Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	17.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	17.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Heritage heritage	2.0	2.9	2018	17.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	20 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

25 pages, 2762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction and Demolition Waste Generation Prediction by Using Artificial Neural Networks and Metaheuristic Algorithms

by Ruba Awad, Cenk Budayan and Asli Pelin Gurgun

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3695; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113695 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 620

Abstract

In the actual estimation of construction and demolition waste (C&DW), it is significantly relevant to effective management, design, and planning at project stages, but the lack of reliable estimation methods and historical data prevents the estimation of C&DW quantities for both short- and [...] Read more.

In the actual estimation of construction and demolition waste (C&DW), it is significantly relevant to effective management, design, and planning at project stages, but the lack of reliable estimation methods and historical data prevents the estimation of C&DW quantities for both short- and long-term planning. To address this gap, this study aims to predict C&DW quantities in construction projects more accurately by integrating the gray wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) and the Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA) into an artificial neural network (ANN). This study uses data concerning the actual quantities of work in 200 real-life construction and demolition projects performed in the Gaza Strip. Different performance parameters, such as mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and the coefficient of determination (R²), are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the models developed. The results of this study have shown that the AOA-ANN model outperforms the other models in terms of accuracy (R² = 0.023728, MSE = 0.00056304, RMSE = 0.023728, MAE = 0.0086648). Moreover, this new hybrid model yields more accurate estimations of C&DW quantities with minimal input parameters, making the process of estimation more feasible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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23 pages, 7442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Masonry Mortars for Sustainable Construction: Experimental Study with Four Different Aggregates

by Enrique Ruano Gutiérrez, Daniel Ferrández, Evangelina Atanes-Sánchez and Miguel Ruano de Pablo

Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6228; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146228 - 21 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1023

Abstract

The construction sector generates a strong environmental impact every year as a result of the high consumption of raw materials and the large waste volumes associated with this productive activity. In this sense, the search for alternative and sustainable solutions that allow progress [...] Read more.

The construction sector generates a strong environmental impact every year as a result of the high consumption of raw materials and the large waste volumes associated with this productive activity. In this sense, the search for alternative and sustainable solutions that allow progress towards responsible economic growth has become a priority activity. This work presents an exhaustive characterisation of masonry mortars made with four different types of aggregates: standard sand, natural sand, concrete waste recycled sand and ceramic components recovered sand. Differently from other studies, this research addresses the previous characterisation of the aggregates as raw material for the manufacture of masonry mortars, and, afterwards, a study of the most relevant properties for these cement composites in the fresh and hardened state is carried out. The most relevant properties of the mortars made with these raw materials are presented, and the repercussion of aggregate washing on their physical-mechanical characteristics is analysed. The results show how mortars made with 100% recycled aggregate can be competitive in the industry, presenting excellent properties in the fresh state and achieving an optimal mechanical strength. In addition, it has been observed that the introduction of a previous washing step of the aggregates improves their physical-mechanical properties and results in a higher quality of the cement mortars finally produced. In this way, the most representative properties of this type of materials have been collected in a well-structured and complete way, thus showing their possibilities of application in the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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19 pages, 3110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Multi-Stakeholder Behavioral Strategies in the Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Industry through an Evolutionary Game Theory

by Yanyan Wang, Lijun Qi and Wenjing Cui

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051425 - 15 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1068

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) recycling products have drawn worldwide attention over the past few decades. There is a general agreement among researchers that C&DW recycling is an important means for curbing the deterioration of the environment. Previous papers mainly focused on the [...] Read more.

Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) recycling products have drawn worldwide attention over the past few decades. There is a general agreement among researchers that C&DW recycling is an important means for curbing the deterioration of the environment. Previous papers mainly focused on the decision-making behavior of dual stakeholders or tripartite stakeholders, as well as the lack of cooperation among multiple stakeholders. This study explored a dynamic evolutionary game model with three different parameter conditions to research the decision-making behaviors and stable strategies of the multi-stakeholders involved in the C&DW recycling product industry, including government departments and some enterprises. This research also investigated how the government’s supervision costs, penalties applied to enterprises, and resource taxes affect the dynamic evolution process of C&DW recycling. This research conducted numerical simulations using Python to analyze stakeholders’ behavioral evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) and the sensitivity to main factors in each stage of the C&DW recycling process to accelerate the development of construction waste resource utilization. Based on the results of the evolutionary game, this paper proposed that the roles of multi-stakeholders are different at different stages of industry development, and that supervision costs, penalties, and resource tax have their own impacts on the C&DW recycling product industry. The paper suggests a range of discussions and simulation studies to highlight the significance of the government’s refined and moderate adjustments to the regulatory incentive system and the level of government regulation and involvement at different stages of the process. These adjustments are aimed at promoting the sustainable recycling and utilization of construction and demolition waste (C&DW) products within some countries’ construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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22 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Driving Factors in Carbon Emission Reduction in Prefabricated Building Supply Chains Based on Structural Equation Modelling

by Wei Liu, Guohao Fan and Zixuan Liu

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3150; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083150 - 10 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1240

Abstract

As one of the development paths of construction industrialization, prefabricated buildings (PBs) are an important means for China’s construction industry to achieve the “double carbon” goal. To better leverage the energy-saving and emission-reduction benefits of prefabricated buildings, we have analyzed the driving factors [...] Read more.

As one of the development paths of construction industrialization, prefabricated buildings (PBs) are an important means for China’s construction industry to achieve the “double carbon” goal. To better leverage the energy-saving and emission-reduction benefits of prefabricated buildings, we have analyzed the driving factors and driving paths of carbon emission reduction in prefabricated buildings from the perspective of the supply chain. The carbon emission-reduction driving index system of prefabricated building supply chains (PBSCs) was constructed through the literature review method and the questionnaire investigation method. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the relationship of each driving factor. The importance of each driving factor was quantitatively analyzed on account of the model’s operation results. The results showed: the order of importance of driver levels is technology-driven > economic-driven > market-driven > government-driven > supply chain coordination-driven. The key driving factors are summarized based on the ranking of driving factor indicators in each dimension, providing a reference for participants in PBSCs to adopt low-carbon measures and providing a basis for government departments to formulate carbon emission-reduction strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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18 pages, 8510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Innovative Hemp–Gypsum Composites for Application in the Building Industry

by Daniel Ferrández, Manuel Álvarez, Alicia Zaragoza-Benzal, Álvaro Cobo-González and Paulo Santos

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14062229 - 7 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1547

Abstract

At present, the development of new eco-friendly building materials for the production of lightweight partitions has become a challenge in order to advance towards the industrialization of the building sector. This work aims to design, characterize, and analyze the possibilities of applying innovative [...] Read more.

At present, the development of new eco-friendly building materials for the production of lightweight partitions has become a challenge in order to advance towards the industrialization of the building sector. This work aims to design, characterize, and analyze the possibilities of applying innovative ecological gypsum composites lightened with hemp. To achieve this, samples have been prepared with partial replacement of 15% and 30% in volume of the original gypsum material by adding hemp both in the form of powder and fiber. The results show how the replacement of 15% of gypsum by hemp fiber with a length between 8 and 12 mm improves the flexural strength of the composites. Likewise, all the dosages prepared for this study have met the minimum requirements for mechanical strength required by current regulations, while also improving the water resistance behavior of gypsum composites. However, the main advantage derived from the use of these hemp-lightened gypsum-based materials lies in their reduced thermal conductivity, being up to 50% lower than that obtained for traditional materials. These results suggest the possible application of these materials to produce prefabricated boards and panels for a more sustainable construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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20 pages, 1860 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Carbon Footprint Accounting in the Materialization Stage of Prefabricated Housing Based on DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC

by Wei Liu and Qingcheng Huang

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 13148; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413148 - 11 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1254

Abstract

This work employs the carbon emission factor method to offer real-world instances for carbon footprint accounting, allowing for a thorough analysis of the carbon footprint and important influencing elements throughout the materialization stage of prefabricated housing. To identify the 18 important influencing factors [...] Read more.

This work employs the carbon emission factor method to offer real-world instances for carbon footprint accounting, allowing for a thorough analysis of the carbon footprint and important influencing elements throughout the materialization stage of prefabricated housing. To identify the 18 important influencing factors that need to be examined from the five stages of building material production, conveyance of building materials, component manufacturing, component transportation, and building, this paper applies the DEMATEL-ISM-MICMAC (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory–Interpretive Structure Modeling–Cross-Influence Matrix Multiplication) model based on data quantification. Following the findings, the case project’s physical phase generated a carbon footprint of approximately 4.68 × 10⁶ kg CO₂. The building materials’ production and processing phase contributed the highest carbon footprint of the entire physical phase, totaling 4,005,935.99 kg CO₂, or 88.24% of the total carbon footprint. To determine the centrality and causality of the influencing factors, four major influencing factors—energy consumption of raw materials (S₄), construction planning and organization (S₁₅), transportation energy type (S₆), and waste disposal (S₂)—were identified using the DEMATEL approach. The influencing factor system hierarchy was divided into six levels using the ISM technique. Level L6, which comprises one influencing factor for organizing and planning, is construction planning and organization (S₁₅). Utilizing the MICMAC technique, it was possible to identify the energy consumption of raw materials (S₄) as the primary cause of the materialization phase of built dwellings’ carbon footprint. The building material production phases have the largest influence on carbon footprints, according to both case accounting and modeling research. The study’s findings can offer some conceptual guidance for the creation of low-carbon emission reduction schemes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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21 pages, 7393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time-Dependent Rheological Properties of Cemented Aeolian Sand-Fly Ash Backfill Vary with Particles Size and Plasticizer

by Baogui Yang, Zhijun Zheng, Junyu Jin and Xiaolong Wang

Materials 2023, 16(15), 5295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155295 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1237

Abstract

The use of cemented Aeolian sand-fly ash backfill (CAFB) material to fill the mining area to improve the surface subsidence damage caused by underground coal mining is in the development stage. Their performance with large overflow water and strength loss is not well [...] Read more.

The use of cemented Aeolian sand-fly ash backfill (CAFB) material to fill the mining area to improve the surface subsidence damage caused by underground coal mining is in the development stage. Their performance with large overflow water and strength loss is not well understood. Few research has been conducted to understand the effects of aeolian sand and coal gangue on the rheological properties of CAFB with plasticizers. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of a plasticizer on the rheological properties, specifically yield stress and viscosity, of CAFB prepared with aeolian sand and coal gangue. CAFB mixes containing 0%, 0.05%, and 0.1% plasticizers were prepared, and yield stress and viscosity were determined at different intervals. Additional tests, such as thermal analysis and zeta potential analysis, were also conducted. It was found that the rheological properties of CAFB are the comprehensive manifestation of the composite characteristics of various models. Reasonable particle size distribution and less plasticizer can ensure the stability of the slurry structure and reduce the slurry settlement and the risk of pipe blocking. The findings of this study will be beneficial in the design and production of CAFB material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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22 pages, 6592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of a New Lightweight Plaster Material with Superabsorbent Polymers and Perlite for Building Applications

by Patricia Guijarro-Miragaya, Daniel Ferrández, Evangelina Atanes-Sánchez and Alicia Zaragoza-Benzal

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071641 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2028

Abstract

The building sector is facing the challenge of transitioning to a more industrialized construction approach and is thus promoting the development of new materials that enable the production of lighter prefabricated products with enhanced thermal performance. This study conducts the physicochemical and mechanical [...] Read more.

The building sector is facing the challenge of transitioning to a more industrialized construction approach and is thus promoting the development of new materials that enable the production of lighter prefabricated products with enhanced thermal performance. This study conducts the physicochemical and mechanical characterization of a new plaster material intended for application in the building sector. The plaster material developed contains potassium polyacrylate and perlite in its composition and has been reinforced with wood, glass and polypropylene fibers to improve its physical and mechanical properties. The results demonstrate that the combined incorporation of potassium polyacrylate and expanded perlite leads to a decrease in density and thermal conductivity by 10.5% and 47%, respectively, compared to traditional plasters. In addition, the incorporation of reinforcement fibers in the plaster matrix, particularly glass fiber, improves the mechanical strength of the new material. The plaster composite developed for this research offers lightweight characteristics and improves the energy efficiency of the construction systems into which it can be integrated and is designed for use in prefabricated panels and plates especially. This progress represents a step towards more efficient industrialized construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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18 pages, 3823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Ecofriendly Mortars with Different Hemp Additions for Use in Building Sector

by Daniel Ferrández, Manuel Álvarez Dorado, Alicia Zaragoza-Benzal and Alberto Leal Matilla

Heritage 2023, 6(7), 4901-4918; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6070261 - 22 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1587

Abstract

Cement mortars are commonly used in building works for the execution of enclosures and exterior rehabilitation of facades. The incorporation of plant-based additives enables the development of ecofriendly construction materials. In this work, a physical and mechanical characterisation of cement mortars with the [...] Read more.

Cement mortars are commonly used in building works for the execution of enclosures and exterior rehabilitation of facades. The incorporation of plant-based additives enables the development of ecofriendly construction materials. In this work, a physical and mechanical characterisation of cement mortars with the incorporation of hemp in three morphologies (fibre, powder and pellet) was conducted. The results show how the additions of hemp powder and pellets with a partial replacement of natural aggregate reduce the final density of cement mortars and their thermal conductivity by more than 16% and 19%, respectively. On the other hand, the addition of hemp fibres reduces shrinkage during the setting of cement mortars, improving their flexural strength and increasing their durability. For this reason, it is possible to recommend the use of these mortars with the addition of natural hemp fibres without prior surface treatment to improve the physical-mechanical properties of these construction materials and extend their application field as ecofriendly materials for masonry work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainability in Buildings: New Trends in the Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, 2nd Volume)

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