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Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture
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Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 March 2023) | Viewed by 28898

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Vasiliki Pachta

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Building Materials, School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: building materials; life cycle assessment; exploitation of waste materials in constructions; energy efficiency
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainability concerns a diachronic principle of construction applied in architectural assets from ancient times until the present. Natural resources in addition to energy and cost saving during construction and throughout the life cycle of buildings are usually of primary interest. To this extent, the maintenance and repair strategies, applied both in historic and contemporary structures, are also significant aspects to be taken into account.

The Special Issue entitled ‘Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture’ tackles 3 topics, regarding:

Sustainable Architecture

  • Sustainable architectural strategies and requirements
  • Energy efficiency and integration of constructions
  • Renewable energy systems and performance
  • Design and application of passive and active energy systems in buildings
  • Green bsuildings
Sustainability and Architectural Built Heritage
  • Sustainability and maintenance of historic structures
  • Energy efficiency and structural integration of historic buildings
  • Criteria and performance requirements for the sustainable upgrading and rehabilitation of historic buildings
  • Life cycle assessment of historic structures
Building Materials and Sustainability in Construction
  • Sustainable building materials for construction and restoration purposes
  • Innovative building materials with low footprint and environmental benefits
  • Fiber composites (natural, organic)
  • Recycled composite materials
  • Green building materials

The Special Issue invites reviews, original research articles, and state-of-the-art contributions dealing with the abovementioned axes in order to envisage key parameters influencing durability, energy efficiency, structural integrity, performance requirements, and maintenance of constructions through the prism of sustainability.

Dr. Vasiliki Pachta
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

  • sustainable architecture
  • energy efficiency
  • renewable energy systems
  • green buildings
  • architectural built heritage
  • structural integration
  • life cycle assessment
  • fiber composites
  • recycled composite materials
  • green building materials

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 8999 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Animal Glue as an Additive on the Properties of Lime Architectural Grouts
by Andreja Padovnik and Violeta Bokan-Bosiljkov
Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12903; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712903 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1255
Abstract
Organic additives from plant and animal extracts were commonly used in lime mortar in the past to improve and modify its properties. In modern times, they have been replaced by inorganic additives. The objective of this research is to investigate the influence of [...] Read more.
Organic additives from plant and animal extracts were commonly used in lime mortar in the past to improve and modify its properties. In modern times, they have been replaced by inorganic additives. The objective of this research is to investigate the influence of fish animal glue and the role of the filler particle size distribution on the fresh and hardened properties and durability of lime grouts. Wet density, water retention, fluidity, and injectability were tested in the fresh state. It was found that the particle size distribution of the selected filler, which can increase the packing density of the solid particles of the grout, and the W/B ratio have a great influence on water retention and fluidity. In the hardened state, porosity and compressive and splitting tensile strength were evaluated on 90-day- and 365-day-old specimens. The presence of animal glue improved the mechanical properties, due to a higher carbonation rate. The combination of the two fillers that resulted in a better packing of filler particles decreased the splitting tensile strength of the grout. To investigate the durability of the selected grouts, adhesion strength was measured on disc-sandwich models after non-accelerated and accelerated aging. The results show that the adhesive strength of grouts aged under laboratory conditions is lower than that of grouts subjected to accelerated aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture)
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15 pages, 4380 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Suitability of Waste Glass as a Supplementary Binder and Aggregate for Cement and Concrete
by Maria Stefanidou, Fotini Kesikidou, Stavroula Konopisi and Thanasis Vasiadis
Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3796; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043796 - 19 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3167
Abstract
Multiple studies propose the incorporation of waste glass into concrete as a sustainable solution covering many aspects, including preserving natural resources, utilizing waste materials and reducing concrete cost. In the present study, the suitability of different types of flat glass waste from a [...] Read more.
Multiple studies propose the incorporation of waste glass into concrete as a sustainable solution covering many aspects, including preserving natural resources, utilizing waste materials and reducing concrete cost. In the present study, the suitability of different types of flat glass waste from a local industry as a supplementary binder or aggregate was examined. Different protocols were followed based on the European and American Standards. The chemical composition, density, mineralogy and salts content of the samples were tested. For the use of the glass waste as a binder, the strength activity and pozzolanicity indexes were measured according to EN 450-1 and ASTM C593, respectively. For the use of the glass waste as aggregates, the granulometry and the flakiness and shape indexes of the samples were determined. Alkali-silica reaction, freeze-thaw and magnesium sulfate tests for the aggregates were also performed. It can be concluded that waste glass has a medium pozzolanic behavior and can be used as a supplementary cementitious material. Nonetheless, the chemical composition, as well as the purity, of waste glass play an important role for the binder and aggregate in the mixture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture)
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27 pages, 3182 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Review on the Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) in Concrete Production
by Jawad Ahmad, Karolos J. Kontoleon, Ali Majdi, Muhammad Tayyab Naqash, Ahmed Farouk Deifalla, Nabil Ben Kahla, Haytham F. Isleem and Shaker M. A. Qaidi
Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8783; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148783 - 18 Jul 2022
Cited by 120 | Viewed by 15915
Abstract
In the last few decades, the concrete industry has been massively expanded with the adoption of various kinds of binding materials. As a substitute to cement and in an effort to relieve ecofriendly difficulties linked with cement creation, the utilization of industrial waste [...] Read more.
In the last few decades, the concrete industry has been massively expanded with the adoption of various kinds of binding materials. As a substitute to cement and in an effort to relieve ecofriendly difficulties linked with cement creation, the utilization of industrial waste as cementitious material can sharply reduce the amount of trash disposed of in lakes and landfills. With respect to the mechanical properties, durability and thermal behavior, ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) delineates a rational way to develop sustainable cement and concrete. Apart from environmental benefits, the replacement of cement by GGBS illustrates an adequate way to mitigate the economic impact. Although many researchers concentrate on utilizing GGBS in concrete production, knowledge is scattered, and additional research is needed to better understand relationships among a wide spectrum of key questions and to more accurately determine these preliminary findings. This work aims to shed some light on the scientific literature focusing on the use and effectiveness of GGBS as an alternative to cement. First and foremost, basic information on GGBS manufacturing and its physical, chemical and hydraulic activity and heat of hydration are thoroughly discussed. In a following step, fresh concrete properties, such as flowability and mechanical strength, are examined. Furthermore, the durability of concrete, such as density, permeability, acid resistance, carbonation depth and dry shrinkage, are also reviewed and interpreted. It can be deduced that the chemical structure of GGBS is parallel to that of cement, as it shows the creditability of being partially integrated and overall suggests an alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). On the basis of such adjustments, the mechanical strength of concrete with GGBS has shown an increase, to a certain degree; however, the flowability of concrete has been reduced. In addition, the durability of concrete containing GGBS cement is shown to be superior. The optimum percentage of GGBS is an essential aspect of better performance. Previous studies have suggested different optimum percentages of GGBS varying from 10 to 20%, depending on the source of GGBS, concrete mix design and particle size of GGBS. Finally, the review also presents some basic process improvement tips for future generations to use GGBS in concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture)
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21 pages, 5510 KiB  
Article
Microstructural Analysis of the Reactivity Parameters of Calcined Clays
by Christian Ramadji, Adamah Messan, Seick Omar Sore, Elodie Prud’homme and Philbert Nshimiyimana
Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2308; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042308 - 17 Feb 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2328
Abstract
Four (04) different types of clays from Burkina Faso were studied for their potential applications in the production of calcined clays as substitution materials for Portland cement. The study aimed at analyzing the factors affecting their reactivity. The untreated clays were subjected to [...] Read more.
Four (04) different types of clays from Burkina Faso were studied for their potential applications in the production of calcined clays as substitution materials for Portland cement. The study aimed at analyzing the factors affecting their reactivity. The untreated clays were subjected to various tests to highlight the intrinsic properties that can influence their reactivity. After the treatment by calcination, the clays were subjected to various pozzolanicity tests and microstructural analysis in order to evaluate their influence on the microstructure of the cement paste. The results showed that the reactivity of calcined clays is strongly related to the intrinsic properties of the raw clays, such as the content and the structure of kaolinite: disordered kaolinite reacts better than ordered kaolinite. After the calcination, the reactivity depends on the amorphous phase (amorphous content) of the clays, which influences the strength activity index. This study established a correlation between different parameters to easily identify the main properties of calcined clays that can influence their pozzolanic reactivity. All the results showed that the kaolinite content is a determining factor in the reactivity of clays before calcination. However, the study showed that the amorphous content of kaolinite is the determining parameter of the reactivity of calcined clays, as calcination can lead to the recrystallization of kaolinite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture)
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17 pages, 3942 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Industrial Byproducts for Enhancing the Properties of Cement Mortars at Elevated Temperatures
by Vasiliki Pachta and Eleftherios K. Anastasiou
Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12104; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112104 - 2 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1845
Abstract
The research on industrial byproducts, such as slags and fly ash, was intense during the last decades in the building sector. Apart from the environmental benefits coming from their exploitation, their application may lead to the production of cost effective and durable building [...] Read more.
The research on industrial byproducts, such as slags and fly ash, was intense during the last decades in the building sector. Apart from the environmental benefits coming from their exploitation, their application may lead to the production of cost effective and durable building materials, such as mortars and concrete. The impact of industrial byproducts on the resistance of materials to fire and elevated temperatures was assessed by many scientists, however, it is still an open field of research. In this study, locally available byproducts were investigated, including High Calcium Fly Ash (HCFA), coming from lignite-fired power plants, as well as Ladle Furnace Steel (LFS) slag and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slag aggregates, originating from the steel making industry. Six mortar compositions were manufactured with substitution of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with HCFA and LFS slag (20% w/w) and of natural aggregates with EAF slag (50% w/w). At the age of 7, 28, and 90 days, the physico-mechanical properties of the specimens were recorded, while they were further exposed at elevated temperatures, concerning 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C, and 1000 °C. After each exposure, their physico-mechanical and microstructure characteristics were identified. From the evaluation of the results, it was asserted that HCFA and EAF slag aggregates enhanced the overall performance of mortars, especially up to 600 °C. LFS was beneficial only in combination with EAF slag aggregates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture)
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12 pages, 2939 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Basic Properties and Environmental Footprint Reduction Effects of Highly Sulfated Calcium Silicate Cement
by Hyeon-Soo Kim, Ik Kim, Wan-hee Yang, Soo-Young Moon and Ji-Young Lee
Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147540 - 6 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2434
Abstract
In South Korea, efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and environmental impacts from the perspective of life cycle assessment (LCA) are important because of the implementation of zero-energy building certification for public buildings and the promotion of net-zero policy. Therefore, it is critical [...] Read more.
In South Korea, efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and environmental impacts from the perspective of life cycle assessment (LCA) are important because of the implementation of zero-energy building certification for public buildings and the promotion of net-zero policy. Therefore, it is critical to develop cement alternatives with low embodied energy and less environmental impact. In this study, the applicability of “highly sulfated calcium silicate cement (HSCSC),” an eco-friendly binder developed by our research team, was investigated. Its basic properties and environmental footprint reduction effects were examined in comparison with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and Portland blast furnace slag cement (PBSC). The environmental impacts of the HSCSC were analyzed using the LCA method. The results confirmed that HSCSC can be considered an excellent alternative to conventional OPC or PBSC in certain areas as an eco-friendly binder that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and environmental impacts. Moreover, compared to OPC and PBSC, the probability of HSCSC affecting the human body is extremely low. The results of this study may contribute to the development and practical use of cements that minimize climate impacts, as well as improve the efficacy of future research on embodied energy saving. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Materials and Sustainable Architecture)
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