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Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2020) | Viewed by 75345

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Engineering, Frederick University, 7 Frederickou Str., Nicosia 1036, Cyprus
Interests: built environment; aesthetics; technical systems; building design; well-being; sustainability; renewable energy; emerging technologies; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; interdisciplinary approach
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture of Kaunas University of Technology would like to invite you to participate in the first international conference Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020 (ACA 2020) (https://aca2020.ktu.edu/), co-organized with Riga Technical University and Tallinn University of Technology.

ACA 2020 is the successor of Advanced Construction (6 conferences) and Ecological Architecture (4 conferences) conferences. ACA will focus on smart, green, and efficient ideas contributing towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Conference will cover a wide range of topics including:

  • Innovative building materials and composites;
  • Smart architecture;
  • Building and city information modeling;
  • Affordable and clean energy for the built environment;
  • Indoor air quality, health, and wellbeing;
  • Alternative raw materials, low-carbon binders, and concretes;
  • Advanced structures and technologies.

Ten selected studies submitted to ACA 2020 will be invited to publish a full paper in a Special Issue of Sustainability. Kaunas looks forward to hosting you in September 2020.

This activity has received funding from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). This body of the European Union receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

Prof. Paris Fokaides
Guest 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 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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • innovative building materials
  • smart architecture
  • building information modeling
  • clean energy for the built environment
  • indoor air quality
  • advanced structures and technologies

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

22 pages, 4523 KiB  
Article
Smart Building Integration into a Smart City: Comparative Study of Real Estate Development
by Rasa Apanaviciene, Rokas Urbonas and Paris A. Fokaides
Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229376 - 11 Nov 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5760
Abstract
Smart buildings and smart cities are not the future perspectives anymore—the smart building integration into a smart city is an actual question for today and tomorrow. Development of smart buildings not only enhances the smart city concept but also promotes positivity to the [...] Read more.
Smart buildings and smart cities are not the future perspectives anymore—the smart building integration into a smart city is an actual question for today and tomorrow. Development of smart buildings not only enhances the smart city concept but also promotes positivity to the urban development and national economy, and increases the quality of life of the whole population reacting to global challenges of sustainability. The innovative smart building and smart city technologies enable us to overcome these challenges by being employed through all real estate (RE) project development stages. The Evaluation Framework for Real Estate Development in Smart Cities created by the authors provides the possibility to assess the existing as well as to forecast future RE projects integration into a smart city during the whole life-cycle stage. The practical application of the presented evaluation framework was illustrated by the comparative case study. Based on the created smart building integration into a smart city evaluation framework for real estate development, 10 RE projects in Lithuania and over the world were assessed and rated by selected criteria relevant to different RE development stages. The evaluation results revealed that, especially at the design and construction stages, the existing intelligence of RE projects and/or cities is insufficient. Although real estate projects are technologically advanced as single entities, the integration into smart city networks is limited by interoperability capabilities of the cities or by different strategic goals settled by real estate developers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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18 pages, 13544 KiB  
Article
Moisture Dry-Out Capability of Steel-Faced Mineral Wool Insulated Sandwich Panels
by Kristo Kalbe, Hubert Piikov and Targo Kalamees
Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9020; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219020 - 30 Oct 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2183
Abstract
Moisture dry-out from steel-faced insulated sandwich panels has previously received little attention from researchers. This paper reports the results from laboratory tests and dynamic heat, air, and moisture transport simulations of the moisture dry-out capabilities of a steel-faced sandwich panel with a mineral [...] Read more.
Moisture dry-out from steel-faced insulated sandwich panels has previously received little attention from researchers. This paper reports the results from laboratory tests and dynamic heat, air, and moisture transport simulations of the moisture dry-out capabilities of a steel-faced sandwich panel with a mineral wool core. Three test walls (TWs) with dimensions of 1.2 m × 0.4 m × 0.23 m were put above water containers to examine the moisture transport through the TWs. A calibrated simulation model was used to investigate the hygrothermal regime of a sandwich panel wall enclosure with different initial moisture contents and panel joint tightening tapes. The moisture dry-out capacity of the studied sandwich panels is limited (up to 2 g/day through a 30-mm-wide and 3-m-long vertical joint without tapes). When the vertical joint was covered with a vapour-permeable tape, the moisture dry-out was reduced to 1 g/day and when the joint was covered with a vapour-retarding tape, the dry-out was negligible. A very small amount of rain would be enough to raise the moisture content to water vapour saturation levels inside the sandwich wall, had the rain ingressed the enclosure. The calculated time of wetness (TOW) on the internal surface of the outer steel sheet stayed indefinitely at about 5500 h/year when vapour-retarding tapes were used and the initial relative humidity (RH) was over 80%. TOW stabilised to about 2000 h/year when a vapour-permeable tape was used regardless of the initial humidity inside the panel. A vapour-permeable tape allowed moisture dry-out but also vapour diffusion from the outside environment. To minimise the risk of moisture damage, avoiding moisture ingress during construction time or due to accidents is necessary. Additionally, a knowledge-based method is recommended to manage moisture safety during the construction process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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16 pages, 3416 KiB  
Article
CFD-Simulation Assisted Design of Elastocaloric Regenerator Geometry
by Kristina Navickaitė, Michael Penzel, Christian Bahl, Kurt Engelbrecht, Jaka Tušek, André Martin, Mike Zinecker and Andreas Schubert
Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9013; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219013 - 29 Oct 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
Elastocaloric cooling is a promising alternative to conventional cooling using the vapour compression cycle, with potentially higher theoretical exergy efficiency. Nevertheless, there is a number of challenges to be tackled before the technology can be commercially available world-wide. In this study, the potential [...] Read more.
Elastocaloric cooling is a promising alternative to conventional cooling using the vapour compression cycle, with potentially higher theoretical exergy efficiency. Nevertheless, there is a number of challenges to be tackled before the technology can be commercially available world-wide. In this study, the potential of double corrugated regenerators to enhance the cooling power of an elastocaloric device that would be operating under compression loading was investigated. The numerical performances of two types of double corrugated geometries are presented and compared to a flat plate regenerator as a reference. The double corrugated geometry significantly increases the surface area to volume ratio and convection of the regenerator, which allows an increase in the power density of the device. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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12 pages, 2508 KiB  
Article
Fast Setting Binders for Application in 3D Printing of Bio-Based Building Materials
by Maris Sinka, Jelizaveta Zorica, Diana Bajare, Genadijs Sahmenko and Aleksandrs Korjakins
Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 8838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12218838 - 24 Oct 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3084
Abstract
The construction industry is one of the largest emitters of CO2 because the production of traditional building materials is highly energy-intensive and uses considerable amounts of raw materials. This research aims to decrease the negative environmental impact of the construction industry by [...] Read more.
The construction industry is one of the largest emitters of CO2 because the production of traditional building materials is highly energy-intensive and uses considerable amounts of raw materials. This research aims to decrease the negative environmental impact of the construction industry by providing biocomposites with a low environmental impact due to their bio-based components and efficient use of the materials through 3D printing. Agricultural waste products—hemp shives—are used in these materials as a filler together with three different types of fast-setting binders—magnesium, calcium sulphoaluminate (CSA) and those that are gypsum-based. The study determines the setting time and compressive strength of these binders, as well as the formation of biocomposites of different densities for different applications; extrusion tests and preliminary life cycle assessment (LCA) are also performed. Results show that biocomposites with hemp shives and fast setting binders have a possible application in 3D printing due to their shape stability and buildability, as well as relatively high compressive strength, which allows for load-bearing use at high densities and thermal insulation use at low densities, although printability at low binder content remains a significant challenge. Preliminary LCA results show that CSA and gypsum binders have the lowest environmental impact from the binders considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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15 pages, 4828 KiB  
Article
Research on the Efficiency of Composite Beam Application in Multi-Storey Buildings
by Tomas Kinderis, Mindaugas Daukšys and Jūratė Mockienė
Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8328; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208328 - 10 Oct 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2219
Abstract
Over the past decade, several types of composite slim floor constructions have been used in multi-storey buildings in Lithuania. In order to study the efficiency of composite beam application in steel-framed multi-storey buildings, Thorbeam (A1), Deltabeam (A2), slim floor [...] Read more.
Over the past decade, several types of composite slim floor constructions have been used in multi-storey buildings in Lithuania. In order to study the efficiency of composite beam application in steel-framed multi-storey buildings, Thorbeam (A1), Deltabeam (A2), slim floor beam (A3) and asymmetric slim floor beam (A4) were chosen and evaluated according to nine assessment criteria (beam cost (K1), initial preparation on site (K2), installation time (K3), complexity of installation technology (K4), labour costs (K5), fire resistance (K6), load bearing capacity (K7), beam versatility (K8), and availability of beams (K9)). First, the significance of the rating criteria was selected and the order of the ranking criteria was obtained (K1˃K7˃K3˃K6˃K4˃K5˃K2˃K8˃K9) by means of a survey questionnaire. Second, the beams were ranked according to the points given by the questionnaire respondents as follows: 160 points were given to A2, 144 points to A1, 129 points to A4, and 111 points to A3. Deltabeam is considered to be the most rational alternative of the four beams compared. Calculations done using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis method revealed that composite beam A2 was the best slim floor structure alternative for an eight-storey high-rise commercial residential building frame, A1 ranked second, A4 ranked third, and A3 ranked fourth. In addition, the four composite beams were compared to a reinforced concrete beam (A5) according to three assessment criteria (beam cost including installation (C1), beam self-weight (C2) and fire resistance (C3)). Deltabeam was found to be efficient for use as a slim floor structure in a multi-story building due to having the lowest cost, including installation, and self-weight, and the highest fire resistance compared to other composite beams studied. Although Deltabeams are 1.4 times more expensive than reinforced concrete beams, including installation costs, they save about 2.5% of the building’s height compared to reinforced concrete beams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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17 pages, 4189 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Amount of Water Used in Activation Solution and the Initial Temperature of Paste on the Rheological Behaviour and Structural Evolution of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Pastes
by Laura Vitola, Ina Pundiene, Jolanta Pranckeviciene and Diana Bajare
Sustainability 2020, 12(19), 8216; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198216 - 6 Oct 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2408
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the impact of the initial temperature of the paste (from 5 °C to 35 °C) and the addition of water, which reflects a decrease in the molarity of activation solutions (AS) by diluting 10 M NaOH with distillate [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine the impact of the initial temperature of the paste (from 5 °C to 35 °C) and the addition of water, which reflects a decrease in the molarity of activation solutions (AS) by diluting 10 M NaOH with distillate water, on the rheological properties of geopolymer pastes. Additionally, this resulted in changes to the physical–mechanical properties of geopolymers after curing. A higher amount of water in the AS composition and higher initial paste temperature led to an increase in the spread values up to 28% and decreases viscosity. A smaller amount of water in the AS composition and a higher initial paste temperature accelerated the speed of the geopolymer structure formation up to 1.5 times during the curing period, increased compressive strength and reduced apparent porosity and pore size. X-ray diffraction confirmed the compressive strength test results and revealed that the lower amount of water in the AS and the higher initial paste temperature for the geopolymer preparation significantly affected the mineral formation and physical and mechanical properties of the samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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16 pages, 556 KiB  
Article
Digital Information Tools for Urban Regeneration: Capital’s Approach in Theory and Practice
by Uģis Bratuškins, Kęstutis Zaleckis, Sandra Treija, Alisa Koroļova and Jūratė Kamičaitytė
Sustainability 2020, 12(19), 8082; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12198082 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3345
Abstract
Urban regeneration, which includes renovation of decaying urban structures as well as renovation of dilapidated buildings, is an important economic, aesthetic and cultural factor for sustainable development planning worldwide. The revitalization of urban structures is a complex challenge, influenced by various interdisciplinary aspects, [...] Read more.
Urban regeneration, which includes renovation of decaying urban structures as well as renovation of dilapidated buildings, is an important economic, aesthetic and cultural factor for sustainable development planning worldwide. The revitalization of urban structures is a complex challenge, influenced by various interdisciplinary aspects, like urban socio-economic development, integrated transport and mobility solutions and others. And it requires involvement of different stakeholders at different levels in identifying and finding solutions. Technological innovations offer a variety of digital tools to address modern urban governance and modelling issues, identifying problem areas with public involvement and participation that allow relevant services to respond quickly, thus improving the urban environment and the quality of life of people. With the help of digital tools, it is also possible to promote the availability of public services, model and forecast environmental risks, as well as perform other functions integral to the organization and management of modern society. However, the wide range of these tools and their mutually asynchronous use often make it difficult to choose the right tool, thus creating the risk of fragmented implementation. The aim of this paper is to propose theoretical approach for modelling of complex interactions affecting urban regeneration as well as summarize and systematize the existing digital information tools which might empower the process of regeneration. The analysis of the use and impact of digital and smart tools allows to identify urban problems, as well as to outline ways to solve them. The results of the research will form the basis for further research stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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21 pages, 2463 KiB  
Article
Gypsum, Geopolymers, and Starch—Alternative Binders for Bio-Based Building Materials: A Review and Life-Cycle Assessment
by Girts Bumanis, Laura Vitola, Ina Pundiene, Maris Sinka and Diana Bajare
Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5666; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145666 - 14 Jul 2020
Cited by 53 | Viewed by 8899
Abstract
To decrease the environmental impact of the construction industry, energy-efficient insulation materials with low embodied production energy are needed. Lime-hemp concrete is traditionally recognized as such a material; however, the drawbacks of this type of material are associated with low strength gain, high [...] Read more.
To decrease the environmental impact of the construction industry, energy-efficient insulation materials with low embodied production energy are needed. Lime-hemp concrete is traditionally recognized as such a material; however, the drawbacks of this type of material are associated with low strength gain, high initial moisture content, and limited application. Therefore, this review article discusses alternatives to lime-hemp concrete that would achieve similar thermal properties with an equivalent or lower environmental impact. Binders such as gypsum, geopolymers, and starch are proposed as alternatives, due to their performance and low environmental impact, and available research is summarized and discussed in this paper. The summarized results show that low-density thermal insulation bio-composites with a density of 200–400 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity (λ) of 0.06–0.09 W/(m × K) can be obtained with gypsum and geopolymer binders. However, by using a starch binder it is possible to produce ecological building materials with a density of approximately 100 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity (λ) as low as 0.04 W/(m × K). In addition, a preliminary life cycle assessment was carried out to evaluate the environmental impact of reviewed bio-composites. The results indicate that such bio-composites have a low environmental impact, similar to lime-hemp concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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17 pages, 11077 KiB  
Article
Life Cycle Cost Analysis of the Steel Pipe Pile Head Cutting Robot
by Jae-Hyun Han, Dong-Jun Yeom, Jun-Sang Kim and Young Suk Kim
Sustainability 2020, 12(10), 3975; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12103975 - 12 May 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4553
Abstract
Steel pipe pile head cutting work is performed to adjust the horizontal levels of piles, and it is essential for the stable transfer of an upper structure load to the ground. However, the field survey results show that steel pipe pile head cutting [...] Read more.
Steel pipe pile head cutting work is performed to adjust the horizontal levels of piles, and it is essential for the stable transfer of an upper structure load to the ground. However, the field survey results show that steel pipe pile head cutting process is highly dangerous as laborers especially deal with gas and plasma cutting machines. Moreover, the laborers are exposed to continuous risks because the piles are frequently felled, lifted, moved, and loaded using construction equipment, such as excavators, immediately after the piles are cut. Recently, the authors of this study developed a prototype of a steel pipe pile head cutting robot and verified its performance through laboratory experiments to improve work safety, productivity, and the quality of steel pipe pile head cutting work. The purpose of this study is to secure the economic feasibility of robot development and verify the sustainable utilization of a developed robot by analyzing the comprehensive performance and economic efficiency throughout the life cycle of a steel pipe pile head cutting robot developed in South Korea. In this study, sensitivity analysis was also performed on the variables expected to have a significant influence or variables that must be considered for the future commercialization of the developed robot. When the developed robot is applied to construction sites in the future, its ripple effects will be significant because it will be possible to prevent labor safety accidents, improve work productivity, secure uniform quality, and reduce input costs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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21 pages, 19214 KiB  
Article
Design Concept for a Greened Timber Truss Bridge in City Area
by Benjamin Kromoser, Martin Ritt, Alexandra Spitzer, Rosemarie Stangl and Friedrich Idam
Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3218; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083218 - 16 Apr 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5170
Abstract
Properly designed wooden truss bridges are environmentally compatible construction systems. The sharp decline in the erection of such structures in the past decades can be led back to the great effort needed for design and production. Digital parametric design and automated prefabrication approaches [...] Read more.
Properly designed wooden truss bridges are environmentally compatible construction systems. The sharp decline in the erection of such structures in the past decades can be led back to the great effort needed for design and production. Digital parametric design and automated prefabrication approaches allow for a substantial improvement of the efficiency of design and manufacturing processes. Thus, if combined with a constructive wood protection following traditional building techniques, highly efficient sustainable structures are the result. The present paper describes the conceptual design for a wooden truss bridge drawn up for the overpass of a two-lane street crossing the university campus of one of Vienna’s main universities. The concept includes the greening of the structure as a shading design element. After an introduction, two Austrian traditional wooden bridges representing a good and a bad example for constructive wood protection are presented, and a state of the art of the production of timber trusses and greening building structures is given as well. The third part consists of the explanation of the boundary conditions for the project. Subsequently, in the fourth part, the conceptual design, including the design concept, the digital parametric design, the optimization, and the automated prefabrication concept, as well as the potential greening concept are discussed, followed by a summary and outlook on future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 4468 KiB  
Review
Construction 4.0: A Literature Review
by Eric Forcael, Isabella Ferrari, Alexander Opazo-Vega and Jesús Alberto Pulido-Arcas
Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9755; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229755 - 23 Nov 2020
Cited by 159 | Viewed by 18389
Abstract
The construction industry is experiencing changes in its processes and work methods, and the advancement of new technologies in recent decades has led to a new concept known as Construction 4.0, coined in 2016 in Germany. Since its definition is still diffuse, [...] Read more.
The construction industry is experiencing changes in its processes and work methods, and the advancement of new technologies in recent decades has led to a new concept known as Construction 4.0, coined in 2016 in Germany. Since its definition is still diffuse, it was deemed necessary to conduct a review on the publications in this field to grasp how this concept is being understood. For that purpose, a bibliometric analysis was conducted among 260 research articles using seven keywords. The results reveal that the number of publications is growing exponentially, with the USA, the UK, and China being leaders in this field; besides, four technologies are essential to understand Construction 4.0 at present time: 3D printing, big data, virtual reality, and Internet of Things. The results of this review suggest that further reviews should be conducted every 3 years to grasp the rapid evolution of Construction 4.0. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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12 pages, 2192 KiB  
Review
How Are the Smart Readiness Indicators Expected to Affect the Energy Performance of Buildings: First Evidence and Perspectives
by Paris A. Fokaides, Christiana Panteli and Andri Panayidou
Sustainability 2020, 12(22), 9496; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229496 - 15 Nov 2020
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3559
Abstract
In 2018, the European Commission adopted the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) concept in the recast of the directive on the energy efficiency of buildings. The set of SRIs is a measure of the intelligence of buildings systems, and its promotion is expected to [...] Read more.
In 2018, the European Commission adopted the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) concept in the recast of the directive on the energy efficiency of buildings. The set of SRIs is a measure of the intelligence of buildings systems, and its promotion is expected to contribute to the energy savings of the building sector. These indicators are relatively new and were developed only at the beginning of last decade, within European standards. This study introduces and elaborates on these indicators, as delivered in the final report of the European Commission. Some first results, which are obtained using a tool developed by the European Commission, are also presented. The work identifies gaps and perspectives for improvement of this system, as well as predicting the evolution of its implementation in the coming years, through specific numerical scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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20 pages, 3716 KiB  
Review
Research Challenges and Advancements in the field of Sustainable Energy Technologies in the Built Environment
by Paris A. Fokaides, Rasa Apanaviciene, Jurgita Černeckiene, Andrius Jurelionis, Egle Klumbyte, Vilma Kriauciunaite-Neklejonoviene, Darius Pupeikis, Donatas Rekus, Jolanta Sadauskiene, Lina Seduikyte, Laura Stasiuliene, Juozas Vaiciunas, Rokas Valancius and Tadas Ždankus
Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208417 - 13 Oct 2020
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7942
Abstract
Inevitably, the 21st century has initiated a series of developments in the construction industry, leading to its digitalization and resulting in a series of innovative approaches and practices. At the same time, the construction industry, being one of the main global environment polluters, [...] Read more.
Inevitably, the 21st century has initiated a series of developments in the construction industry, leading to its digitalization and resulting in a series of innovative approaches and practices. At the same time, the construction industry, being one of the main global environment polluters, should fulfil well-established, as well as novel, sustainability requirements in order to evolve in harmony with the rising concerns on the availability of natural resources. This overview study aims to present the main developments, research, and scientific challenges in the field of sustainable construction, emphasizing the field of energy. The study aims to present a state-of-the-art scientific discussion on the sustainable built environment topic by analyzing cutting edge topics in the fields of building elements and whole building energy assessment, of indoor air quality and low carbon buildings, as well as on sustainable energy systems and smart buildings. The study also presents the state-of-the-art in existing tools which are adopted for the assessment of the sustainable built environment, including the use of digital tools and building information modelling for the energy assessment of the built environment, as well as the application of Life Cycle Assessment on building-related processes. Cross cutting issues related to the analysis of the building sector in the Industry 4.0 era, such as sustainability management topics and environmental geomatics are also discussed. The study concludes in those fields which will be of interest of the scientific community in the following years, towards achieving the goals of the sustainable development of the building sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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25 pages, 7790 KiB  
Review
The Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Flowability, Mechanical, Microstructural and Durability Properties of Cementitious Composite: An Overview
by Suman Kumar Adhikary, Žymantas Rudžionis and R Rajapriya
Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208362 - 12 Oct 2020
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4355
Abstract
Excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability make carbon nanotubes (CNTs) some of the most promising nanomaterials that can be used in cementitious composites to improve their performance. However, the difficulty of CNTs’ dispersion within the cementitious structure still exists and thus prevents the [...] Read more.
Excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability make carbon nanotubes (CNTs) some of the most promising nanomaterials that can be used in cementitious composites to improve their performance. However, the difficulty of CNTs’ dispersion within the cementitious structure still exists and thus prevents the homogeneous distribution of CNTs. The homogeneous distribution of CNTs within a composite structure plays an essential role that can have a positive effect on the mechanical performance of CNT-cement composites. This paper introduces the methods for the production of CNTs and provides useful information about the influence of CNTs on the flowability, mechanical performance, microstructural changes and hydration of cement composites. The influences of water-cement ratio, used surfactants and various doses of CNTs on the properties of cementitious composites were also studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020)
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