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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 (20 August 2024) | Viewed by 17598

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Prof. Dr. Abderrahim Boudenne

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Guest Editor

CERTES, Université Paris-Est Créteil, F-94010 Créteil, France
Interests: green and bio-based building materials; thermophysical and hydrothermal measurements; numerical modelling on heat and moisture transfer in building materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Hamza Allam

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Guest Editor

CERTES, Université Paris-Est Créteil, F-94010 Créteil, France
Interests: construction materials; fibers; bio-based materials; smart materials; earth-based materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The building sector is experiencing a significant transition nowadays intending to ensure resilient, sustainable, and comfortable housing. Research on construction materials is at the center of this transition, considering the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, enhancing resilience, and ensuring comfort for occupants.

This Special Issue is dedicated to highlighting the recent progress in the field of construction and building materials with high-quality papers. This will allow us to extend the existing literature and provide a better understanding of modern construction materials thanks to multi-physic and multi-scale approaches. More precisely, authors in research fields examining the following subjects are invited to submit their research:

Thermal, hygrothermal or mechanical characterization of eco-friendly construction materials.
Experimental or numerical research on innovative construction materials.
LCA and LCC of sustainable building materials and technologies.
Innovative procedures to assess construction materials sustainability.

Prof. Dr. Abderrahim Boudenne
Dr. Hamza Allam
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

eco-friendly construction materials
thermal and energy efficiency
mechanical and physical properties
hydric and thermal properties
experimental and numerical modeling
sustainable materials
life cycle costing
life cycle assessment

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Waste Slag and Rubber Particles to Make Mortar for Filling the Joints of Snow-Melting Concrete Pavement

by Wenbo Peng, Zhiyuan Geng, Xueting Zhang, Qi Zeng, Longhai Wei, Li Zhou and Wentao Li

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3226; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103226 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 630

Abstract

Waste slag and rubber particles are commonly used to modify concrete, offering benefits such as reduced cement consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions during cement production. In this study, these two environmentally friendly, sustainable waste materials were proposed for the preparation of mortar intended for snow-melting pavements. A series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the material and to determine whether its compressive and flexural strengths meet the requirements of pavement specifications. The mortar’s suitability for snow-melting pavements was assessed based on its thermal conductivity, impermeability, and freeze–thaw resistance. The results indicate that slag, when used in different volume fractions, can enhance the compressive and flexural strength of the mortar. Slag also provides excellent thermal conductivity, impermeability, and resistance to freeze–thaw cycles, contributing to the overall performance of snow-melting pavements. When the slag content was 20%, the performance was optimal, with the compressive strength and flexural strength reaching 58.5 MPa and 8.1 MPa, respectively. The strength loss rate under freeze–thaw cycles was 8.03%, the thermal conductivity reached 2.2895 W/(m * K), and the impermeability pressure value reached 0.5 MPa. Conversely, the addition of rubber particles was found to decrease the material’s mechanical and thermal properties. However, when used in small amounts, rubber particles improved the mortar’s impermeability and resistance to freeze–thaw cycles. When the rubber content was 5% by volume, the impermeability pressure value reached 0.5 MPa, which was 166.7% lower than that of ordinary cement mortar. Under freeze–thaw cycles, the strength loss rate of the test block with a rubber content of 25% volume fraction was 9.83% lower than that of ordinary cement mortar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphysics Analysis of Construction Materials)

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13 pages, 6372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Silica Fume Concentration and Water–Cement Ratio on the Compressive Strength of Cement-Based Mortars

by Maria M. Badalyan, Nelli G. Muradyan, Roza S. Shainova, Avetik A. Arzumanyan, Marine A. Kalantaryan, Rafayel R. Sukiasyan, Mkrtich Yeranosyan, David Laroze, Yeghiazar V. Vardanyan and Manuk G. Barseghyan

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030757 - 11 Mar 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3070

Abstract

This study investigated how the water–cement ratio and silica fume concentration affect the compressive strength of cement mortars. This comprehensive study delved into the intricate interplay between water–cement ratio and silica fume concentration, examining their influence on cement-based mortars’ compressive strength and water absorption characteristics. The silica fume concentration was investigated, ranging from 5% to 15% of the cement weight. The investigation employed two distinct mixing techniques, mixing cement and silica fume, before extracting appropriate samples; alternatively, a magnetic stirrer was used to prepare samples by dissolving silica fume in water. The cement mortars were also prepared with three different water–cement ratios: 0.44, 0.47, and 0.5. The interesting findings of compressive tests illuminated a consistent trend across all curing days and mixing methods—a reduction in the water–cement ratio corresponded with a notable increase in compressive strength. However, it is essential to note that the influence of the mixing method on the compressive strength of cement-based mortars is based on the water–cement ratio. The results show that by using the suggested technological method, it was observed that samples prepared with water–cement ratios (W/C) of 0.47 and 0.44 exhibited higher compressive strengths compared to those prepared using the well-known standard mixing method. The compressive test results underscored that the water–cement ratio reduction consistently enhanced the compressive strength in every combination of curing days and mixing techniques. Furthermore, this reduction in the water–cement ratio was correlated with a decrease in water absorption of the mortar. Conversely, the water–cement ratio itself played a pivotal role in defining how the mixing technique affected the compressive strength and water absorption of cement-based mortars. This multifaceted exploration underscores the nuanced relationships between key variables, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate factors influencing the mechanical and absorptive properties of cement-based materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphysics Analysis of Construction Materials)

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22 pages, 14567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Rejuvenator-Modified Mastic on Asphalt Mixture Stiffness: Meso-Scale Discrete Element Method Approach

by Gustavo Câmara, Nuno Monteiro Azevedo and Rui Micaelo

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3023; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123023 - 5 Dec 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1019

Abstract

Encapsulated rejuvenators embedded in asphalt mixtures are a promising technology to extend the service life of asphalt pavements. However, their effects on the asphalt mixture’s performance still need to be properly understood. A recently developed three-dimensional discrete element method framework enables the evaluation of non-homogeneous distributions of the rejuvenator, closely resembling real conditions. This includes different scenarios involving capsule content and release efficiency. The presented numerical results show that the rejuvenator-to-mastic ratio and the number of rejuvenator-modified contacts influence the stiffness properties of asphalt mixtures. In cases where a homogeneous rejuvenator distribution is assumed, the three-dimensional DEM model predicts a significant reduction in the asphalt mixture’s stiffness that compromises the pavement’s performance. Simulations show that the diffusion effect needs to be considered for predicting the post-healed behavior of asphalt mixtures. For cases considering more suitable modified mastic amounts (less than 1.20 wt%), the effect on the asphalt mixture’s stiffness modulus is less pronounced, and the phase angle is not significantly affected. Additionally, the presented simulations suggest that the capsule content can be increased up to 0.75 wt%, and capsules with a release rate higher than 48% can be used without compromising the rheological performance of asphalt mixtures, possibly improving their self-healing properties. These numerical insights should be considered in future designs to achieve optimal post-healed behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphysics Analysis of Construction Materials)

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16 pages, 4860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Hygrothermal Transfer through Bio-Based Materials: An Application to Wood–Cement Walls

by Amer Bakkour, Salah-Eddine Ouldboukhitine, Pascal Biwole, Gael Godi and Sofiane Amziane

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13122986 - 29 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1733

Abstract

In the context of the energy transition, new construction materials are emerging, notably bio-based materials such as wood concrete. This paper investigates the hygrothermal performance of walls constructed with wood–cement concrete. First, the thermal properties of wooden concrete, namely thermal conductivity, effusivity, and diffusivity, are experimentally characterized in both dry and wet conditions. Second, in situ measurements are carried out on a house in Lyon, a city in France, constructed with mono-layered wood–cement walls. This involves monitoring the temperature and relative humidity levels both inside and outside the building, as well as at three distinct positions within the wood walls over a 6-month period (from 20 April 2023 to 20 October 2023). The hygrothermal analysis at the center of the wall reveals that the wood wall effectively moderates fluctuations in the external temperature and relative humidity. Following this, a numerical study is performed to check the reliability of the adopted Reduced Heat, Air, and Mass (HAM) model to reproduce the hygrothermal performance of the wood–cement wall. The results show a strong agreement between the simulated and measured data, confirming the applicability of the ‘Reduced HAM’ model for the prediction of the hygrothermal behavior of wood–cement walls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphysics Analysis of Construction Materials)

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22 pages, 6559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing the Circular Economy: Reusing Hybrid Bio-Waste-Based Gypsum for Sustainable Building Insulation

by Sameh Balti, Abderrahim Boudenne, Naima Belayachi, Lasâad Dammak and Noureddine Hamdi

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 2939; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13122939 - 24 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1904

Abstract

Finding eco-friendly products that are beneficial to the environment and serve as tools for sustainable development is a contemporary challenge. This work illustrates the recovery of bio-waste-based materials, which not only improve the hygrothermal properties of gypsum but also promote the paper and wood recycling processes in a circular economy approach. The samples were subjected to tests for density, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity, flexural strength, compressive strength, and thermophysical property characterization. A statistical analysis of variance was used to study the impact of waste on the physico-mechanical behavior of gypsum, leading to the development of predictive models that can be used to predict and optimize the performance of bio-composites in various applications. The results revealed a reduction in mechanical strength with the addition of waste, but the samples still exhibit superior insulation properties, surpassing commonly used standard boards. By adding ouate and wood wastes to a mass of 20% in its natural state, the gypsum becomes lighter and acts as a better insulator with a reduced density, thermal conductivity, and ultrasound velocity of up to 50%, 57%, and 83%, respectively. These findings show the significant implication of reducing environmental impacts while contributing to the promotion of sustainable building practices, both in new construction projects and in building renovations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphysics Analysis of Construction Materials)

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30 pages, 8878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of the Dimensional and Hygrothermal Properties of Hemp Concrete under Accelerated Aging

by Théo Poupard, Junior Tchiotsop, Nabil Issaadi and Ouali Amiri

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2414; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102414 - 22 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1096

Abstract

In this article, the functional properties of hemp concrete are studied. Hemp concrete stands to reduce the carbon impact and improve the energy consumption of houses. Hence, numerous properties are measured: mass and dimension (volume) variations are found, as is the variability in hygrothermal properties (density, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, moisture buffer value, and water vapor permeability). This entry proposes three different characterization campaigns. The first is a short introduction to the spatial variability in thermal conductivity; the second is dedicated to the study of univariate variations in the mass, volume, and hygrothermal properties of hemp concrete samples. The last one tackles the aging evolution of the properties characterized during the second campaign, in which the samples follow several aging protocols, including exposure to outdoor conditions, the application of immersion-drying cycles, and the application of freeze–thaw cycles. A set of samples is kept under control conditions to allow for comparison. As the main result, spatial variability was found in the material. This is related to the random manufacturing variability or the spatial position regarding the height of the manufactured element. A high univariate variability is found across hemp concrete samples. Moreover, the storage of samples under stable reference conditions implies very little change in the studied materials’ properties, whereas all accelerated aging protocols implied major changes of properties. In particular, we observed an evolution of the thermal conductivity of the samples kept under control conditions for 4 months, with the thermal conductivity ranging from −2.7% to +6.3% with a mean evolution of +1.22%. We observed an increase in the same property, ranging from +2.7% to +18.3%, with a mean of +9.0% for samples kept for 4 months under natural outdoor conditions, an increase ranging from +7.3% to +23.6% with a mean of +15.2% for samples that had undergone 20 cycles of immersion-drying, and an evolution of this property ranging from −5.6% to +12.3% for samples that had undergone 20 freeze–thaw cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphysics Analysis of Construction Materials)

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22 pages, 5494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Earth-Based Building Incorporating Sargassum muticum Seaweed: Mechanical and Hygrothermal Performances

by Houssam Affan, Karim Touati, Mohammed-Hichem Benzaama, Daniel Chateigner and Yassine El Mendili

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040932 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5575

Abstract

Once the tide recedes and leaves a significant amount of stranded seaweed on the coast, marine macroalgae pose a serious threat to the surrounding area. Through this work, we considered a large-scale application of stranded macroalgae in building construction. For the first time we studied the impact of incorporating Sargassum mitucum seaweed fiber in replacement of flax fiber used for a standard structural cob. Thus, cob specimens were elaborated and analyzed to evaluate their compressive and hygrothermal performances. It was found that the compressive strength and water vapor resistance factors of cob decreased with the algae content. Additionally, the obtained results showed that a cob made with Sargassum muticum algae presented better thermal (insulation and inertia) and hygroscopic properties than those of a cob made with a flax fiber. Indeed, the replacement of flax straw by algae lead to a reduction in the thermal conductivity by 38% when compared to the standard cob with 2.5% of flax straw fiber. Consequently, numerical simulation showed a reduction in the energy needs in buildings made with an algae-based cob when compared to those made with a flax-based cob. This study can contribute to a global environmental and economic issue, i.e., the valorization of brown algae on a large scale. Indeed, the worldwide knows the largest sea of sargassum algae extent measures over 8850 km². This huge mass of brownish algae is expanding every year, which now covers an area from Africa to the Caribbean. It weighs more than 20 million tons and extends from the Gulf of Mexico to the west coast of Africa. We show that stranded algae, which are considered as wastes, have the ability to improve the mechanical and hygrothermal performance of cob-based material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphysics Analysis of Construction Materials)

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Review

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29 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Numerical Modeling of the Hygrothermal Behavior of Building Envelopes Incorporating Phase Change Materials

by Mohamed Sawadogo, Alexandre Godin, Marie Duquesne, Ameur El Amine Hamami and Rafik Belarbi

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3086; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123086 - 12 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1407

Abstract

Buildings are submitted to various external and internal solicitations that could affect its energy performance. Among these solicitations, temperature and moisture play a crucial role and could irrevocably affect the comfort of the occupants and the indoor air quality of the living environment. To assess the impact of the solicitation on building performance, a precise modeling of the heat, air, and moisture transfer phenomenon is necessary. This work proposes an extensive review of the hygrothermal models for building envelopes. The different models are divided into nodal and HAM techniques for heat, air, and moisture (HAM) transfer models. The HAM approach has been classified based on four driving potentials: moisture content, relative humidity, capillary pressure, and vapor pressure. Phase change materials (PCMs), alongside hygroscopic materials, enhance building thermal capacity and energy efficiency. There are various approaches to studying phase changes, with enthalpy-based and heat capacity approaches being the most popular. Building performance can be improved by combining PCM thermal inertia with hygroscopic moisture management. This review has exhibited the need for numerical models that address phase change and moisture behavior in these hybrid materials, capable of controlling temperature and humidity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphysics Analysis of Construction Materials)

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