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Applied Sciences
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Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability
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Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2022) | Viewed by 15018

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Carmen Martínez-García

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical, Environmental and Material Engineering, High Polytechnic School of Linares, University of Jaen, Jaén, Spain
Interests: sustainable materials; circular economy; recycling; lightweight aggregate; materials engineering; advanced materials; construction materials; waste recovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jacinto Alonso Azcárate

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Química-Física, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
Interests: heavy metals; heavy metal pollution; environment
Dr. Luisa Barbieri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Enginnering “Enzo Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Interests: recycling; materials; technologies; solid state chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The workshop “Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability” will be held in Baeza (Andalusia, Spain), at the “SedeAntonio Machado”, a XVII century building turned into a Conference Centre of the International University of Andalusia (UNIA). Baeza is a World Historic Heritage town, renowned for its Renaissance and Gothic buildings. In this frame, the Environment Workshops, which UNIA has organized since 2005, promote and improve international cooperation and scientific exchanges on the environment, promoting and facilitating scientific interaction between Andalusian researchers and the international scientific community. The workshop will focus on presenting and discussing research activities regarding engineering and the circular economy, improving the ability to understand, manage and value waste and encouraging new initiatives for resource efficiency and added value. The workshop will promote smart specialization and cooperation within the European research area and the rest of the world. Therefore, the workshop presents a great opportunity for meeting specialists in the circular economy and sustainability in various knowledge areas, working for different entities and academic institutions. The organizers wish to especially acknowledge the assistance that we have received from UNIA and from our organizations. This volume contains the papers presented and selected for their interest for publication.

Prof. Dr. Carmen Martínez-García
Dr. Jacinto Alonso Azcárate
Prof. Dr. Luisa Barbieri
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. Applied Sciences 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.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 1996 KiB  
Article
Decision-Making Problems in Construction Projects Executed under the Principles of Sustainable Development—Bridge Construction Case
by Jarosław Górecki and Pedro Núñez-Cacho
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(12), 6132; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12126132 - 16 Jun 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3850
Abstract
The high environmental impact of bridge construction causes numerous dilemmas in decision making related to the choice of the best material and technological solutions and their consequences in subsequent phases. These decisions adopt from the management condition the successful investment in this type [...] Read more.
The high environmental impact of bridge construction causes numerous dilemmas in decision making related to the choice of the best material and technological solutions and their consequences in subsequent phases. These decisions adopt from the management condition the successful investment in this type of project. A bridge construction project includes consecutive stages: design, construction, operation/maintenance, and decommissioning. The latter usually involves the demolition of the infrastructure, generating elements that cannot be reused. This waste-generating linear production process must be urgently replaced by closed-loop production, framed within the Circular Economy (CE) philosophy that provides a practical response to the challenges related to sustainable development goals (SDGs). This document performs an analysis of case studies in an attempt to sort out the management challenges related to the construction, operation and decommissioning of bridges. The research is based on a questionnaire carried out among civil engineering project managers and explores the possibility of adapting the principles of the Circular Economy in bridge construction projects, especially in the context of the traceability of construction materials used for the construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability)
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16 pages, 6129 KiB  
Article
Pyrolysis Process for the Recycling of Cork Dust Waste from the Processing of Cork Agglomerate Caps in Lightweight Materials
by Paride Coppelli, Simone Pedrazzi, Marco Puglia, Nicolò Morselli, Giulio Allesina, Fernanda Andreola, Isabella Lancellotti and Luisa Barbieri
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5663; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12115663 - 2 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1718
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the possibility of recycling cork scraps derived from the production of agglomerated bottle caps containing organic additives (glues and adhesives) in addition to virgin wood. The study involved pyrolysis treatment followed by the use of char to obtain [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the possibility of recycling cork scraps derived from the production of agglomerated bottle caps containing organic additives (glues and adhesives) in addition to virgin wood. The study involved pyrolysis treatment followed by the use of char to obtain lightweight material prototypes. The scrap was pyrolysed in order to achieve the thermal degradation of unwanted molecules with decomposition temperatures lower than the pyrolysis temperatures, but also to achieve the reduction in mass and size of the starting material. The substitution of 15% by weight of weight-lightening agent (char from pyrolysed cork, or half char and half spent coffee grounds) into the clayey matrix made it possible to obtain lightweight aggregates with pH and conductivity values that could be exploited in an agronomic context. The substitution of clay with of 5 to 15% by weight of pyrolysed cork char in the production of specimens pressed at 25 bar and fired slowly at 1000 °C led to lightweight ceramics with particularly interesting porosity (from 41 to 68%) and bulk density (850–1600 kg/m3) values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability)
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16 pages, 2662 KiB  
Article
Suitability of Porous Inorganic Materials from Industrial Residues and Bioproducts for Use in Horticulture: A Multidisciplinary Approach
by Claudia Righi, Francesco Barbieri, Elisabetta Sgarbi, Lara Maistrello, Alessandro Bertacchini, Fernanda Nora Andreola, Antonio D’Angelo, Michelina Catauro and Luisa Barbieri
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5437; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12115437 - 27 May 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1711
Abstract
This study follows a circular economy approach through the preliminary implementation of a coated porous inorganic material (PIM), studied as sustainable controlled release fertilizer, and its application for lettuce Lactuca sativa L. cultivar Chiara growth. The PIM was made of pumice scraps that [...] Read more.
This study follows a circular economy approach through the preliminary implementation of a coated porous inorganic material (PIM), studied as sustainable controlled release fertilizer, and its application for lettuce Lactuca sativa L. cultivar Chiara growth. The PIM was made of pumice scraps that partially replaced clay as a natural raw material, spent coffee grounds as a porous agent, bovine bone ash and potassium carbonate to provide phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrients, respectively. A coating made with defatted black soldier fly prepupae biomass was used as a nitrogen (N) source. Most of the ingredients used were industrial residues, with the aim of valorizing the raw waste materials present locally. The suitability of PIMs as a fertilizer was investigated with an interdisciplinary approach, which included the first chemical and physical characterization of the material, the evaluation of its antibacterial properties and of its use in horticulture through lettuce growth tests. As tests were carried out indoors, a specific LED lighting device was used to grow the lettuce. The release of nutrients into the soil was estimated by measuring the main elements in the fertilizers before and after their use in the soil. The first results from this characterization study support PIMs’ suitability for agronomic applications. The use of the PIMs suggested average higher dry weight (49%), fresh weight (112%), and leaf area (48%), compared to those with the use of a standard fertilizer soil, without the release of any dangerous element for the plant in the soil. These results are a promising beginning for the development of further studies already in progress on sustainable controlled-release fertilizers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability)
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20 pages, 4845 KiB  
Article
Study on Circular Economy Implementation Propensity of Construction Companies in Context of Prevailing Management Styles
by Jarosław Górecki, Pedro Núñez-Cacho and Milena Rutkowska
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 3991; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12083991 - 14 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2465
Abstract
The construction sector significantly impacts the environment. Buildings and non-building structures require natural resources and technical nutrients to be constructed and maintained. One of the most important challenges is the mitigation of their usage for construction projects. In the context of insufficient knowledge [...] Read more.
The construction sector significantly impacts the environment. Buildings and non-building structures require natural resources and technical nutrients to be constructed and maintained. One of the most important challenges is the mitigation of their usage for construction projects. In the context of insufficient knowledge about the most effective leadership patterns for sustainable construction projects, one may wonder if there is one dominant style of management represented by construction companies. In turn, the challenges faced by these organizations can be related to how to effectively implement the circular economy (CE) concept, and thus reduce the negative externalities of the construction industry. Transition to sustainable construction requires the involvement of change leaders. In this article, based on a literature review and questionnaire, it was revealed that it is extremely difficult to distinguish one prevailing leadership style in construction companies. Besides, a path to CE maturity has been shown as a continual pursuit. The consistency enables effective promotion of the concept of CE in the construction company. The research allowed the identification of three explicit phases, disharmony, euphoria, and harmony, in becoming the CE-matured construction enterprise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability)
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18 pages, 6751 KiB  
Article
Influence of Unburned Carbon on Environmental-Technical Behaviour of Coal Fly Ash Fired Clay Bricks
by Juan Dacuba, Eva Cifrian, Maximina Romero, Tamara Llano and Ana Andrés
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(8), 3765; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12083765 - 8 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1871
Abstract
The incorporation of coal fly ash (CFA) in fired clay bricks (FCBs), as a clay replacement, contributes toward cleaner production practices. CFA disposal is an important issue worldwide due to its huge volume and to its potential negative environmental impacts, and currently does [...] Read more.
The incorporation of coal fly ash (CFA) in fired clay bricks (FCBs), as a clay replacement, contributes toward cleaner production practices. CFA disposal is an important issue worldwide due to its huge volume and to its potential negative environmental impacts, and currently does not have a recovery route due to its high concentration in unburned materials. In this study, the impact of the incorporation of two CFA, with different content of unburned carbon, FAA (low LOI) and FAB (high LOI) in FCBs, from a technical and environmental point of view was conducted. Unburned carbon plays an important role on the final properties of FCBs. The thermal decomposition during the firing process promotes an increase of water absorption, decreasing the flexural strength as the porosity increases, although the technical and mechanical properties of samples containing up to 30% FAA and percentages of 20% FAB are acceptable. The leaching behaviour showed an immobilisation of Cr and Se in FCBs while Mo reduced its mobility to values below non-hazardous limits. Acid gas emission values do not exceed the reference emission value, except for SO2 emissions while the level of CO2 emissions must be estimated based on the total annual production of the ceramic factory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability)
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12 pages, 2432 KiB  
Article
The Role of an Industrial Alkaline Wastewater in the Alkali Activation of Biomass Fly Ash
by Catarina C. Novo, Luciano Senff, Maria P. Seabra, Rui M. Novais and João A. Labrincha
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3612; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073612 - 2 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2313
Abstract
Alkali-activated materials are generally considered a more sustainable alternative to Portland cement binders. This derives not only from the use of solid wastes as precursors, but also from the low temperatures required for their synthesis. However, to increase the environmental advantages of these [...] Read more.
Alkali-activated materials are generally considered a more sustainable alternative to Portland cement binders. This derives not only from the use of solid wastes as precursors, but also from the low temperatures required for their synthesis. However, to increase the environmental advantages of these materials, alternative activators should be explored, as the common route involves the use of commercial activators such as sodium silicate or sodium hydroxide solutions. In this work, the possibility of using an alkaline industrial wastewater, coming from a Portuguese paper and pulp industry, as a partial replacement of the commercial sodium hydroxide solution was studied. The results show that the use of the industrial wastewater decreased the workability of the pastes and their setting times, higher incorporations inducing a stronger reduction. Despite this, the results demonstrate the feasibility of replacing up to 25 vol.% of the sodium hydroxide solution with the industrial wastewater without compromising the mechanical performance of the binder. The compressive strength of this composition reached 22.7 MPa, this being slightly higher than the value seen in the reference (20.0 MPa). The use of a waste-containing activator, as reported here, might be a key driver to foster the wider use of this technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Engineering and Circular Economy: The Road to Sustainability)
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