bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Preservation and Evaluation of Burnt Brick Masonry Structures Through Condition Assessment and Retrofitting Techniques
Authors: Latha Lakshmi , Ray-Chaudhuri Samit 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBurnt bricks are a predominant material in constructions in India and many other countries globally. The inherent resilience and longevity of brick structures make them suitable for repair and further strengthening. Several procedures are already in practice for the preservation and enhancement of seismic performance in existing masonry structures. One notable method, rooted in history and now under exploration, is the semiconfinement of existing masonry structures with horizontal and vertical reinforced concrete (RC) elements. This method exhibits all the characteristics of an effective retrofitting technique. Most importantly, it has been found to improve ductility and showcase enhanced seismic performance. In this context, two existing masonry constructions at the Structural Engineering Laboratory of IIT Kanpur are considered. These structures, having undergone cyclic testing, include one without any reinforcement (or control masonry) and the other retrofitted with semiconfining horizontal and vertical RC elements (strengthened masonry or retrofitted masonry). Both structures experienced crack formation during testing, with distinct characteristics reflecting their unique structural behaviors. These cracks were sealed using grouting, requiring minimal material and a “light” application. The primary objective of this study is to assess the behavior of these repaired buildings through condition assessment techniques and subsequent testing. For this purpose, accelerometers were installed at various locations, and Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) was considered by shaker tests. The assessment of dynamic behavior in these structures will facilitate further studies on retrofitting the control masonry and enhancing the scheme of retrofitting or strengthening for improved performance.
Sustainable Vibration Screening with Dual Trenches Infilled with Geofoam and Aggregate: Full-Scale Field Experiments
Authors: Chakrabortty Pradipta , Jauhari Nitish , Kumar Raja , Barbieri Diego Maria 
Published: January 2025

AbstractGround-borne vibrations resulting from various civil engineering activities can cause detrimental impacts on the nearby structures. Therefore, past studies have concentrated on developing vibration mitigation techniques. Vibration screening using wave barriers is a widely accepted approach, and continuous research has been ongoing in the last few decades. However, the current solutions to the problem are limited to the use of single trenches, and only limited experimental studies on open and geofoam-infilled have explored the possibilities of utilizing dual trenches. In some practical scenarios, the recommended depth of a single trench is unimplementable; further, no significant work has been observed to find suitable infill materials in screening the vibrations induced due to harmonic loading under dual trench scenarios. Hence, the current study aims to experimentally investigate the potential of dual trenches infilled with sustainable materials to mitigate the vibrations induced due to continuous harmonic loading. The influence of the filling accomplished by two types of material, namely, a softer one like geofoam (G) and a stiffer one like aggregate (A), has been evaluated and compared to the soil. Thereafter, these materials were interchanged in the trenches. The harmonic loading was applied using a Lazan-type mechanical oscillator. The associated vertical particle acceleration due to wave propagation was captured using an accelerometer positioned at a distance of 1 m from the second trench. The results indicate that infilling the first trench with aggregate improves isolation efficacy. Furthermore, the optimal depth required to reach an amplitude reduction ratio of 0.25 was observed as 0.25LR (LR= Rayleigh wavelength) and 0.34LR for the dual trenches filled with aggregate and geofoam (A + G), and geofoam and aggregate (G + A), respectively.
Bridging the Shift from Linear to Circular Economy in Road Infrastructure: The Norwegian Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Vetnes Alexander Grødum , O’Born Reyn 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCurrent linear economic road construction and maintenance methods, characterized by significant use of virgin resources and substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, are in sharp contrast to circular economy (CE) concepts that emphasize resource efficiency and emissions reductions. Despite the considerable energy use, material consumption, and emissions involved in road construction, this sector has been relatively underexplored in CE research. This paper aims to bridge this gap by investigating the transition from linear to circular road infrastructure, focusing particularly on the Norwegian construction industry. The study identifies barriers and drivers to this shift, intending to contribute to the concept of circular road infrastructure. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates a web-based survey among Norwegian road industry actors, augmented with six semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders, to establish a framework of barriers and drivers to CE. The findings suggest that economic, regulatory, and political factors are major barriers to circularity, but these could be transformed into drivers if key conditions are changed.
A Transition to Sustainable Built Environment: A Framework for Modular Building Construction Designed for Disassembly
Authors: Ali-Gombe Bilkisu , Tokbolat Serik , Mckechnie Jon 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn the quest to achieve a sustainable built environment, circular construction emerged as an innovative approach to aid towards a quick transition for the resource-intensive construction industry. The successful implementation of circular approaches requires building design for multiple reuse with effective end of life resource recovery plan. Modular construction remains an integral approach for buildings designed for multiple life cycles, and design for disassembly enables the deconstruction and reuse of components at the end of building life cycle. Through a systematic literature review, the study looks at study trends in modular construction and design for disassembly and the various sustainability targets addressed in these studies, as well as the material inputs and indicators used for specific sustainability goals (environmental, economic and social). The study reveals an increase in studies and applications over the years mostly concentrated in Europe and North America which signifies a lack of adequate studies in developing countries with higher levels of infrastructure deficit and high construction demand. Studies largely focus on energy and emission reduction, material circularity and waste reduction with few addressing cost, health and safety and other socio-economic impacts; hence, evaluation of social impacts is largely neglected in most studies. Studies mostly present the use of conventional building materials rather than more sustainable circular materials to reduce raw material inputs and emission outputs. Achieving a sustainable built environment requires the triple bottom line sustainability consideration. Hence, the study proposed a framework to evaluate modular building and design for disassembly with focus on material selection, design and construction strategies as well as end-of-life considerations to support the determination of sustainability viability of multiple lifecycle designs for buildings.
Life Cycle Management and Probabilistic Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis of Floating Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Amlashi Hadi , Lotfizadeh Omid 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis chapter aims to address life cycle management and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of floating offshore wind farms from a probabilistic point of view. Understanding and addressing the uncertainty associated with the main parameters that influence the generated energy is essential for studying the life cycle and economic evaluation of offshore wind farms. The estimated global warming potential (GWP) of the wind farm under consideration is 36.5 kg CO2/MWh, which is found to be reasonably competitive compared to other sources of energy. The probabilistic analysis conducted showed that the distribution of LCOE is more influenced by operational expenditure (OPEX) values than by capital expenditure (CAPEX) and decommissioning expenditure (DECEX). This chapter provides general guidance on conducting early-stage probabilistic life cycle economic analysis of floating offshore wind farms.
Applying Value Engineering Function Analysis to the Process for Building Disassembly and the Recovery of Wood and Timber for Construction
Authors: Sheen Raymond L. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe United Nations published a report in May 2023 that highlighted circularity concepts in wood construction. They noted a problem of resistance to deconstruction with the intention of reusing wood elements. That resistance is partly due to the perception of the value, or rather lack of value, within the deconstruction process. However, if deconstruction can disassemble a building and recover the wood elements, it has created a valuable commodity. Value engineering principles can be used to analyze a process or service to maximize value. Value engineering has been applied in the construction industry but not to evaluate the deconstruction process. In this study, the value engineering functional analysis is applied to the process of disassembling a building and the recovery of wood and timber for reuse in the construction industry. The Function Analysis System Technique (FAST), a core element of value engineering, is used to identify primary and secondary functions. These functions are mapped onto the typical process used in building disassembly and recovery of wood and timber elements. The result is a process map that shows the contribution of the value-added steps in the process and identifies the non-value-added steps in the process. These results can be used to improve the design of disassembly and recovery processes to ensure the focus of the deconstruction process is on the value-added effort and that resources allocated to non-value-added efforts are minimized.
Carbon Trading for the Construction Industry: A Systems Theory Approach
Authors: Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert , Perera Srinath 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAs a major source and contributor of carbon emissions globally, the construction industry faces challenges in achieving its carbon emission reduction targets. Carbon trading has been established to be a reasonable aid in greenhouse gas mitigation. Current carbon trading systems were originally not developed for the construction industry, and carbon trading system for the construction industry is lacking. The aim of this study is to present the highest level framework of a carbon trading system for the construction industry using systems theory. Systematic literature review methodology was adopted to obtain documents from Scopus which were then synthesized. From the systems theory lens, the carbon trading system for the construction industry is developed comprising input, transformed through process leading to output. Feedback between the output and input is comprised in the system. This study is significant and contributes to the built environment’s climate change mitigation agenda.
SirkTRE’s Evolution or Circulution?: Diverse Pathways of Circular Systemic Solutions for a Net-Zero Timber-Built Environment
Authors: Wuyts Wendy , Strøm-Andersen Nhat , Khatri Shumaila , Eriksen Arild , Jørgensen Per F. , Øvergaard Arild , Rygh Emil , Kveen Angelica , Mertens Alexander , Stadaas Jannicke , Gamme Inger , Vasseur Veronique , Nyrud Anders Q. , Nore Kristine 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe Norwegian innovation and action project SirkTRE is halfway through. In recent years, it has been increasingly recognized that circular wood solutions for construction solutions are often technically feasible; this is particularly underscored by the SirkTRE project (2022–2025). However, the scaling up of these solutions and their interaction with various barriers underscore the necessity of systemic approaches. This chapter delves into selected circular systemic solutions derived from the project. This collaborative autoethnography, drawing insights from observations and reflections on own experiences, takes an evolutionary approach to selected SirkTRE solutions. The case studies within SirkTRE include solutions at the manufacturing level, the architectural product-system level, and the building-site level and strategies engaging municipalities to supply and utilize reclaimed timber in (especially public) buildings. These examples illustrate not only the successes but also the challenges, including how economic, political, technological, and strategic decisions can impact the scaling up/out or ending. To catalyze a true revolution, or ‘circulution’, it is imperative to integrate governance, and business models, to foster interactions in the emerging system.
Design Science Research for Digital Information Management System (DIMS) in Construction and Demolition Waste Management
Authors: Saad Ali Nader , Underwood Jason , Ferriz-Papi Juan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn the realm of Industry 4.0, the construction sector has witnessed accelerated strides toward circular economy goals. However, a notable deficiency persists in integrated technologies spanning the entire project lifecycle—covering design, construction, renovation, and demolition phases. This inadequacy is particularly pronounced in the seamless tracing and tracking of materials, products, and waste, obstructing effective material flow analysis. This chapter adopts Design Science Research (DSR) as a methodological guide for systematically developing a Digital Information Management System (DIMS) tailored for construction and demolition waste management. This chapter focuses on a detailed exploration of the iterative steps inherent in the DSR process, specifically as applied to DIMS development with the Horizon Europe Project RECONMATIC. Starting with problem awareness and proposal, the chapter identifies existing gaps and challenges in current technologies, proposing a structured approach to address them. Moving to finding proposed solutions and tentative design, potential resolutions to the identified challenges are explored, leading to the formulation of a preliminary DIMS design. Subsequent steps involve building and testing artefacts, creating tangible prototypes, and conducting rigorous testing to validate their functionality. The evaluation and iteration phase follows, subjecting the artefacts to systematic scrutiny against predefined criteria and real-world scenarios. This iterative process refines the DIMS design and functionalities based on evaluation outcomes. Finally, the chapter underscores the importance of communicating results, presenting findings and insights, and developing DIMS for the academic and industry communities. By navigating these steps within the DSR framework, this chapter contributes a systematic, iterative, and methodologically rigorous approach to DIMS development. It strives to create a practical, effective, and sustainable solution aligning with the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0 in the construction industry.
Compressive Strength Gain of Glass Powder–Portlandite: An Investigation Toward Maximizing the Use of Waste Glass as Cement Replacement in Concrete
Authors: Chand Gaurav , Achintha Mithila , Wang Yong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe paper presents selected findings from a combined theoretical and experimental investigation focusing on chemical reactions and strength gain in glass powder (GP) and calcium hydroxide (CH) mixes as a means of achieving more than the current wisdom of ~20% cement replacement with waste glass powder in concrete. The expected chemical reactions between CH (in concrete, CH is available as a by-product of cement hydration) and silica (SiO2) present in GP were first theoretically established using mole concept theory. The theoretically obtained results were then used to determine an appropriate CH and GP mix ratio for the CH–GP test specimens. The strength gain in CH–GP specimens with time was determined using compression tests, and the formation of strength contributing compound calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments. The compression test results showed CH–GP specimens possessed noticeable compressive strength, and the XRD results confirmed the formation of C–S–H. The results of both compression test and XRD analysis show the major strength imparting compounds in CH–GP specimens formed at later stages (i.e., after 28 days) of curing.
Impact of High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel in Reducing the Embodied Water of Buildings: A Case Study
Authors: Dixit Manish , Pradeep Kumar Pranav , Banerjee Sarbajit 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBuildings consume nearly one-sixth of the total global fresh water for its construction and operational activities in addition to roughly 48% of global energy supply. It is prudent to ensure that designers and engineers make decisions based on not only the embodied energy (EE) and carbon (EC) but also the embodied water (EW) of construction materials. Steel, particularly structural steel, is an integral part of buildings that finds its use as a key structural material. However, the steel-making process is quite water intensive. In other words, the steel manufacturing process has a high embodied water footprint. In this paper, we examine how high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel can help reduce the embodied water footprint of a building structure. An input–output-based hybrid (IOH) model is used to estimate the total EW of buildings with vanadium microalloyed high-strength steel. Two 3-story buildings are modeled with reinforced concrete (RC) and steel structural frames to compare EW footprints. Results show that steel commodity has an EE, EC, and EW of 20,530 MJ/ton, 1790 kgCO2e/ton, and 1956 Gal./ton of steel, respectively. The IOH model is extended to determine the total EW of the two buildings. Results show that use of vanadium microalloyed high-strength steel instead of mild steel generates ca. 6% savings in EW, EE, and EC for a structural steel-framed building and ca. 14% savings in EW, and ca. 24% savings in EE and EC for a reinforced concrete-framed building. This underscores the significance of the role of HSLA steel in reducing the embodied water demand of building construction and highlights the importance of design decision-making based on EE and EW to achieve net-zero structures.
Sustainable Enhancement of Lightweight Concrete: A Comprehensive Investigation into GGBS and Waste Steel Fiber Incorporation for Improved Strength and Durability
Authors: Behforouz Babak , Tavakoli Davoud , Naderi Behrouz , Hajmohammadian Baghban Mohammad 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis study explores the properties of lightweight concrete incorporating slag and steel fibers. Cubic and cylindrical specimens were created with varying fiber percentages (0%, 1.5%, and 3%) and slag replacements (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). The samples underwent testing for compressive strength at 7, 28, and 90 days, tensile strength at 28 and 90 days, and water absorption at 28 and 90 days. Results indicate an enhancement in both compressive and tensile strength with a 20% slag replacement in all specimens. Additionally, an inverse correlation is observed between overhead percentage and water absorption, where an increase in overhead corresponds to a decrease in water absorption. Despite no substantial impact on compressive strength, the incorporation of waste steel fibers consistently improves tensile strength across all fiber percentages. This study underscores the potential of these eco-friendly additives in promoting environmentally conscious construction practices, aligning with the principles of sustainable development in the concrete industry.
Life Cycle Assessment of Geopolymer Concrete Made with Tailings from Ilmenite Mining
Authors: Brekke Simon , O’Born Reyn 
Published: January 2025

AbstractGlobal CO2 emissions from cement production represent a major challenge on the path towards a future of net zero emissions. Concrete represents 5–8% of the total global CO2 emissions while remaining a critical building material globally. It is imperative to find low-emissions solutions that can reduce the environmental impacts by finding new mixtures and binders for cement production, which are the main contributing factor for emissions from concrete. Alternative concrete binders are being developed, and one such binder is geopolymer cement. Geopolymer cement is made by mixing industrial wastes with an alkaline solution, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. This cement can be produced from waste can completely replace ordinary Portland cement in concrete. In Norway, the company Saferock is developing a new geopolymer cement which utilises mine tailings from ilmenite production combined with potassium hydroxide. In the region of Sokndal, Norway, more than 100 million of tons of easily accessible mine tailings are available for Saferock to use for producing geopolymer cement. The Saferock concrete is expected to reduce emissions compared to normal concrete, but to what extent is unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the environmental impacts of Saferock’s geopolymer cement by using life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify the emissions from the Saferock production process. The results of this LCA study show that the geopolymer concrete analysed had a 57% reduction of CO2 emissions from branch standard B35 concrete and a 22% reduction according to Norwegian Concrete Association Low Carbon A standard, but that potassium hydroxide accounts for 90% of the emissions.
Sustainable Metamodules. Disseminating Sustainable Practices in Design Workflow Via BIM-Based Approaches
Authors: Conato Fabio , Spasari Ilaria , Madessa Habtamu Bayera 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn the current complexity of the design process, it is important to clarify the information flow for the creation of smart architectures. This clarity ensures coherence at each design scale, up to the definition of construction elements that make them effectively realizable and manageable throughout their entire life cycle. This paper presents a definition of sustainable metamodules using homogeneous sets of smartness indicators to support the design workflow. It specifically focuses on façades with a transparent base skin that can be digitalized through a BIM-based approach, promoting interoperability and multidisciplinary control.In analyzing present societal demands and the features of smart architectures, a range of smartness indicators will be established as parameters that contemporary architecture should consider to be classified as smart. The information cores formed by the combination of the predetermined parameters and feasible design solutions will be stated at every level of design detail.Following BIM regulations and leveraging the customization capabilities of open-format files (IFC), the earlier identified metamodules will be stated at various Levels of Detail (LOD), crafting suitable property sets within a BIM authoring software. This process will generate a structured matrix capable of supporting designers’ decisions in the realization of smart architectures.