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Green Construction Materials and Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Green Building".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 6861

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ana Jiménez del Barco Carrión

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Construction Engineering and Engineering Projects, University of Granada, 18001 Granada, Spain
Interests: sustainable construction materials; sustainability assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In response to the growing global imperative for sustainable development, Sustainability is pleased to announce a call for submissions for a Special Issue focused on "Green Construction Materials and Sustainability". This initiative aims to provide a platform for researchers, scholars, and practitioners to contribute valuable insights, research findings, and innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges faced by the construction industry in fostering environmental sustainability.

The built environment plays a pivotal role in shaping the ecological footprint of communities and nations. The construction sector, in particular, stands at the crossroads of progress, necessitating a paradigm shift towards greener practices. This Special Issue seeks to explore the dynamic interplay between green building materials and their broader environmental impact, with a focus on advancing sustainable construction practices.

The discourse surrounding green construction materials encompasses a spectrum of considerations, ranging from the development of eco-friendly materials to the implementation of energy-efficient designs and construction methodologies. We encourage submissions that delve into the intricate details of novel green building materials, their applications, and the advancements that contribute to minimizing environmental impact.

Furthermore, we welcome contributions that explore sustainable construction practices and strategies, considering the entire life cycle of building materials. This includes research on life cycle assessments, the integration of eco-friendly technologies in construction processes, and the development of energy-efficient building designs. We also invite discussions on the role of environmental policies and regulations in shaping sustainable practices within the construction sector.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Advancements in and applications of novel green construction materials;
  2. Sustainable construction practices and strategies;
  3. Life cycle assessment, life cycle cost assessment and social assessment of construction materials;
  4. Energy-efficient building designs;
  5. Eco-friendly technologies in construction;
  6. Environmental policies and regulations in the construction sector;
  7. Case studies on green construction projects.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ana Jiménez del Barco Carrión
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

  • sustainability
  • green materials
  • green construction
  • life cycle assessment
  • biomaterials
  • sustainable materials

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 16556 KiB  
Article
Physical Characterization of Ecological Briquettes Based on Vertisols and Sorghum Bicolor CS54 Fibers
by Abba Falama, Maxime Dawoua Kaoutoing, Souaibou, Ruben Zieba Falama, Virgil Dumbrava and Danwé Raidandi
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310383 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 660
Abstract
The aim of this work is to perform the physical characterization of ecological briquettes based on vertisols and fibers of Sorghum bicolor CS54 from the city of Maroua located in the Far North of Cameroon, a country of Sub-Saharan Africa. Three sites of [...] Read more.
The aim of this work is to perform the physical characterization of ecological briquettes based on vertisols and fibers of Sorghum bicolor CS54 from the city of Maroua located in the Far North of Cameroon, a country of Sub-Saharan Africa. Three sites of study have been identified and investigated, namely ZL (Zokok Laddeo), Ngassa (NG), and KG (Kongola). Different percentages of added plant fibers have been realized, including 0%; 2%; 6%; and 8% of fiber additions for each site considered. The experimental tests have revealed that the plasticity of clays is between 16.56% and 25.96%; it is higher in the Zokok Laddéo site (25.96%); and it is between 16.56 and 23.78% for Ngassa and Kongola. The main aggregates observed in the three sites are gravel, which varies between 1.90% and 16.12%, sand between 4.99 and 53.12%, silt, which varies between 2.30 and 36.10%, and clay which fluctuates between 20 and 38.77%. The coefficient of resistance to abrasion varies between 7.19% and 24.35 for the three sites. The highest rates are those of the samples from the Ngassa site (24.35%). The linear shrinkage of the samples varies between 2.9 and 13.04%. The apparent density of the briquettes are between 1587.30 kg/m3 and 2138.13 kg/m3; they are higher for the sites of Zokok Laddéo and Ngassa. The overall coefficient of the capillary rise value is between 0.42% and 16.85%. The interval variation in the obtained results for the different parameters are for most cases and depending on the sites studied in accordance with the defined international standards. These results have proven that the addition of bicolor Sorghum fibers CS54 in vertisols could improve the performance of constructions based on local and eco-friendly materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Construction Materials and Sustainability)
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27 pages, 3995 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Geopolymer Masonry Mortars Incorporating Recycled Fine Aggregates
by Elen Abuowda, Hilal El-Hassan and Tamer El-Maaddawy
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8147; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188147 - 18 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1387
Abstract
This study evaluates the characteristics of geopolymer masonry mortars (GMMs) made with slag–fly ash binder and up to 100% recycled fine aggregates (RFAs). For each RFA replacement rate, two types of GMMs, namely N and S types based on ASTM C91, were proportioned [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the characteristics of geopolymer masonry mortars (GMMs) made with slag–fly ash binder and up to 100% recycled fine aggregates (RFAs). For each RFA replacement rate, two types of GMMs, namely N and S types based on ASTM C91, were proportioned and tested for mechanical, physical, and durability properties. Results revealed that using geopolymeric binder enhanced the flow, water retention, compressive strength, sorptivity, and abrasion resistance of GMMs compared to cementitious counterparts but reduced the initial setting time by up to 75%. Subsequent RFA additions negatively affected the flow, setting time, density, water absorption, porosity, and bulk resistivity but enhanced the water retention, sorptivity, and abrasion resistance of GMM. It also reduced the compressive, pull-off, and flexural strengths by 36, 44, and 27%, respectively. Furthermore, S-type mortars exhibited improved bulk resistivity, sorptivity, and abrasion resistance compared to N-type counterparts. A multifunctional performance index deduced that the GMM mixes incorporating 100% RFAs were superior to geopolymeric or cementitious masonry mortars made with natural fine aggregates (NFAs). Such findings emphasize the sustainability of GMMs made with RFAs in masonry construction, eliminating the need for water curing while maintaining comparable or even superior properties compared to cement-based mortars made with NFAs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Construction Materials and Sustainability)
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18 pages, 3638 KiB  
Article
Optimization Research of Sodium Hydroxide Pretreatment to Enhance the Thermal Properties of Straw–Mortar Composite Materials
by Rongfei Zhao, Jia Fu, Binbin Feng and Wei Gao
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 5239; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125239 - 20 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1163
Abstract
Although straw is being utilized as an additive in construction materials, the thermal properties of straw and building materials in combination are insufficient. The thermal properties of straw–mortar composite materials can be improved by the pretreatment of straw. The alkali treatment enhances the [...] Read more.
Although straw is being utilized as an additive in construction materials, the thermal properties of straw and building materials in combination are insufficient. The thermal properties of straw–mortar composite materials can be improved by the pretreatment of straw. The alkali treatment enhances the mechanical attachment between the fibers and the matrix material, assuring that the straw–mortar composite materials have solid thermal insulation characteristics. Pretreatment with sodium hydroxide was utilized in this work to enhance the thermal properties of straw–mortar composite materials. This study mainly investigated the thermal properties of straw–mortar composite material after sodium hydroxide pretreatment and its change rules under the condition of the freeze–thaw cycle. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken experimental design, with the straw content (%), pretreatment time (min), and reagent concentration (%) as process parameters, was used. The response variables were the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal resistance. The findings revealed that all of the variables had a substantial impact on the replies. Optimization parameters of 17.95% for the straw content, 19.50 min for the pretreatment time, and 4.99% for the reagent concentration for the straw–mortar composite materials were achieved. A thermal conductivity of 0.211 W·(m·K)−1, a thermal diffusivity of 0.277 mm2·s−1, and a thermal resistance of 57.211 K·W−1 were the optimal thermal property indices. Furthermore, during the freeze–thaw cycle, the thermal conductivity coefficient and thermal diffusion coefficient of the combined pretreatment composite were 26% and 9% lower than the materials without the treatment. The thermal performance of the mortar composites prepared by alkali-treated straw was better than that prepared by untreated straw. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Construction Materials and Sustainability)
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23 pages, 20873 KiB  
Article
Study on the Long-Term Durability and Leaching Characteristics of Low-Consumption Cement Backfill under Different Environmental Conditions
by Jinxing Wang, Menghang Xing, Xiaolin Yang, Huazhe Jiao, Liuhua Yang, Tongyi Yang, Chunlai Wang and Xiaohui Liu
Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 5138; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125138 - 17 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1340
Abstract
The high consumption and high cost of cement are the bottleneck problems that limit the development of cemented tailings backfilling technology. The low-consumption cement backfill is immersed in a weak acid/alkaline groundwater environment for a long time. Reducing the consumption of cement can [...] Read more.
The high consumption and high cost of cement are the bottleneck problems that limit the development of cemented tailings backfilling technology. The low-consumption cement backfill is immersed in a weak acid/alkaline groundwater environment for a long time. Reducing the consumption of cement can easily lead to problems such as a sudden decrease in strength and the leakage of heavy metals. Through the monolithic leaching test in static and uniaxial compressive tests, the heavy metals’ leaching concentration and the compressive strength of low-consumption cement backfills in different pH soaking solutions were measured at different soaking times. Results show that a lower cement concentration will result in a lower CTB compressive strength and a higher rate of heavy metal leaching. Long-term exposure to an acidic/alkaline environment will lead to the instability and destruction of the CTB structure. A microscopic examination reveals that the creation of hydration products can improve the structure’s compactness while also lowering the internal porosity of CTB but can also solidify heavy metal ions in various ways. A first-order reaction/diffusion model (FRDM) can better evaluate the leaching behavior of CTB. This study helps to improve backfilling technology, thereby contributing to the creation of sustainable mining geotechnologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Construction Materials and Sustainability)
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15 pages, 1317 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Mechanical Performance of Warm Bio-Recycled Asphalt Mixtures
by Daniah Alsarayreh and Ana Jiménez del Barco Carrión
Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031287 - 2 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1505
Abstract
Currently, approximately 90% of road pavement mixtures are derived from fossil fuels, a major source of the greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. This fact, together with the scarcity of raw materials in pavement engineering, has prompted recent investigations into sustainable alternatives. Biobinders, [...] Read more.
Currently, approximately 90% of road pavement mixtures are derived from fossil fuels, a major source of the greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. This fact, together with the scarcity of raw materials in pavement engineering, has prompted recent investigations into sustainable alternatives. Biobinders, serving as substitutes or modifiers for petroleum-based asphalt binders, have gained attention, alongside the integration of recycled materials in recycled asphalt (RA). This study addresses these concerns by combining three techniques: (1) substituting a bitumen-based binder with a biobinder; (2) incorporating a high RA percentage (>30%); and (3) manufacturing the asphalt mixture at a reduced temperature (140 °C). These approaches result in the production and evaluation of warm bio-recycled asphalt mixtures. Materials were assessed at both the binder and mixture levels. The control binder, RA binder, and biobinder underwent conventional and rheological characterization. In terms of mixtures, warm bio-recycled asphalt mixtures employed a biobinder as the only virgin binder, with RA contents of 50% and 70%. Mechanical characterization focused on bearing capacity, cohesion, permanent deformations, and moisture damage. The warm bio-recycled asphalt mixtures exhibited adequate outcomes in bearing capacity through the stiffness modulus being 18,120 MPa and 15,683 MPa for bio-recycled asphalt with 50% RA and bio-recycled asphalt with 70% RA, respectively. Bio-recycled asphalt with 50% RA and bio-recycled asphalt with 70% RA showed low permanent deformation percentages, specifically 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively, in comparison to the reference recycled asphalt mixture with 1.5%, allaying concerns in practical applications due to the biobinder’s soft consistency. The bio-recycled asphalt mixture with 70% RA displayed good mechanical performance regarding the studied mechanical characterization, especially exhibiting the least susceptibility to water-induced damage with 97% of the retained indirect tensile strength ratio, addressing concerns related to moisture damage in warm asphalt mixtures with high RA content and biobinders. These findings offer valuable insights into the adoption of more sustainable practices in the asphalt pavement industry, reducing the concerns associated with warm bio-recycled asphalt mixtures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Construction Materials and Sustainability)
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