innovative approaches in the design, formulation, and application of cementitious composites. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

Sustainable materials and practices: research on the use of alternative, recycled, and bio-based materials in cementitious composites. Studies on reducing carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting circular economy principles in the construction sector are particularly welcome.

Advanced performance: investigations into the mechanical, durability, and functional properties of cementitious composites. These aspects include enhanced strength, self-healing capabilities, and resistance to environmental stressors such as chemicals, temperature fluctuations, and moisture.

Multifunctionality: development of cementitious composites with additional functionalities, such as thermal insulation, electromagnetic shielding, and photocatalytic activity for pollution mitigation. Contributions on smart composites capable of sensing, self-diagnosing, and responding to environmental changes are highly encouraged.

Innovative design and fabrication techniques: papers on novel manufacturing processes, including 3D printing and digital fabrication, that enable the production of complex geometries and optimized material distribution for improved performance and sustainability.

Case studies and applications: real-world applications demonstrating the benefits and challenges of implementing sustainable, high-performance, and multifunctional cementitious composites in construction projects.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue among researchers, engineers, architects, and industry professionals. Our goal is to highlight emerging trends, identify research gaps, and suggest future directions for the development of cementitious composites that meet the demands of modern construction while adhering to the principles of sustainability.

Dr. Jiaxiang Lin
Dr. Karolos Kontoleon
Dr. Zhanbiao Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainable concrete
high-performance composites
self-healing concrete
green construction materials
concrete recycling
3D printed concrete
smart concrete technologies
nanocomposites in concrete
energy-efficient materials
photocatalytic concrete

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 11862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of the Bond Performance at the Interface between Engineered Geopolymer Composites and Existing Concrete

by Zhibin Li, Jiaqi Tan, Ji Ouyang, Yongxin Yu, Shibin Li, Taoxin Lin, Runan Liu and Wen Li

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1819; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061819 - 15 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 590

Abstract

Engineered geopolymer composite (EGC) exhibits ultra-high toughness, excellent crack control capability, and superior durability, making it highly promising for applications in bridge connecting slabs, wet joints of prefabricated components, and concrete structure reinforcement. However, the bond performance and failure mechanisms at the interface between EGC and existing concrete remain unclear. To elucidate the bond performance of EGC to existing concrete, direct shear tests were conducted on 15 sets of EGC–existing concrete bond specimens. This study explored the effects of existing concrete strength, interface roughness, and EGC strength on the bond performance and mechanisms. Additionally, a direct shear bond mechanical model was established to predict the interface bond strength. The results indicate that, with comparable compressive strength, the preparation of EGC can reduce the total carbon emissions by up to 127% compared to ECC. The failure mode of EGC-existing concrete bond specimens was mainly adhesive failure (except for specimen C30-III-G95), which can be categorized into serrated interfacial failure and alternating crack paths. The change in interface roughness was the primary factor leading to the transition between failure paths. The changes in interface roughness and EGC strength significantly influenced the bond performance. Under their combined effect, the interface bond strength of specimen C50-III-G95 increased by 345% compared to C50-I-G45. In contrast, the improvement in existing concrete strength had a relatively smaller effect on the increase in interface bond strength. Based on the experimental results and the bonding mechanism under direct shear stress, a direct shear bond mechanical model correlating existing concrete strength, interface roughness, and EGC strength was established. The model predictions showed good consistency with the experimental results. This study provides theoretical support and experimental data for the engineering application of EGC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction)

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23 pages, 11127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Axial Impact Resistance of High-Strength Engineering Geopolymer Composites: Effect of Polyethylene Fiber Content and Strain Rate

by Yu Ling, Xiafei Zhang, Weiyu Zou, Chang Feng, Huaming Lai, Jialin Yang and Beixin Xie

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051438 - 16 May 2024

Viewed by 875

Abstract

High-strength engineered geopolymer composite (EGC) materials exhibit excellent mechanical properties under quasistatic loading, thus showing great potential in military and civilian facilities subjected to impact or explosive loading. However, its dynamic mechanical response under high-speed loading is not fully understood. In this study, dynamic compressive test was performed on EGC with PE fiber contents of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) test. The results indicated that EGC reinforced with 1.5% fiber exhibited optimal static and dynamic mechanical performance. In the strain rate range of 181 s⁻¹ to 201 s⁻¹, when the fiber content increased from 1.0% to 1.5% and 2.0%, the dynamic compressive strength of the EGC increased by 24.3%, 28.8%, and 44.0%, respectively, compared to the matrix without fiber. Dynamic parameters of the EGC, including dynamic compressive strength, dynamic increase factor, and impact toughness, showed sensitivity to strain rates and increased with strain rate. A modified model, incorporating the fiber bridging effect, was proposed based on the CEB-FIP model, providing important guidance for practical engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction)

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17 pages, 50597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compressive and Tensile Behavior of High-Ductility Alkali-Activated Composites with Polyethylene Terephthalate Powder

by Fei Meng, Shen Luo, Jingxian Sun, Cheng Zhang, Leilei Xu, Yankun Du, Junfeng Zeng and Yongchang Guo

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051399 - 13 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1025

Abstract

Researchers have been engaged in the study of high-ductility concrete (HDC) due to its excellent ductility and cracking control ability. This study combines the concepts of HDC and alkali-activated composites (AAC) to develop high-ductility alkali-activated composites (HDAAC) using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) powder. Experimental investigations were conducted to assess the compressive and tensile properties of HDAAC, focusing on the impact of varying PET powder content (0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%) and fly ash/slag ratios (FA/GGBS, 6:4, 7:3, and 8:2). The results indicated that the compressive strength of HDAAC ranged from approximately 30 MPa to about 100 MPa, with the specimens maintaining good integrity after axial compression failure due to the bridging action of PE fibers. The replacement of quartz powder (QP) with PET powder slightly decreased the compressive strength and elastic modulus of HDAAC, albeit mitigating its brittleness under compression. An increase in GGBS content enhanced the compressive strength and elastic modulus of HDAAC due to the increased formation of the C-A-S-H reaction products, leading to reduced porosity and a denser microstructure. Under axial tension, HDAAC exhibited typical multiple-cracking behavior with significant pseudo-strain hardening. Increases in the PET content and FA/GGBS ratio resulted in finer cracks, indicating excellent crack control and deformation capabilities. The initial cracking strength, tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strain ranged from 3.0 MPa to 4.6 MPa, 4.2 MPa to 8.2 MPa, and 4.1% to 7.2%, respectively. Despite a decrease in the initial cracking strength and tensile strength with higher PET content, the ultimate tensile strain of HDAAC slightly increased. Observations under a scanning electron microscope revealed a distinct interfacial transition zone near the PET powder, leading to poor bonding with the alkali-activated matrix. In contrast, QP dissolved on the surface in highly alkaline environments, forming better interface properties. These variations in interface properties can be used to interpret the variations in the mechanical performance of HDAAC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction)

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21 pages, 6837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sustainable Steel-GFRP Composite Bars Reinforced Concrete Structure: Investigation of the Bonding Performance

by Guoliang Huang, Ji Shi, Wenzhuo Lian, Linbo Hong, Shuzhuo Zhi, Jialing Yang, Caiyan Lin, Junhong Zhou and Shuhua Xiao

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051249 - 28 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1155

Abstract

Steel-fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bars (SFCBs) can enhance the controllability of damage in concrete structures; thus, studying the interfacial bonding between them is fundamental and a prerequisite for achieving deformation coordination and collaboration. However, research on the interfacial bonding performance between SFCBs and concrete remains inadequate. This study conducted central pullout tests on SFCB-concrete specimens with different concrete strengths (C30, C50, and C70), bar diameters (12, 16 and 20 mm), and hoop reinforcement constraints, analyzing variations in failure modes, bond-slip curves, bond strength, etc. Additionally, finite element simulations were performed using ABAQUS software to further validate the bonding mechanism of SFCB-concrete. The results showed that the failure mode of the specimens was related to the confinement effect on the bars. Insufficient concrete cover and lack of hoop restraint led to splitting failure, whereas pullout failure occurred otherwise. For the specimens with pullout failure, the interfacial damage between the SFCB and concrete was mainly caused by the surface fibers wear of the bar and the shear of the concrete lugs, which indicated that the bond of the SFCB-concrete interface consisted mainly of mechanical interlocking forces. In addition, the variation of concrete strength as well as bar diameter did not affect the bond-slip relationship of SFCB-concrete. However, the bond strength of SFCB-concrete increased with the increase of concrete strength. For example, compared with C30 concrete, when the concrete strength was increased to C70, the bond strength of the specimens under the same conditions was increased to 50–101.6%. In contrast, the bond strength of the specimens decreased by 13.29–28.71% when the bar diameter was increased from 12 to 14 mm. These discoveries serve as valuable references for the implementation of sustainable SFCB-reinforced concrete structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction)

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22 pages, 13346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compressive Behaviors of High-Strength Geopolymeric Concretes: The Role of Recycled Fine Aggregate

by Huaicheng Zhong, Huanchang Fu, Yuan Feng, Liming Li, Baifa Zhang, Zhanbiao Chen, Zhongyu Lu and Jianhe Xie

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041097 - 15 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1005

Abstract

In this study, natural fine aggregates (NFAs) in high-strength fly ash (FA)/ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based geopolymer concretes were both partially and completely replaced by RFAs to prepare geopolymer recycled fine aggregate concrete (GRFC). Herein, the impacts of RFA content (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) on the fresh and hardened performance and microstructural characteristics of a GRFC were investigated. The results indicated that with increasing RFA substitution ratio, the setting time of the GRFC decreases. In addition, the compressive strength and elastic modulus decrease. However, owing to the enhanced adhesion of the geopolymer matrix and recycled aggregate, RFA has a relatively small impact on the compressive strength, with a maximum strength loss of 9.7% at a replacement level of 75%. When the RFA content is less than 75%, the internal structure of the concrete remains relatively compact. The incorporation of RFA in concrete has been found to adversely affect its compressive strength and elastic modulus, while simultaneously increasing its brittleness. The increase in dosage of RFA leads to a reduction in the compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete, while partial failure occurs when the GRFC constitutes 100% of the RFA. The existing stress–strain model for conventional concrete is recalibrated for the GRFC. Observed by SEM, with increasing RFA, the damage is mainly concentrated at the interface associated with the attached cement. Although the recalibrated model predicts the stress–strain responses of the GRFC reasonably well, an acceptable range of deviation is present when predicting the residual stress due to the relatively high strength and brittle behavior of the GRFC during compression. Through this research, the applicability of RFA is expanded, making it feasible to apply large quantities of this material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction)

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21 pages, 13688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultra-High-Performance Alkali-Activated Concrete: Effect of Waste Crumb Rubber Aggregate Proportions on Tensile and Flexural Properties

by Lei Li, Zhongmin Chen, Weixian Che, Cheng Cheng, Yiwu Chen, Dehui Li, Lianghua Liu and Yongchang Guo

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041088 - 13 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1301

Abstract

The declining availability of natural sand resources and the significant carbon footprint associated with the extensive use of cement are posing severe limitations on the advancement and application of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). In this study, waste tyre-derived recycled crumb rubber particles (CR) were employed to replace quartz sand, and an alkali-activated cementitious material was used to produce waste tyre-alkali-activated UHPC (T-UHPAC). The influence of different CR replacement ratios (0%, 5%, 20%, 35%, 50%) on the tensile and flexural performance of T-UHPAC was investigated, and a predictive model for the stress–strain response considering the CR replacement ratio was established. An optimization method for improving the tensile and flexural performance of T-UHPAC was proposed. The results indicate that the effect of rough-surfaced CR on the interfacial properties of concrete differs from that of smooth quartz sand. A CR replacement ratio exceeding 35% led to a reduction in both the tensile and flexural strengths of UHPAC, while a replacement ratio at or below 20% resulted in a superior tensile and flexural performance of T-UHPAC. The established predictive model for tensile performance accurately forecasts the stress–strain behaviour of T-UHPAC under varying CR replacement ratios, with the accuracy improving as the CR replacement ratio increases. By utilizing CR to replace quartz sand in proportions not exceeding 20%, the production of low-carbon UHPC with exceptional comprehensive mechanical properties is achievable. Moreover, the development of T-UHPAC through the comprehensive utilization of waste tyres presents a promising and innovative approach for the low-carbon and cost-effective production of UHPC, thereby facilitating the sustainable development of natural resources. This research represents a significant step towards the widespread adoption and application of UHPC and thus holds substantial importance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction)

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26 pages, 11262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Na₂CO₃ Replacement Quantity and Activator Modulus on Static Mechanical and Environmental Behaviours of Alkali-Activated-Strain-Hardening-Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

by Ke-Xian Zhuo, Gai Chen, Rui-Hao Luo, Yi-Wu Chen, De-Hui Li and Jia-Xiang Lin

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030681 - 4 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 906

Abstract

The application of alkali-activated concrete (AAC) shows promise in reducing carbon emissions within the construction industry. However, the pursuit of enhanced performance of AAC has led to a notable increase in carbon emissions, with alkali activators identified as the primary contributors. In an effort to mitigate carbon emissions, this study introduces Na₂CO₃ as a supplementary activator, partially replacing sodium silicate. The objective is to develop a low-carbon alkali-activated-strain-hardening-ultra-high-performance concrete (ASUHPC). The experimental investigation explores the impact of varying levels of Na₂CO₃ replacement quantity (0, 0.75 Na₂O%, and 1.5 Na₂O%) and activator modulus (1.35, 1.5, and 1.65) on the fresh and hardened properties of ASUHPC. The augmentation of Na₂CO₃ replacement quantity and activator modulus are observed to extend the setting time of the paste, indicating an increase in the modulus of the activator and Na₂CO₃ replacement quantity would delay the setting time. While the use of Na₂CO₃ intensifies clustering in the fresh paste, it optimizes particle grading, resulting in higher compressive strength of ASUHPC. The tensile crack width of ASUHPC conforms to the Weibull distribution. ASUHPC with a Na₂CO₃ replacement quantity of 0.75 Na₂O% exhibits superior crack control capabilities, maintaining a mean crack width during tension below 65.78 μm. The tensile properties of ASUHPC exhibit improvement with increasing Na₂CO₃ replacement quantity and activator modulus, achieving a tensile strength exceeding 9 MPa; otherwise, increasing the activator modulus to 1.5 improves the deformation capacity, reaching 8.58%. Moreover, it is observed that incorporating Na₂CO₃ as a supplementary activator reduces the carbon emissions of ASUHPC. After considering the tensile performance indicators, increasing the activator modulus can significantly improve environmental performance. The outcomes of this study establish a theoretical foundation for the design of low-carbon, high-performance-alkali-activated-strain-hardening-ultra—high-performance concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Gen Cementitious Composites for Sustainable Construction)

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