Sustainable Use of Construction and Structural Materials (to Meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals-SDG)
Share This Topical Collection
Editor
Prof. Dr. Jamal Khatib
Prof. Dr. Jamal Khatib
E-Mail
Website
Collection Editor
1. Civil Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
2. Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11 5020, Lebanon
Interests: construction and structural materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Topical Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
Climate change, the increase in human population and the decrease in natural resources have alerted many governments in the world to start taking serious actions towards a sustainable future. This is demonstrated by the 2030 agenda for sustainable development set by the United Nations in order to meet the various challenges facing the world. Construction is often necessary in order to meet the need for the growing population. This includes building, road, bridges and tunnels. This collection will focus on producing building and construction materials in a sustainable manner. Utilisation of waste, recycled, local and natural materials will serve the purpose of this collection. It is expected the research submitted to this issue will consist of efficient production process materials and efficient design through the use lightweight materials. This will include an economic way to produce the materials and the reduction in the quantities of materials used. Papers related to the innovative use and production of construction and building materials will be welcome.
Prof. Dr. Jamal Khatib
Collection Editor
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 collection 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
- building and construction materials
- waste in construction
- materials production
- lightweight materials
- structural materials
- natural materials
- sustainable construction
- recycling
Published Papers (6 papers)
Open AccessArticle
Research on the Reinforcement Characteristics of Thick Cushion Layer and Rigid Pile Composite Foundation
by
Junhua Chen, Yuzhi Nie, Guan Lian, Aijun Chen, Siqi Pu, Jinfeng Zou, Jiasheng Zhang, Xiong Shi, Di Wu and Bai Yang
Viewed by 604
Abstract
The rigid pile composite foundation method is the most commonly used method for strengthening weak soil foundations. In this method, piles usually need to pass through weak soil layers, and the pile end falls on a bearing layer with good bearing capacity. Under
[...] Read more.
The rigid pile composite foundation method is the most commonly used method for strengthening weak soil foundations. In this method, piles usually need to pass through weak soil layers, and the pile end falls on a bearing layer with good bearing capacity. Under existing technical conditions, the thicker the weak soil layer, the longer the pile body, and the more difficult it is to ensure the construction quality of the pile. In response to this issue, some scholars have adopted the rigid pile composite foundation method with a thick cushion layer for reinforcement treatment. This article uses PLAXIS 3D (V20.04.00.790) software to establish a finite element model of rigid pile composite foundation with a thick cushion layer and simulate the process of foundation reinforcement. The influence of parameters such as thickness, compression modulus, and shear strength index of the cushion layer on foundation settlement and pile–soil stress distribution is studied, and the reasonable range of these parameters is analyzed under the condition of considering reinforcement effect. Through comparative analysis, it can be concluded that for deep and weak soil areas, the thickness of the cushion layer can range from 0.5 to 2.6. The thickness and compressive modulus of the cushion layer have a significant impact on the settlement of the foundation, the pile–soil stress ratio, and the stress of the pile body, while the shear strength index of the cushion layer has a relatively small impact on these parameters. Reasonably selecting the geometric and mechanical parameters of the cushion layer can effectively reduce stress concentration at the pile top and better play the role of the soil between piles.
Full article
►▼
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
Volume Stability and Mechanical Properties of Cement Paste Containing Natural Fibers from Phragmites-Australis Plant at Elevated Temperature
by
Hassan Ghanem, Rawan Ramadan, Jamal Khatib and Adel Elkordi
Viewed by 894
Abstract
The utilization of bio-fiber materials in building components has become imperative for improving sustainability, controlling global warming, addressing environmental concerns, and enhancing concrete properties. This study is part of a wide-range investigation on the use of Phragmites-Australis (PhA) fibers in construction and building
[...] Read more.
The utilization of bio-fiber materials in building components has become imperative for improving sustainability, controlling global warming, addressing environmental concerns, and enhancing concrete properties. This study is part of a wide-range investigation on the use of Phragmites-Australis (PhA) fibers in construction and building materials. In this paper, the volume stability and mechanical properties of paste containing PhA fibers and exposed to high temperatures were investigated. Four mixes were made with 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% fibers by volume. To evaluate the volume stability and mechanical properties, the chemical shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage, drying shrinkage, expansion, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, and flexural strength were tested. The curing duration and temperature were 180 days and 45 °C, respectively. The results indicated that an addition of PhA fibers of up to 2% resulted in a reduction in all the shrinkage parameters at 180 days. The presence of PhA fibers in the paste tended to reduce the compressive strength, with the lowest value observed at 2%. Apart from the values at 90 days, the optimal flexural strength seemed to be achieved by the paste with 1% PhA fibers. To further elucidate the experimental results, a hyperbolic model was employed to predict the variation in the length change as a function of the curing age with a high accuracy. Based on the results obtained, PhA fibers can play a crucial role in mitigating the shrinkage parameters and enhancing the mechanical properties of cement paste.
Full article
►▼
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
Mechanical Performance and Physico-Chemical Properties of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in Malawi
by
Innocent Kafodya, Debojyoti Basuroy, Joseph Mwiti Marangu, Grant Kululanga, Riccardo Maddalena and Viviana Iris Novelli
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3528
Abstract
Malawi is one of the least-developed countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with disaster-prone housing infrastructure characterized by poor construction materials. Therefore, there is a need to provide resilient and cost-effective materials, such as limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). However, the exploitation of LC3 in
[...] Read more.
Malawi is one of the least-developed countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with disaster-prone housing infrastructure characterized by poor construction materials. Therefore, there is a need to provide resilient and cost-effective materials, such as limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). However, the exploitation of LC3 in Malawi is limited due to a lack of mineralogical information about the clays and limestone and related strength and durability when used as a cementitious material. In this study, the strength and physico-chemical properties of LC3 systems with 50% and 40% clinker contents (LC3-50 and LC3-40) were investigated. Cement mortar specimens were prepared at water to cement (w/c) ratios of 0.45, 0.5, and 0.6 with varying calcined clay (CC) to limestone (CC/LS) ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1). The effects of CC/LS ratio on the fresh properties, strength, and durability were investigated. The results showed that specimens with 40% Portland cement replacement levels (LC3-40) exhibited higher standard consistency (up to 45%) than LC3-50, porosity in the range of 8.3–13.3%, and maximum water uptake in the range of 3.8–10.9%. On the other hand, LC3-50 samples offered the highest strength of approximately 40 MPa, complying with requirements for pozzolanic cementitious materials, whereas LC3-40 conforms to the strength requirements for masonry cements. This work shows that LC3 systems can be manufactured with local clays and limestone available in Malawi, and used as a sustainable construction material to mitigate carbon emissions as well as boost the local economy.
Full article
►▼
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
MSWIBA Formation and Geopolymerisation to Meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate Mitigation
by
Nikolina Poranek, Beata Łaźniewska-Piekarczyk, Adrian Czajkowski and Krzysztof Pikoń
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2043
Abstract
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute an action plan for the environment and people. One of the main goals is to limit the increase in global average temperature to 2 °C and aim for a stop at 1.5 °C. The goals of the circular
[...] Read more.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute an action plan for the environment and people. One of the main goals is to limit the increase in global average temperature to 2 °C and aim for a stop at 1.5 °C. The goals of the circular economy (CE) are in line with the SDGs. In the waste management chain, the last CE element is a recovery in the municipal solid waste incineration plant (MSWIP). However, during recovery, municipal solid waste bottom ash (MSWIBA) is created (in about 30% of the bunch). The development of MSWIBA in the construction industry is a possibility of closing the cycle. This article shows the MSWIBA formation process, alkali pre-treatment of MSWIBA, and its geopolymerisation. Studies have determined the mechanical properties of geopolymer with MSWIBA and leachability from crushed and from monolith geopolymer. Alkali pre-treatment improves MSWIBA mechanical properties and upgrades immobilisation. Moreover, geopolymerisation is a better solution than concreting, because of the lack or low consumption of high-emission and energy-intensive cement. A SWOT analysis was carried out for the proposed solution.
Full article
►▼
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
Cost Factor Analysis for Timber–Concrete Composite with a Lightweight Plywood Rib Floor Panel
by
Karina Buka-Vaivade, Dmitrijs Serdjuks and Leonids Pakrastins
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3039
Abstract
With the growing importance of the principle of sustainability, there is an increasing interest in the use of timber–concrete composite for floors, especially for medium and large span buildings. Timber–concrete composite combines the better properties of both materials and reduces their disadvantages. The
[...] Read more.
With the growing importance of the principle of sustainability, there is an increasing interest in the use of timber–concrete composite for floors, especially for medium and large span buildings. Timber–concrete composite combines the better properties of both materials and reduces their disadvantages. The most common choice is to use a cross-laminated timber panel as a base for a timber–concrete composite. But a timber–concrete composite solution with plywood rib panels with an adhesive connection between the timber base and fibre reinforced concrete layer is offered as the more cost-effective constructive solution. An algorithm for determining the rational parameters of the panel cross-section has been developed. The software was written based on the proposed algorithm to compare timber–concrete composite panels with cross-laminated timber and plywood rib panel bases. The developed algorithm includes recommendations of forthcoming Eurocode 5 for timber–concrete composite design and an innovative approach to vibration calculations. The obtained data conclude that the proposed structural solution has up to 73% lower cost and up to 71% smaller self-weight. Thus, the proposed timber–concrete composite construction can meet the needs of society for cost-effective and sustainable innovative floor solutions.
Full article
►▼
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Adding Phragmites australis Fibers on the Properties of Concrete
by
Meheddene Machaka, Jamal Khatib, Safaa Baydoun, Adel Elkordi and Joseph J. Assaad
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3783
Abstract
Nowadays, the increasing demand for concrete is causing serious environmental impact including pollution and waste generation, rapid depletion of natural resources, and increased CO
2 emission. Incorporating natural fibers in concrete can contribute toward environmental sustainability. This paper is concerned with the use
[...] Read more.
Nowadays, the increasing demand for concrete is causing serious environmental impact including pollution and waste generation, rapid depletion of natural resources, and increased CO
2 emission. Incorporating natural fibers in concrete can contribute toward environmental sustainability. This paper is concerned with the use of natural fibers obtained from the plant species
Phragmites australis (PA). The plant is invasive, and rapidly grows abundantly along rivers and waterways, causing major ecological problems. This research is part of a wide range investigation on the use of natural fibers produced from the stem of PA plants in concrete. Using a machine, plant stems were crushed into fibers measuring 40 mm in length and 2 mm in width, and treated with 4% NaOH solution for 24 h. A total of four concrete mixes were prepared with varying additions of treated fibers, ranging from 0% to 1.5% (by volume) with water to cement ratio of 0.5% (by volume). Concrete specimens were tested at 3, 7, and 28 days. Testing included compressive strength, density, total water absorption, and capillary water absorption. The results show that incorporating PA natural fibers reduces the water absorption by total immersion and capillary action by up to 45%. Moreover, there is a negligible decrease in concrete density and strength when fibers were added. It is concluded that adding up to 1.5% natural PA fibers to concrete is a feasible strategy to produce an eco-friendly material which can be used in the production of sustainable building material with adequate mechanical and durability performance.
Full article
►▼
Show Figures