bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of CSA Clinker Using Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash as a Main Raw Material
Authors: Bedoya-Henao Carlos Andrés , Restrepo-Baena Oscar Jaime , Tobón Jorge Iván 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCalcium sulphoaluminate (CSA) cements have proven to be a viable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) due to their advantageous attributes such as reduced CO2 emissions and lower energy requirements during their production. These qualities contribute to ongoing efforts to advance sustainable practices and materials in the construction industry. With a focus on promoting the circular economy, sustainability, and improving the performance of building materials, municipal solid waste incineration fly ashes (MSWI FA) have been considered as a potential material to use within the construction sector. In this research, several CSA clinkers were produced using MSWI FA as raw material in the raw meal formulation. Substitutions of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of the raw meal were evaluated at 1250°C, identifying their effect on the development of cementitious phases by XRD and TG-DSC and their hydration kinetic using isothermal microcalorimetry. Also, some effects from trace elements and chloride compounds present in MSWI FA during the CSA clinkering process were identified. The contribution of calcium from the ashes allows us to reduce the amount of natural raw material necessary for the formulation of the clinker, in addition to providing some compounds that act as fluxes, lowering the burning temperature and thus the energy consumption for the production of the clinker. The social contribution to communities that incinerate urban solid waste is also highlighted by taking advantage of the waste that is generated.
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Digital Twin Framework for Inspection and Assessment of Bridge Structures
Authors: Odeh Ibrahim , Shafei Behrouz 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis chapter presents a framework for inspecting and assessing bridge structures utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), photogrammetry software, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The approach aims to generate precise 3D digital twins of bridges to enable accurate remote inspections and decision-making for maintenance. The framework involves collecting high-resolution image data of bridges using drones. The optimal distance between the drone and the bridge is evaluated to balance the captured details with operational safety. The images are then processed through software packages to generate 3D models. An AI algorithm was implemented to automatically detect defects like potholes and cracks in the 3D models through semantic segmentation. The measurement tools validated the accurate scaling of defect dimensions. This innovative app roach enables swift, safe, and thorough remote bridge inspections using devices connected to a main server. The generated 3D models with AI-detected defects provide comprehensive multi-dimensional visualization to inform maintenance decisions, transforming conventional practices.
Optimal Use of UHPC in Wall Systems to Mitigate Windborne Debris Hazard
Authors: Kulkarni Abhijit , Shafei Behrouz 
Published: January 2025

AbstractUltra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is known to exhibit superior performance compared to conventional concrete. The applications of UHPC within structural engineering have been largely focused on its behavior under conventional loads. While the behavior of UHPC structural members has been thoroughly investigated under conventional loads, a literature gap exists regarding its application as a protective system against windborne debris impact. It is important to note that windborne debris stands as a primary cause of damage to building envelopes during severe wind events like tornadoes and hurricanes. In this study, the performance of UHPC wall panels was investigated under direct impact loads due to the representative debris projectiles as prescribed by various building codes. Full-scale finite element (FE) models were developed within the framework of LS-Dyna. Further FE studies into the performance of various UHPC walls panels under windborne debris impact were conducted using rigorously calibrated FE models. In this study, four UHPC walls of thicknesses 76.2, 101.4, 152.6, and 203.2 mm were studied against the windborne debris impact of both lumber and pipe projects. To study the effect of impact velocities, several impact scenarios with velocities ranging from 10 to 70 m/s were developed. This holistic matrix of simulations helped characterize various response measures, such as the type and extent of damage, in the UHPC wall panels individually and in comparison, with their normal-strength concrete (NSC) counterparts. This comprehensive array of simulations assisted in characterizing various response metrics, including the nature and extent of damage in UHPC walls. Based on the outcome of the simulations, the thicknesses required for the UHPC and NSC wall panels to stop the missile from perforation were determined. Further, embodied carbon contributions of the UHPC and NSC walls that could stop the windborne debris missile were estimated. A comparison of embodied carbon contribution and potential amount of concrete saved from this study provided additional insights for analysis and design purposes.
Assessment of the Structural Potential of Nonconventional Material Alternatives in Shear Walls
Authors: Qureshi Mohammad Haseeb , Nawaz Sarosh Raja , Vakili Amirhosein , Kioumarsi Mahdi , Shafei Behrouz 
Published: January 2025

AbstractShear walls are fundamental structural elements within mid- and high-rise buildings, mitigating lateral forces such as wind and seismic forces. In recent years, numerous research endeavors have emerged, focusing on the integration of non-conventional materials such as ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) into shear wall construction, as alternatives to conventional materials. Despite the known strength-increasing benefits, there were questions regarding the design requirements, structural performance characteristics, and sustainability of this novel type of shear wall. This study aims to assess the benefits of employing UHPC, in contrast to conventional materials like normal strength concrete (NSC). The analysis consisted of a nonlinear static (pushover) analysis applied to two verified finite element models representing conventional and nonconventional materials. The results indicate that UHPC outperforms its counterpart in damage tolerance and load-bearing capacity. Additionally, an assessment was conducted to determine if increasing the thickness of the NSC shear wall could reach UHPC's performance. The results confirmed that even with enhanced thickness, NSC lagged significantly behind UHPC in performance metrics, thus offering a reliable material choice for structural applications that involve extreme loading effects.
Framework for Quality Documentation for Reusing Structural Timber Components
Authors: Janjua Hussna Satar , Al-Shorayer Amne Haura , Grimsmo Erik Løhre , Kraniotis Dimitrios , Tadayon Allen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe reuse of structural timber has emerged as a promising opportunity in Norway with significant potential to shape the future of construction projects. This sustainable initiative decreases waste and contributes to carbon sequestration, eventually reducing the environmental impact. This chapter focuses on the development of procedures for quality documentation related to the reuse of load-bearing building components and elements made of timber. Recent legislative changes have opened the door to such practices, but the challenge lies in the practical preparation of the necessary documentation to meet regulatory requirements. In this chapter, we have created a detailed flowchart to help navigate the process of reusing structural timber. The flowchart was conceptualized based on a literature study, a document study, and a series of semi-structured interviews with participants from the Norwegian construction industry. This research highlights the flowchart’s alignment with circular economy principles, leading to reductions in waste generation and energy consumption associated with timber production. These findings establish the importance of accurate documentation as an important step towards achieving the goal of reducing the construction industry’s environmental impact and carbon footprint.
Structural Analysis of Glulam Frame of a Modular Timber–Aluminium Hybrid Façade System in Nordic Climate
Authors: Ostapska Katarzyna , Brozovsky Johannes , Valiukas Domas , Tinginys Eimantas 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis article presents the results of mechanical testing and structural analysis of the glulam frame supporting novel external façade envelope elements made of aluminium, glass, and insulation. The glulam frame forms the basic structural support for the new modular hybrid façade system, an industrial product designed by STATICUS company with an aim at reducing environmental impact. The ultimate and serviceability limit states are considered to assess the durability of the design in terms of possible deformations affecting air and moisture tightness as well as the level of stresses leading to potential damage accumulations and fatigue. The analysis combines the horizontal environmental loads, that is, wind loads over 4 years of real wind speed data in 2021–2023 together with the permanent self-weight loads for the representative mid-rise building in different characteristic coastal locations in Norway: Oslo, Trondheim, and Tromsø. The constructed load models are applied to the geometrically non-linear numerical mechanical model of the glulam frame. Explicit modelling of the screw connections in the frame was validated by static mechanical testing in a laboratory set-up. Continuum elements with an orthotropic material model are used for wood. The stress level in reference to the ultimate strength was established for all wind loads and characteristic failure mode was identified as local compression perpendicular to grain in the screw connection. The mechanical fatigue life of the glulam frame is estimated at a minimum of 32 years (Tromsø) and a maximum of over 100 years (Oslo, Trondheim) based on the calculated stress level and real expected number of cycles of loading over the service life.
Influence of Openings on Seismic Failure Mechanism of URM Infilled RC Hill Buildings
Authors: Naorem Z. , Haldar P. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSeismic risk associated with the hilly and mountainous region of the Indian Himalayas is immensely high owing to a combination of the extremely high seismicity of the region and the vulnerability of the irregular buildings constructed on sloping terrain. Scientific studies on the seismic vulnerability of such buildings are performed on either bare frame or fully infilled buildings without considering openings in the infill panels for doors and windows. However, presence of openings plays an important role in the overall seismic performance. The present study aims to understand the effects of openings on the dynamic properties of unreinforced masonry (URM) infilled RC buildings constructed on sloping terrains such as the modal properties and fundamental period of vibration. Various opening ratios are considered as per construction practices in India, and the dynamic properties are compared with those of fully infilled buildings. A comparison of dynamic properties revealed that the period of vibration increases and the modal participation ratio corresponding to the fundamental mode of vibration decreases with an increase in the opening ratio. The displacement at the roof of the buildings was also found to increase with an increase in the opening ratio and the maximum displacement was found to be 25–63% higher as compared to fully infilled buildings depending on the opening ratio. Non-linear dynamic analysis has been performed to identify and compare key structural parameters responsible for the collapse of hill buildings with varying opening ratios.
Transforming Asphalt Quality Evaluation: A Digital Twin Exploration Using Microcomputer Tomography and MATLAB Analysis
Authors: Kassem Aya , Dongmo-Engeland Berthe 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis chapter explores a groundbreaking shift in the evaluation of asphalt pavements by investigating the potential of digital twin technology as an alternative to traditional laboratory tests. Focusing on two road sections, namely national road 4 at Gjøvik and E-road 6 at Tretten in Norway, both featuring the same asphalt type Stone mastic asphalt (SMA) 16 PmB, the study conducts a comparative analysis of air voids and resistance to permanent deformation. A total of 12 asphalt samples were extracted, and digital twins were generated utilizing microcomputer tomography alongside a MATLAB script for 3D visualization and analysis.The research method involved validating the digital twin results against outcomes obtained from standardized laboratory tests. The findings suggest that the digital twin approach not only yields accurate assessments of air void quantity and distribution but also provides unique insights into the internal microstructure of asphalt. This transformative methodology presents a promising avenue for the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) to enhance efficiency and precision in asphalt quality evaluations, signaling a potential paradigm shift in pavement assessment practices.
Life Cycle Carbon Assessment Methods for Structural Materials in Bridges
Authors: Sterpellone Alessandro , Christensen Randi , Bæksted Arne Frederiksen , Lange Julie Rønholt 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAs an engineering consultancy company involved in large infrastructure projects globally, COWI has the responsibility of recommending the use of materials that are suitable for the projects that match the sustainability ambitions of both client and COWI and, more importantly, that contribute to shaping a sustainable and livable world. This requires us to develop a clear understanding on how to account for the carbon profile of wood as a construction material.This study was thus conducted internally across different departments to determine what methodological choices can provide a solid comparison on the life cycle carbon performance of wood as a primary construction material in large infrastructure. Three different life cycle assessment (LCA) studies were conducted to compare a timber road bridge designed by COWI against a more traditional reinforced concrete design, and differences in the options’ climate impact across the three different methodologies were observed.
Numerical Modeling of the pH Effect on the Calcium Carbonate Precipitation by Sporosarcina pasteurii
Authors: Khoshtinat Shiva , Marano Claudia 
Published: January 2025

AbstractDuring the past two decades, exploiting the metabolic processes (urease activity) of some microorganisms that lead to the precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a sustainable solution for producing self-healing cementitious materials in the construction industry has gained significant interest. Despite extensive efforts for experimental characterization of the effect of various influential factors such as the type of bacteria, urea and calcium concentration, temperature, and pH of the environment governing this phenomenon, the numerical modeling of this biochemical process has not advanced substantially due to its complexity and intertwined involved parameters. Among these influential parameters, pH is of considerable importance, as the initial pH level has an immediate effect on the urease activity of the bacteria, which subsequently affects the rate at which calcium carbonate precipitates. Additionally, during the CaCO3 precipitation process, pH fluctuates due to the production of by-products, such as ammonium, altering continuously the velocity of the bacteria’s urease activity.This chapter presents a numerical modeling for the CaCO3 precipitation by urease activity of Sporosarcina pasteurii via COMSOL Multiphysics®. The model considers the influence of calcium and urea concentrations and the initial pH level along with pH variations resulting from the production of by-products throughout the process. The model’s ability to predict CaCO3 content and the final pH level is assessed by comparing the computational results with experimental data from existing literature. Finally, a parametric analysis investigating the impact of the initial pH on the anticipated ultimate pH is presented.
Exploring Urban Mobility Trends Using Cellular Network Data
Authors: Yusuf Oluwaleke , Rasheed Adil , Lindseth Frank 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe growth of urban areas intensifies the need for sustainable, efficient transportation infrastructure and mobility systems, driving initiatives to enhance infrastructure and public transit while reducing traffic congestion and emissions. By utilizing real-world data, a data-driven approach can provide crucial insights for urban mobility planning and decision-making. This study explores the efficacy of leveraging telecoms data from cellular network signals for studying crowd movement patterns, focusing on Trondheim, Norway. It examines routing reports to understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of various transportation routes and modes. A data preprocessing and feature engineering framework was developed to process raw routing reports for historical analysis. This enabled the examination of geospatial trends and temporal patterns, including a comparative analysis of various transportation modes, along with public transit usage. Specific routes and areas were analyzed in-depth to compare their mobility patterns with the broader city context. The study highlights the potential of cellular network data as a resource for shaping urban transportation and mobility systems. By identifying deficiencies and potential improvements, city planners and stakeholders can foster more sustainable and effective transportation and mobility solutions.
Understanding Carbon-Negative Potential of Hempcrete Using a Life Cycle Assessment Approach
Authors: Shanbhag Sejal Sanjay , Dixit Manish Kumar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractRecognizing climate change’s severity, reducing the construction industry’s greenhouse gas emissions is crucial in material science, architecture, civil engineering, and construction science. Novel bio-based materials like hempcrete are being developed to lessen the environmental impact of construction. Hempcrete, increasingly used in traditional and advanced construction like large-scale 3D printing, is considered carbon-negative due to the biogenic and sequestered carbon of its components. Given the high carbon footprint of Portland cement, hempcrete offers a sustainable alternative for emerging construction technologies. However, hempcrete’s carbon neutrality or negativity depends on the hemp and lime content in the mix. A thorough Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), therefore, becomes important to understand carbon negativity potential of this material. In this paper, we present the results of a cradle-to-gate LCA of hempcrete mixes that have been proposed and examined in empirical studies. The LCA also includes a process-based hybrid cradle-to-gate impact assessment of hemp produced in the United States. The results indicate that the total global warming potential of hemp is roughly −1.72 kgCO2e/kg, and carbon negativity can only be reached with at least 20% of hemp by weight in the hempcrete mix. Findings also show that consideration of carbon absorption of lime binder is essential to reach carbon negativity. Our results further indicate that a balance of carbon negativity and hempcrete’s compressive strength will be more desirable to address both climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Framework for Combined Life Cycle Environmental, Economic, and Social Assessment of Reclaimed Construction Products
Authors: Vandervaeren Camille , Fufa Selamawit Mamo , Elginoz Nilay 
Published: January 2025

AbstractA relevant approach to limit virgin materials consumption and waste in the construction industry is to use reclaimed construction products. Their sustainability performance depends on various parameters, including the activities needed to reuse them. Currently, the life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) of reclaimed products is conducted following various methods and assumptions, which are not always transparently communicated. There is also limited consideration of other sustainability indicators beyond initial cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, we developed a harmonized Excel-based LCSA framework for evaluating and comparing side-by-side the life cycle environmental (LCA), economic (LCC), and social (S-LCA) impacts of reclaimed and new construction products. This chapter presents the LCSA framework and how it can be applied in practice, with the comparative evaluation of a pavement in Oslo, Norway, with new and reclaimed paving stones. The LCSA framework shows it is possible to harmonize the various assessment methods and expand the scope of product assessment from purely GHG emissions to overall sustainability. The results of the pavement assessment show that reuse can bring lower environmental and social impacts, although it currently costs more to the user. The LCSA framework can be tested by experts in one or more life cycle approaches to guide different actors in the reuse value chain (e.g., product resellers and architects).
The Renaissance of Reuse in Norway: The Future Is Back
Authors: Kallaos James , Vandervaeren Camille 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSociety has historically valued labor and resources, including the intermediate and end products produced through them. Discarding these artifacts was seen as squandering valuable effort and resources, and waste was historically an activity to be avoided. This tradition was rapidly lost in many western countries, replaced by a more rapid linear approach whereby materials quickly went from cradle to grave in a linear system or economy. There has been a recent revival of the idea of moving back from this modern linear model, however, with increasing pressures from environmental degradation, climate change, material scarcity, and population growth. The recent resurgence in interest in circularity in Norway is assessed with an eye toward potential pitfalls, based on the past 75 years of modern building methods. How can society expect to move away from the linear approach if the buildings themselves were created within that paradigm?