bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Navigating Sustainability: Engineers’ Views Within the Norwegian Construction Industry
Authors: Ahmad Izma , Lilleløkken Kristine , Savcheva Zdravka , Saavedra Makarena , Tadayon Allen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study investigates the perspectives of engineers on sustainability. The intention is to get an insight on the position of sustainability in the construction industry in Norway. The method involved interviewing ten engineers within different fields of engineering and with varying levels of experience. The questions were regarding their understanding of sustainability, attitudes toward sustainable projects, and their views on sustainability in the construction industry. A diverse individual perspective, with a predominant focus on environmental aspects, was observed. Economic factors and government incentives played an important role in the individual’s sustainable choices. The participants emphasized reducing carbon footprint, energy-efficient buildings, and reuse of materials as important for a sustainable development. In order to achieve a more sustainable development, this report suggests stricter regulations and government incentives, in addition to clearer definitions and collaborative responsibility distributions.
Use of the Fine Fraction from High-Quality Concrete Recycling as an Alternative Cement Substitute
Authors: De Brabandere Laurena , Grigorjev Vadim , Van den Heede Philip , Nachtergaele Hannah , Degezelle Krist , De Belie Nele 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn order to meet the new demand for sustainability and lower carbon emissions for concrete, the production and recycling process has to be adapted. Regarding concrete recycling, the main focus in literature and industry is on the reuse of coarse aggregates. However, the recycling of concrete also generates a fine fraction. In this research, the fine fraction with size 0/2 is ground and studied as a partial cement replacement. First of all, the fines were characterized and their physical, chemical and mineralogical properties were determined. Preliminary tests on pastes and mortars with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% cement replacement, such as isothermal calorimetry and strength tests, were performed. Based on these results, two concrete mixes were made: one reference mix with CEM I as a binder and natural aggregates and a concrete mix with 10% of CEM I replaced by concrete fines and a combination of natural and recycled aggregates. In this second mix, 27.8% of the sand and 100% of the coarse aggregates were replaced by recycled sand and recycled coarse aggregates. The concrete samples were tested on compressive strength, shrinkage and freeze–thaw resistance. The compressive strength of the green concrete was comparable to the strength of the reference concrete after 28, 56 and 90 days of curing. Concrete specimens containing the recycled fines and recycled aggregates had a higher drying shrinkage; however, a lower autogenous shrinkage was measured in comparison to the reference. Regarding durability, the green concrete had a lower freeze–thaw resistance compared to the reference.
Discussion of Physical Performance of Hydraulic Lime and Oyster Shell-Based Mortars
Authors: Bellei Poliana , Flores-Colen Inês , Torres Isabel , Pereira Manuel F. C. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis research aims to analyze the physical durability of oyster shells in hydraulic lime-based mortars. Standardized tests were conducted on mortars in fresh and hardened states using molds in the laboratory. The mortars produced were also applied to solid bricks and detached for further testing. The standardized specimens underwent a curing period of 28 days. The detached specimens, representing in-service conditions, also had a 28-day curing time in the laboratory plus accelerated aging curing. Two different types of mortars were investigated: a control group, and a group with a 30% replacement of sand aggregate by oyster shell aggregate. The study revealed distinct behaviors of the mortars in both laboratory and real-world conditions (after curing by accelerated aging, application, and detachment from the substrate). Key properties such as bulk density, open porosity, and water absorption were found to be influenced by actual service conditions. These nuances in behavior may not be readily apparent when studying mortars in standard molds alone. However, examining in-service conditions can provide valuable insights for optimizing dosage and incorporating new materials, thereby contributing to a more sustainable construction industry.
Application of Iron Mine Waste Rock as an Innovative Cement Replacement Material in Mortar
Authors: Cezar Bruna Figueiredo , da Silva Magalhães Margareth , Pimenta André Rocha 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn recent decades, the world has experienced a surge in extreme environmental events, exacerbated by the ongoing impacts of climate change. Substantial research underscores the role of anthropogenic CO2 emissions as the primary driver behind climate change and global warming. Cement production, constituting roughly 7% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions, stands as a significant contributor to this issue. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on mitigation strategies within the cement industry, particularly emphasizing the utilization of mineral admixtures. An innovative yet underexplored material for partial cement replacement is iron mining waste rock, a by-product of open-pit mining operations used to extract iron ore deposits. Unlike underground mining, open-pit methods generate larger volumes of waste rock, typically stored in substantial geotechnical structures like piles, pits, or dams. This study conducted physical–chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characterizations on iron mine waste rock. Subsequently, four mortar mixtures were formulated, integrating iron mine waste as a partial substitute for cement (up to 30% by mass), and compared against a reference mortar. The performance assessment encompassed evaluations of fresh mortar properties, compressive strength, and elastic modulus. Findings revealed that the waste rock demonstrates limited pozzolanic activity, primarily functioning as a filler, and its inclusion in mortar enhances the workability of the mixes. However, a marginal reduction in compressive strength (up to 15%) was observed in mortar mixtures where 30% of the cement was replaced by waste rock.
Effect of Recycled Aggregate Utilization on Strength Properties of Lightweight Concrete Facade Having a Self-Cleaning Characteristic
Authors: Şahin Hatice Gizem , Beytekin Hatice Elif , Mardani Ali 
Published: January 2025

AbstractUtilization of lightweight concrete results in a reduction in the weight of the structure, leading to lower destructive effects of seismic forces on the building. Additionally, in today’s conditions where more efficient energy use is desired, there is an increasing interest in the use of lightweight concrete facade panels due to their superior performance in terms of heat insulation. It is known that pollutants such as COx and NOx adhere to facades over time, causing pollution and visual deterioration. It was reported that materials with photocatalytic properties are used in concrete elements to prevent such issues. In this context, the use of self-cleaning concrete facades containing materials with photocatalytic properties has become more prevalent in recent years. Among the many semiconductor materials used in the production of self-cleaning concrete, it is understood that the use of TiO2 is more widespread due to the various advantages it offers. On the other hand, it was reported that urbanization is increasing, and the volume of construction waste is rapidly growing, particularly after severe earthquakes. In this context, promoting the use of recycled concrete waste and efficiently disposing of construction and demolition waste are of great importance for the European Green Deal. This study examines the effect of using recycled concrete aggregate on the self-cleaning properties of lightweight concrete mixtures (SCLWC) compressive and flexural strength performance. For this purpose, an SCLWC containing 1% TiO2 and 100% pumice aggregate was prepared. By substituting recycled concrete aggregate with pumice aggregate at 25% and 50% rates, two different SCLWCs with self-cleaning properties were produced. The compressive strength and flexural strength performances of the produced mixtures were examined. It was observed that the increase in pumice aggregate content caused a decrease in both strength performances. It was observed that the increase in pumice aggregate content caused a decrease of up to 53% and 7% in compressive and flexural strength performance, respectively.
Enhancing Strength and CO2 Uptake into Mortar Through Supercritical CO2 Treatment
Authors: Kravanja Gregor , Knez Željko 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSupercritical CO2 was utilized to accelerate the carbonation process, altering the microstructure and composition of Portland cement mortar blended with metakaolin. Mortar samples were cured in a high-pressure reactor at 323 K and 15 MPa under supercritical CO2 conditions. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement in both compressive and flexural strength for all carbonated mortar samples treated with supercritical CO2 compared to those subjected to ambient curing conditions. Furthermore, longer reaction times resulted in increased overall CO2 utilization within the mortar matrix, with more pronounced effects observed in samples containing metakaolin. Hydrated mortar samples demonstrated a complex pore system characterized by a substantial presence of small gel pores, alongside large gel and mesopores. Upon exposure to supercritical CO2, SEM micrographs revealed a rougher surface, along with the formation of CaCO3 crystals.Comprehending high-pressure carbonation is vital for several applications, such as carbon capture and storage, improving the properties of recycling concrete, and safely managing toxic elements in construction waste materials.
Material Stories: Assessing Sustainability of Digital Fabrication with Bio-Based Materials Through LCA
Authors: Galluccio Giuliano , Tamke Martin , Nicholas Paul , Svilans Tom , Gaudillière-Jami Nadja , Thomsen Mette Ramsgaard 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLife-cycle assessment (LCA) stands as a vital tool in gauging the environmental impacts of building endeavors. Extending LCA to emerging research practices like advanced digital manufacturing of bio-based materials becomes pivotal for refining materials, appraising outcomes, and steering architecture toward sustainable development and circularity goals. To outline the main obstacles and to provide a potential methodology, the chapter presents two cases of application of LCA to digital fabrication with bio-based materials in experimental research practice. The application is framed within the ISO and EU standards for LCA and is tested through an ex-post “cradle to construction” analysis of two European Research Council (ERC) funded projects developed by the Center for Information Technology in Architecture (CITA) at the Royal Danish Academy. Specifically, a product LCA is performed for bio-polymeric composited 3D robotic fabrication using a novel collagen-based 3D print material, and a comparative LCA is carried out for Glulam manufacturing optimization connecting data from the timbers source in the forest and sawmill with its design and fabrication. In both cases, the prototypes assembly and exhibition are covered by the analysis. The unavailability of data, difficulties in standard protocols adaptation, and material and energy flows tracing in the research process emerge as the main barriers and contribute to aggravate the analysis’s uncertainty. The chapter shows how to manage such uncertainties via sensitivity analysis to evaluate design options according to different impact scenarios. The knowledge established and the methodology outlined in this research could be useful for researchers, designers and industry in the implementation of sustainable digital fabrication processes and new construction materials.
Advancing Toward Net Zero: The Role of Fibers in Sustainable Concrete Construction
Authors: Pepera Raymond , Shafei Behrouz 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study investigates the integration of synthetic fibers—polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alkali-resistant glass (AG), and polypropylene (PP) fibers—into concrete mixes from the perspective of the structural materials’ carbon footprint and progress toward net-zero construction. It scrutinizes these fibers’ production processes, usage, and end-of-life stages, evaluating their CO2 emissions and broader environmental impact within the sustainable construction framework. The study introduces a specific mix design where the fibers above are added at percentages of 0.25% and 0.50% to concrete, with analysis conducted on six beams for each type of fiber. The results demonstrate that while all fibers enhance concrete’s strength and durability, PP fibers exhibit the lowest CO2 emissions, making them the most environmentally advantageous option among the three. This chapter concludes with strategies to optimize synthetic fibers in concrete, advocating for energy-efficient manufacturing and recycled materials. This research enriches the discourse on sustainable construction materials, offering a detailed examination of synthetic fibers’ potential to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.
Environmental Assessment of Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Class-F Fly Ash
Authors: Khataei Behnoosh , Ahmadi Masoud , Kioumarsi Mahdi 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe rapid growth of cities, particularly in developing regions, is driving a significant increase in concrete demand. However, concrete production is a major environmental concern, releasing high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to its dependence on cement. This study investigates the use of class-F fly ash as a partial replacement for cement in self-compacting concrete (SCC) to reduce its environmental impact. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is employed to measure the embodied energy (EE) and global warming potential (GWP) of various fiber-reinforced SCC mixes containing different fly ash replacement ratios. The results emphasize the importance of optimizing the amount of fly ash to achieve a balance between desired mechanical performance and minimized environmental burdens. While the study explores the influence of fiber types, the key finding is that incorporating class-F fly ash demonstrably reduces both GWP and EE in SCC. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of fly ash as a sustainable alternative in SCC production, promoting eco-friendly construction practices without compromising performance.
Affordable Phase Change Materials in Lightweight Concrete Walls for Superior Hygrothermal Performance
Authors: Nia Saeed B. , Pepera Raymond , Shafei Behrouz 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLightweight concrete is a popular construction material for its numerous benefits, including reduced weight, improved thermal insulation, and enhanced fire resistance. It can combine with functional additives to regulate moisture properties and improve indoor air quality, making it an ideal choice for walls and roofs. This versatile material not only enhances structural performance but also contributes to better indoor comfort. On the other hand, phase change materials (PCMs) have emerged as an effective solution for reducing energy consumption. However, moisture-related issues, such as condensation and mold growth, remain a concern. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the hygrothermal behavior of building materials is essential to mitigate moisture-related risks. This study investigates the potential of glycerin, an affordable PCM, to enhance the hygrothermal performance of lightweight concrete walls. Despite lightweight concrete providing advantageous properties such as low density, high thermal insulation, and sound absorption, they are prone to two significant issues: shrinkage due to gradual water loss and high-water absorption because of their intrinsic porosity. Addressing these challenges, this study explored the application of glycerin as a PCM coating to mitigate the identified drawbacks. The obtained results indicate that a 2 mm layer of glycerin, which was proportionally adjusted to the size of the test specimens in this study, can significantly improve the performance of lightweight concrete. The findings underscore the effectiveness of combining lightweight concrete with an affordable and available PCM choice, presenting a promising energy conservation and sustainable building design solution by minimizing energy consumption and allowing for thinner wall construction.
The Effect of Phase Change Materials (PCM) on the Thermophysical Properties of Cement Mortar
Authors: Asadi Iman , Ji Guomin , Steiner Gerald , Baghban Mohammad Hajmohammadian 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCement mortar, a fundamental material in construction, requires advancements to enhance its energy efficiency. Phase change materials (PCMs) offer promise in this regard due to their high thermal energy storage capacity. However, challenges persist in integrating PCMs into cement-based materials. Microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) present a solution to these challenges. This study evaluates the impact of MPCMs on the properties of cement mortar with various grades (cement-to-sand ratio of 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4), including mechanical, physical, and thermal characteristics. Through regression analysis, predictive equations are derived to estimate key properties based on the cement-to-sand ratio and MPCM content.
Temperature-Dependent Dual-Operation Mode for Energy Tunnel Integrated with Phase-Change Materials in Geothermal Environment
Authors: Wang Qiling , Zhang Jiaolong , Xiao Peng , Chen Xi , Koenders Eddie , Yuan Yong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe exploration and harnessing of thermal energy in geothermal tunnels have gradually emerged as a new research topic. This study employs concrete modified with phase-change materials (PCMs) as a pivotal material for geothermal energy tunnels and introduces a temperature-dependent dual-operation mode. The system, functioning in a dual-operation mode of cooling and storage, facilitates adjustment of the tunnel temperature field and extraction of geothermal energy. A comprehensive multi-field coupled finite element model is established, simulating the energy tunnel with PCMs under the proposed operation. Results demonstrate that the temperature-dependent dual-operation mode effectively maximizes the energy storage capacity of PCMs, leading to an annual increase in energy extraction ranging from 0% to 7.73% as the PCM mass fraction escalates from 0% to 20%. Additionally, a parametric analysis is conducted to evaluate the operational efficacy of the system considering the thermal properties of PCMs. Enhanced performance in heat reduction and energy extraction is observed with narrower phase-change temperature windows, and the PCMs with low latent heat show advantages in energy extraction under this operational mode.
Towards Circular and Sustainable Insulation Solutions: Resolving Uncertainty in the Thermal Conductivity of Mycelium-Based Composites (MBCs)
Authors: Wildman Joni , Shea Andrew , Henk Daniel , Naido Martin , Walker Pete 
Published: January 2025

AbstractInsulation materials are critical for reducing building space heating energy demands and achieving net-zero targets, as well as for improved occupant thermal comfort. However, traditional insulation materials are frequently derived from unsustainable sources, therefore contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Mycelium-based composites (MBCs), a bio-based material made from mycelium—the filamentous structures of fungi—and an organic substrate, are a sustainable alternative. Thermal characterisation of insulation materials is a vital component of research and development of construction materials and underpins subsequent operational and embodied energy performance evaluation. Transient methods generally permit rapid testing and use of small specimen sizes, which is highly advantageous in material development. However, steady-state methods show more accurate measurements, especially for materials with some heterogeneity. The objective of this study is to identify sources of uncertainty in the thermal characterisation of MBCs, such as the presence of the fungal skin layer, and to seek to mitigate their effect such that reported thermal performance determined from both steady and transient methods could be more meaningfully compared. In this study, we found that, compared to thermal conductivity measured using a Heat Flow Meter (HFM) at 10 °C, the Hot Disk (HD) overestimates thermal conductivity by 40% for samples with the fungal skin on, and 26% for the samples with the skin off. In comparison to the HFM results at 20 °C, the HD overestimates thermal conductivity by 24% for the sample with skin on, and 11% for the sample with skin off.
A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Ordinary Portland Cement, Limestone Calcined Clay Cement and Mining Waste Marl Cement
Authors: Rhaouti Yasmine , Taha Yassine , Benzaazoua Mostafa 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMorocco aims to decarbonise its cement subsector, responsible for 91% of domestic industrial CO2 emissions. To that end, clinker reduction figures among the main strategies listed in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) put forward by the country in 2021. Clinker reduction can be achieved through its substitution with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). One type of SCM widely available in Morocco is marl, abundantly deposited in Moroccan phosphate mines. Valorising phosphate marl as an SCM in cement production will thus reduce cement-related CO2 emissions while bringing an element of circular economy to the table. To estimate the environmental potential of this solution and benchmark it against existing cements, a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), calcined marl cement (CMC) and limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) has been conducted. The first part of the study is a cradle-to-gate LCA of 1 ton of cement. Results show that CMC and LC3, due to their lower clinker content, respectively emit 22% and 42% less CO2 than OPC. In the second part of the study, durability and compressive strength are quantified and then considered in an upgraded functional unit: 1 ton of cement per MPa per year. Results show that CMC and LC3 this time emit respectively 29% and 70% less CO2 than OPC. A sensitivity analysis of the results to the choice of the impact method was carried out. The disparities between Impact World+ and ReCiPe 2016 illustrate the importance of interpreting LCA results in light of the chosen impact method.
Low Carbon-Oriented Concrete Mix Optimization Using Ensemble Learning and NSGA-II
Authors: DENG Lin , Zhang Xueqing 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTo achieve an optimal balance among concrete’s technical properties, environmental impacts, and economic costs, this chapter proposes a three-level ensemble learning framework for concrete strength prediction and then uses NSGA-II and TOPSIS method for multi-objective optimization of strength, cost, and carbon emissions. The results show that stacking and voting methods have better model performance in terms of predicting concrete strength. NSGA-II can effectively obtain Pareto solutions when strength is lower than 50 Mpa, which may be due to limited datasets. A larger concrete mix dataset is necessary to obtain robust optimization results. Future research can focus on incorporation of domain knowledge into machine learning model, a hybrid of MOO algorithms, more interactive Pareto pruning methods based on decision makers’ preferences, etc.