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Advances in Sustainable Construction and Building Materials (3rd Edition)

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 2892

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Dr. Ru Ji

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Guest Editor

School of Civil and Resources Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Beijing, China
Interests: building materials; envelopes; porous materials; foamed ceramics; phase change materials; energy-saving; thermal properties; solid waste utilization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Fanghui Han

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Civil and Resources Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Beijing, China
Interests: concrete; cement; hydration; microstructure; durability; rheological properties; alkali-activated materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Human history is a history of continuous development of materials, in which construction and building materials are the main parts of human activity. Climate change and environmental pollution have driven people to find energy-saving, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable routes of material synthesis and application with the aim of resolving these problems, especially in the field of construction and building materials. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to advance and disseminate knowledge in all the related areas of sustainable construction and building materials. This Special Issue provides essential information that will help improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in world markets. It is therefore vital reading for all professionals and academics involved in research into, or specification of, building materials.

The sustainable construction and building materials and technology covered include cement, concrete reinforcement, bricks and mortars, additives, corrosion technology, ceramics, timber, steel, polymers, glass fibers, phase change materials, recycled materials, bamboo, non-conventional building materials, green building materials, new technology for the improvement of material designs, and other related fields. The scope of this Special Issue includes but is not restricted to construction products, bridges, high-rise buildings, dams, civil engineering structures, silos, highway pavements, tunnels, water containment structures, sewers, roofing, housing, and railways. Original articles with innovative ideas and methods across the whole scope and up-to-date review papers and case studies are welcomed in this Special Issue.

Dr. Ru Ji
Dr. Fanghui Han
Guest Editors

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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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

construction and building materials
sustainable development
energy saving
energy efficiency
waste utilization
synthesis and preparation
characterization and properties
application

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 6884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Building Material Obtained Through the Moderate Thermal Consolidation of Ceramic Slurry Collected from Industrial Waste Waters

by Simona Elena Avram, Bianca Violeta Birle, Cosmin Cosma, Lucian Barbu Tudoran, Marioara Moldovan, Stanca Cuc, Gheorghe Borodi and Ioan Petean

Materials 2025, 18(8), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081715 - 9 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The slurry collected from the waste water resulting from ceramic tile processing contains significant amounts of quartz, kaolinite, and mullite, along with traces of iron hydroxides as observed using XRD analysis coupled with mineralogical optical microscopy (MOM). Such an admixture would be ideal for the development of ecologic building materials. Microstructural conditioning enhances the binding properties of kaolinite. Therefore, the influence of the vibration compaction of the moistened slurry at 30% humidity on the compressive strength was assessed. The compressive strength of the unvibrated sample is about 0.8 MPa with failure promoted by the microstructural unevenness. Several vibration amplitudes were tested from 20 to 40 mm. The optimal vibration mode was obtained at an amplitude of 25 mm for 10 min, ensuring a compressive strength of 2.37 MPa with a smooth and uniform failure surface involved within the binding layer as observed using SEM microscopy. The samples prepared under optimal conditions were thermally consolidated at 700, 800, and 900 °C below the mullitization temperature to ensure a low carbon footprint. XRD results reveal kaolinite dehydration in all fired samples, inducing its densification, which increases with increasing heating temperature. SEM coupled with EDS elemental investigations reveal that the dehydrated kaolinite better embeds quartz and mullite particles, ensuring a compact microstructure. The binding strength increases with the firing temperature. The mullite particles within the samples fired at 900 °C induce the partial mullitization of the dehydrated kaolinite matrix, increasing their homogeneity. The compression strength of the fired samples is temperature dependent: 4.44 MPa at 700 °C; 5.88 MPa at 800 °C, and 16.87 MPa at 900 °C. SEM fractography shows that failure occurs due to the dehydrated kaolinite matrix cracks and the quartz particles. The failure is rather plastic at low temperatures and becomes brittle at 900 °C. Reducing the firing temperature and treatment time reduces the carbon footprint of the consolidated ceramic parts. Samples fired at 700 °C exhibit a compressive strength comparable to low quality bricks, those fired at 800 °C exhibit a strength comparable to regular bricks, and those fired at 900 °C exhibit a superior strength comparable to high-quality bricks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction and Building Materials (3rd Edition))

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18 pages, 9061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Performance Optimization of Lead–Zinc Tailing Sintered Bricks

by Dongliang He, Yanhui Cheng, Rui Li and Hang Lin

Materials 2025, 18(6), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18061381 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 284

Abstract

Lead–zinc tailings are waste materials generated from mineral processing and smelting, and their long-term accumulation poses potential threats to the environment and soil. To achieve resource recycling and sustainable development, this study used lead–zinc tailings and clay as raw materials and glass powder as a modifier to prepare modified lead–zinc tailing sintered bricks. Through full-factor experiments and single-factor experiments, the effects of the material proportions, the sintering temperature, and the holding time on the properties of the sintered bricks were investigated. The results show that the addition of glass powder significantly enhanced the compressive strength of the sintered bricks, reduced their water absorption rate, and improved their volume shrinkage rate. The optimal preparation conditions were as follows: 9% glass powder content, 90% lead–zinc tailings content, a sintering temperature of 1060 °C, and a holding time of 60 min. The resulting sintered bricks met the MU30-strength-grade requirements of the national standard for ordinary sintered bricks (GB/T5101-2017). The sintering temperature has a significant impact on brick performance; the compressive strength first increases, and then decreases, the water absorption rate continues to decrease, and volume change shifts from expansion to contraction. The influence of holding time was relatively weaker, but as the holding time increased, the compressive strength and the water absorption rate of the sintered bricks gradually stabilized. XRD and SEM analyses indicated that the minerals in the lead–zinc tailings decomposed and recrystallized during the sintering process. The liquid phase melt from the glass powder filled the pores and enhanced skeletal strength, thereby improving the microstructure and properties of the sintered bricks. The research findings provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the efficient utilization and building material application of lead–zinc tailings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction and Building Materials (3rd Edition))

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15 pages, 6241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Failure Behavior of Soft-Hard Composite Rock with Three Parallel Joints Under Uniaxial Loading: Insights Based on AE and DIC Techniques

by Chaoyi Yang, Su Li, Xinglong Feng, Lianrong Wu and Hang Lin

Materials 2025, 18(5), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18051088 - 28 Feb 2025

Viewed by 315

Abstract

Jointed soft-hard composite rocks are frequently encountered in nature, and this complex structure contributes to unpredictable fracturing mechanisms and failure behavior. In this study, soft-hard composite rocks with three joints were fabricated to conduct a uniaxial loading experiment, supplemented by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Acoustic Emission (AE) experiments. The results indicate that the mechanical parameters display a V-shape variation trend with the increase of joint angle, which minimized at 30°. The peak strength ranges from 33.48 MPa to 44.93 MPa. The failure characteristics change from tensile failure to shear failure and finally to intact failure. According to the displacement curves on both sides of the crack, the initiation of wing cracks is driven by the direct tensile displacement field and indirect tensile displacement field for specimens with joint angles of 0–30° and 75–90°, respectively. While the crack initiation from joint tips corresponding to specimens with a joint angle of 45–60° is controlled by direct and indirect tensile displacement fields. Wherein the cracks initiate from the coplanar joint in the hard layer, driven by the indirect tensile displacement field, and the cracks expanding upward from other joint tips are more susceptible to the indirect tensile displacement field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction and Building Materials (3rd Edition))

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16 pages, 2109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporation of Concrete Polishing Waste as a Partial Substitute for Cement in Mortar

by Farjallah Alassaad, Houssam Affan, Bechara Haddad, Abdelrahman Mohamad and Nassim Sebaibi

Materials 2025, 18(3), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030530 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 510

Abstract

This study examines concrete polishing waste (CFPW) potential as a partial cement substitute in mortar formulation. Concrete polishing waste, a by-product of the grinding and polishing of concrete surfaces, is mainly composed of fine particles of silica and calcium carbonate. The aim of the research was to assess this industry waste incorporation impact on various mortar properties. Four mixes containing different percentages of CFPW were tested for their physic-mechanical properties and environmental impact. The results show that increasing the CFPW percentage leads to higher porosity and shrinkage, as well as lower mechanical strength and density. However, a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions was observed with CFPW incorporation (up to 29% reduction for 30% CPFW). Although CFPW use presents technical challenges, it offers an interesting opportunity to reduce mortars’ carbon footprint. The study concludes that moderate CFPW use can offer a balance between environmental benefits and performance, highlighting the need to optimize formulations to maximize benefits while minimizing compromises on mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction and Building Materials (3rd Edition))

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22 pages, 8986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Influence of Desert Sand-Mineral Admixture on the Abrasion Resistance of Concrete

by Aoli Cao, Yuwei Ma, Zhiqiang Li, Xixian Du, Gang Li and Aiqin Wang

Materials 2025, 18(2), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020446 - 19 Jan 2025

Viewed by 572

Abstract

The incorporation of desert sand-mineral admixture improves the abrasion resistance of concrete. To prolong the service life of assembled concrete channels and mitigate the depletion of river sand resources, the effects of fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), desert sand (DS), and basalt fiber (BF) on the mechanical properties and the abrasion resistance of concrete were examined, alongside an analysis of their microstructures to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of influence. The results indicated that the abrasion resistance strength of concrete mixed with 10% FA and 0.05% BF alone increased by 80.19% and 81.59%, respectively, compared with ordinary concrete (OC). When SF was added to the concrete at a dosage of 10%, it improved the mechanical properties and the abrasion resistance of the concrete. Furthermore, adding SF resulted in a 12.50% increase in compressive strength and a 12.27% increase in abrasion resistance strength compared to OC. The addition of DS did not significantly enhance the concrete’s abrasion resistance. The combination of ingredients for desert sand concrete (DSC) that provides excellent abrasion resistance was determined using an orthogonal experiment. The optimal mixture consisted of 10% FA content, 10% SF content, 40% DS content, and 0.05% BF content, which increased the abrasion resistance strength by 112.95% compared to OC. Through microscopic analysis, it is found that the width of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is an important factor in determining the abrasion resistance of concrete, and a narrower ITZ enhances the concrete’s abrasion resistance. The study’s findings could function as a theoretical reference for the engineering design of DSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction and Building Materials (3rd Edition))

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23 pages, 2788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Management of Asbestos Waste Through Utilization as Mineral Additives in Portland Cement Production

by Karol Durczak, Michał Pyzalski, Agnieszka Sujak, Michał Juszczyk, Dariusz Sala and Leonas Ustinovichius

Materials 2024, 17(23), 5793; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235793 - 26 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 736

Abstract

This article presents research on the effectiveness of utilizing asbestos waste, particularly chrysotile asbestos, in the production of Portland cement. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transforming asbestos cement (Eternit) through thermal treatment and its enrichment with mineral additives, enabling its integration into the clinker synthesis process. Differences in the physicochemical properties of types of cement produced from conventional raw materials and those manufactured using asbestos waste were analyzed. The research findings indicate that the presence of asbestos in cementitious materials leads to a significant mass loss of 29.4% due to thermal decomposition. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) at levels of 4.10% and 3.54%, respectively, suggesting the formation of brownmillerite, a phase typical of cement clinker. Furthermore, compressive strength tests on asbestos-modified cements demonstrated comparable mechanical properties to reference cement (CEM I), indicating their potential applicability in construction. This study provides essential insights into the mineralogical composition of asbestos cement, which is crucial for developing effective methods for its safe disposal. It represents a significant step toward sustainable asbestos waste management and the promotion of innovative solutions in the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction and Building Materials (3rd Edition))

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