Recent Advances in Geopolymer Technology. A Potential Eco-Friendly Solution in the Construction Materials Industry: A Review

In the last ten years, the Portland cement industry has received wide criticism due to its related high embodied energy and carbon dioxide footprint. Recently, numerous “clean” strategies and solutions were developed. Among these, geopolymer technology is gaining growing interest as a functional way to design more eco-friendly construction materials and for waste management issues suffered by various industries. Previous research has highlighted the attractive engineering properties of geopolymeric materials, especially in terms of mechanical properties and durability, resulting in even higher performance than ordinary concrete. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of current state-of-the-art and implementations on geopolymer concrete materials, investigating how the key process factors (such as raw materials, synthesis regime, alkali concentration, water dosage, and reinforcement fillers) affect the rheological, microstructural, durability, and mechanical properties. Finally, the paper elucidates some noteworthy aspects for future research development: innovative geopolymer-based formulations (including alkali-activated blends for additive manufacturing and thermo-acoustic insulating cellular compounds), concrete applications successfully scaled in the civil-architectural fields, and the perspective directions of geopolymer technology in terms of commercialization and large-scale diffusion.

Download Full-text

Bringing optical metrology to testing and inspection activities in civil engineering

ACTA IMEKO ◽

10.21014/acta_imeko.v10i3.1059 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 108

Author(s):

Luis Martins ◽

Álvaro Ribeiro ◽

Maria Do Céu Almeida ◽

João Alves e Sousa

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Civil Engineering ◽

National Laboratory ◽

Research Work ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Laser Interferometry ◽

Suspension Bridge ◽

Shaking Table ◽

Optical Metrology ◽

Future Research

Optical metrology has an increasing impact on observation and experimental activities in Civil Engineering, contributing to the Research and development of innovative, non-invasive techniques applied in testing and inspection of infrastructures and construction materials to ensure safety and quality of life. Advances in specific applications are presented in the paper, highlighting the application cases carried out by LNEC (the Portuguese National Laboratory for Civil Engineering). The examples include: (i) structural monitoring of a long-span suspension bridge; (ii) use of close circuit television (CCTV) cameras in drain and sewer inspection; (iii) calibration of a large-scale seismic shaking table with laser interferometry; (iv) destructive mechanical testing of masonry specimens.Current and future research work in this field is emphasized in the final section. Examples given are related to the use of Moiré techniques for digital modelling of reduced-scale hydraulic surfaces and to the use of laser interferometry for calibration of strain measurement standard for the geometrical evaluation of concrete testing machines.

Download Full-text

Defect Characteristics and Online Detection Techniques During Manufacturing of FRPs Using Automated Fiber Placement: A Review

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym12061337 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 1337 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shouzheng Sun ◽

Zhenyu Han ◽

Hongya Fu ◽

Hongyu Jin ◽

Jaspreet Singh Dhupia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Large Scale ◽

Variable Stiffness ◽

Future Research ◽

Online Detection ◽

Manufacturing Defects ◽

Manufacturing Method ◽

Detection Techniques ◽

Fiber Placement ◽

Automated Fiber Placement

Automated fiber placement (AFP) is an advanced manufacturing method for composites, which is especially suitable for large-scale composite components. However, some manufacturing defects inevitably appear in the AFP process, which can affect the mechanical properties of composites. This work aims to investigate the recent works on manufacturing defects and their online detection techniques during the AFP process. The main content focuses on the position defect in conventional and variable stiffness laminates, the relationship between the defects and the mechanical properties, defect control methods, the modeling method for a void defect, and online detection techniques. Following that, the contributions and limitations of the current studies are discussed. Finally, the prospects of future research concerning theoretical and practical engineering applications are pointed out.

Download Full-text

A review on the mechanical properties of textile structural composite T-beams

Textile Research Journal ◽

10.1177/0040517519871259 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 90 (5-6) ◽

pp. 710-727 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yiwei Ouyang ◽

Xianyan Wu

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

High Performance ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Research Progress ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Directions ◽

Structural Composite ◽

Delamination Resistance ◽

Application Potential ◽

Future Research Directions

In order to review the most effective ways to improve the mechanical properties of composite T-beams and further increase their application potential, research progress on the mechanical properties of textile structural composite T-beams was summarized based on two-dimensional (2-D) ply structure composite T-beams, delamination resistance enhanced 2-D ply structure T-beams, and three-dimensional (3-D) textile structural composite T-beams; future research directions for composite T-beams were also considered. From existing literature, the research status and application bottlenecks of 2-D ply structure composite T-beams and T-beams with enhanced delamination resistance performance were described, as were the specific classification, research progress, and mechanical properties of 3-D textile structural composite T-beams. In addition, the superior mechanical properties of 3-D braided textile structural composite T-beams, specifically their application potential based on excellent delamination resistance capacity, were highlighted. Future research directions for composite T-beams, that is, the applications of high-performance raw materials, locally enhanced design, structural blending enhancement, functionality, and intelligence are presented in this review.

Download Full-text

Characterization of Medium Density Particleborads Using Agricultural Residues

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.1088.656 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 1088 ◽

pp. 656-659

Author(s):

Ivaldo D. Valarelli ◽

Rosane A.G. Battistelle ◽

Barbara Stolte Bezerra ◽

Luiz A. Melgaço N. Branco ◽

Eduardo Chahud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Castor Oil ◽

Mechanical Characteristics ◽

Mechanical Characterization ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Agricultural Residues ◽

Medium Density ◽

Polyurethane Resin

In recent years the production of products derived from wood and bamboo are increasing, due to the search for a more rational exploitation of these raw materials. Amongst these products, the particleboards production combine sustainability and rationality in the use of these materials. In this context, this work has the objective to study the application of alternative raw materials in the manufacture of Medium Density Particleboards (MDP), using residues from industrial processimg of coffee and bamboo. MDP had been produced with particles of giganteus bamboo of the Dendrocalamus species and particle of coffee rind in the intermediate layer of the particleboard, bonded with polyurethane resin based on castor oil. The physical and mechanical characterization was carried out accordingly to NBR 14810-3 (2006). The physical properties evaluated were: of water absorption for 2h and 24h; thickness swallowing for 2h and 24h; density, humidity content. The mechanical properties evaluated were: Tensile strength, static bending (MOR and MOE). The results were compared with NBR 14810-2 (2006) and also with the ANSI A208-1 (1993). The physical performance of these particleboards was below the values recommend by the Brazilian norm. Also the mechanical characteristics are not improve, demonstrating that the inclusion of coffee rind did not benefit the physical characteristics and nor the mechanical ones. However it can be used as construction materials for partitions and ceiling panels.

Download Full-text

Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash Artificial Geopolymer Aggregates with Natural Aggregate

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.754-755.290 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 754-755 ◽

pp. 290-295 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alida Abdullah ◽

Ku Amirrul Rahman Ku Yin ◽

Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah ◽

Kamarudin Hussin ◽

Mien Van Tran

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Fly Ash ◽

Specific Gravity ◽

Water Absorption ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Construction Materials ◽

High Water ◽

Natural Aggregate ◽

Materials Used ◽

The Impact

This study was conducted to compare the mechanical properties of fly ash artificial geopolymer aggregates with natural aggregate (rock) in term of its impact strength, specific gravity and water absorption.The raw materials used were fly ash, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and natural aggregate. After the artificial geopolymer aggregate has been produced, its water absorption, specific gravity and aggregate impact test has been done. All results obtained were compared to natural aggregate. The result shows that the fly ash geopolymer aggregate are lighter than natural aggregate in term of its specific gravity. The impact value for fly ash artificial geopolymer aggregate slightly high compared to natural aggregate while it has high water absorption value compared to natural aggregate. As conclusion, the fly ash artificial geopolymer aggregate can be used as one of the construction materials in concrete as an alternative for coarse aggregate besides natural aggregate with more lightweight properties.

Download Full-text

Development of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer Lightweight Bricks Using Foaming Agent - A Review

Key Engineering Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.660.9 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 660 ◽

pp. 9-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Wan Mastura Wan Ibrahim ◽

Kamarudin Hussin ◽

Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah ◽

Aeslina Abdul Kadir ◽

Mohammed Binhussain

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Fly Ash ◽

Building Material ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Physical And Mechanical Properties ◽

Foaming Agent ◽

Positive Effects ◽

The World ◽

Great Development

Bricks are widely used as a construction and building material due to its properties. Recent years have seen a great development in new types of inorganic cementitious binders called ‘‘geopolymeric cement’’ around the world. This prompted its use in bricks, which improves the greenness of ordinary bricks. The development of fly ash-based geopolymer lightweight bricks is relatively new in the field of construction materials. This paper reviews the uses of fly ash as a raw materials and addition of foaming agent to the geopolymeric mixture to produce lightweight bricks. The effects on their physical and mechanical properties have been discussed. Most manufactured bricks with incorporation of foaming agent have shown positive effects by producing lightweight bricks, increased porosity and improved the thermal conductivities of fly ash-based geopolymer bricks. However, less of performances in number of cases in terms of mechanical properties were also demonstrated.

Download Full-text

Effect of Thermo-Mechanical Treatment on Mechanical Properties of AlCuMg Alloys

Solid State Phenomena ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/ssp.199.407 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 199 ◽

pp. 407-411

Author(s):

Teresa Bajor ◽

Marlena Krakowiak ◽

Dariusz Rydz

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Internal Combustion Engines ◽

Large Scale ◽

Research Work ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Construction Materials ◽

High Strength ◽

Effect Of Temperature ◽

High Temperature Deformation ◽

Temperature Deformation

Technology development and new grades of alloys creation put before construction materials the number of requirements in range of durability and reliability of created constructions. Receivers expect materials with high strength properties, low production cost of the finished product, availability, corrosion resistance and low specific gravity. So the specific needs of customers mean that studies are constantly associated with the exploration of new materials and technologies that could meet made requirements [1,2,. In large scale this demand is met through the use of non-ferrous metals and their alloys. Selection of appropriate manufacturing techniques and the use of heat treatment procedures allow to obtain materials with better mechanical properties. Here the leading role has the aluminium and its alloys. Due to specific mechanical properties aluminium based materials are used in almost each field of industry. In aircraft industry they are used for the manufacture of fuselage elements in automobile industry the light alloys are used to make cylinder blocks, and other elements of internal combustion engines. In the construction industry they are used to manufacture windows and doors, as well as beautiful self-supporting lightweight facades. While the aluminium alloy products such as films or cans are also used in the food industry. The combination of physico-chemical and mechanical properties of aluminium alloys makes them the optimal solution for innovative design, thanks to them engineers can provide high strength associated with very low gravity. This allows to minimize the costs of subsequent use of the product, and while achieving good strength parameters. As part of this work the analysis of strain rate and temperature impact on mechanical properties of the tested alloy will be carried out. The experimental studies conducted in the temperature range of recrystallization (test temperature: 400°C, 450°C, 480°C, 500°C) using two strain rates 1 s-1 and 0,1 s-1. This paper present the analysis of the application of high-temperature deformation changes in structure mainly caused by the dynamic recrystallization processes, which determine the optimal parameters of AlCuMg deformation process [. The proposed methodology of the research work made it possible to determine the effect of temperature-velocity parameters to changes in mechanical properties (inter alia: microhardness measurements) and changes in the structure of the material, which are closely related to the level achieved in mechanical properties.

Download Full-text

A REVIEW ON THE ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF SOYBEAN TO SUPPORT THE TOFU AGRO-INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS

AGROINTEK ◽

10.21107/agrointek.v15i3.10496 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 921-931

Author(s):

Agustami Sitorus ◽

Devianti Devianti ◽

Ramayanty Bulan

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Physical Properties ◽

Angle Of Repose ◽

Engineering Properties ◽

Future Research ◽

Aerodynamic Properties ◽

Study Results ◽

Scientific Papers ◽

Soybean Processing

The physical and mechanical properties of the material to be processed are fundamental and continue to be a challenge for researchers to design a machine appropriately. Studies of the soybean engineering properties have not been widely highlighted and reviewed. This makes researchers and engineers of soybean processing machines still have to search through experimentation or read deeply through scientific papers before applying it. Therefore, this paper presents highlights and reviews of studies related to the measurement and modelling of soybean engineering properties. The objective is to study methodologies uses and identify future research directions to get a result in more accuracy. Several papers are searched from various search engines for scientific articles that are available online. Some keywords and a combination of keywords used in the search process are “physical properties”, “mechanical properties”, “soybean grains” and “moisture-dependent”. The results show that ten scientific papers are strictly related to the measurement and modelling of the engineering properties of soybean. In general, the documents found were in the period 1993 to 2012. The research paper investigated the engineering properties of soybean in the moisture content ranges from 6.7% (d.b.) to 49.7% (d.b.). The widely studied physical properties are diameter, surface area, roundness, the weight of 1000 soybeans, bulk density, and true density associated with moisture content. Mechanical parameters investigated include friction coefficient, angle of repose, terminal velocity, angle of internal friction, rupture force, and rupture energy. On the one hand, some of the engineering properties of soybeans that have not yet been discovered are thermal, optical, and aerodynamic properties. On the other hand, the effect of soaking and blanching on changes in the engineering properties of soybean (physical, mechanical, thermal, optical, and aerodynamic) has not been done in-depth. Besides that, most of the soybean processing agro-industry requires engineering properties of soybean to be able to design their machines more precisely. One of the agro-industries that need data on the study results of the nature of engineering with these treatments is the tofu processing industry.

Download Full-text

Valorization of granite micronized stones wastes for eco-friendly production of fired clay bricks

SN Applied Sciences ◽

10.1007/s42452-021-04828-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (11) ◽

Author(s):

Blasius Ngayakamo ◽

Gbetoglo Charles Komadja ◽

Abdulhakeem Bello ◽

Azikiwe Peter Onwualu

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Research Work ◽

Fine Powder ◽

Value Added ◽

Engineering Properties ◽

Chemical Compositions ◽

Clay Bricks ◽

Granite Powder

AbstractConstruction and mining industries around the globe have been criticized for production of enormous solid wastes that have potential environmental impacts. Therefore, this study presents a feasible approach to recover and utilize granite micronized stones waste for production of eco-friendly bricks. This research work, aimed at substituting a natural clay with granite powder to produce value-added bricks with pronounced physical–mechanical properties. The micronized granite waste stones were crushed and ground to obtain a fine powder sample. Thereafter, different batch compositions containing a varied proportions of granite powder were prepared and fired at different sintering temperatures: 900, 1000 and 1100 °C. The raw materials and bricks were characterized for their chemical compositions, microstructural, mineralogical and physical–mechanical properties. The results showed that, an increase in granite waste powder and sintering temperature enhanced the quality of fired clay bricks in terms of mechanical strength and decreased simultaneously the apparent porosity and water absorption. The final experimental approach showed that, the possibility to produce eco-friendly bricks containing up to 30 wt% of granite powder with enhanced engineering properties fired at 1100 °C is promising. Graphic abstract

Download Full-text

Water sludge: utilization in the production of construction materials and agriculture Alternative coagulants (a review)

Vodosnabzhenie i sanitarnaia tehnika ◽

10.35776/mnp.2020.06.08 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

В.Я. Кофман

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Large Scale ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Wastewater Sludge ◽

Sludge Disposal ◽

Agricultural Use ◽

Tree Seeds ◽

Moringa Oleifera Oil ◽

Made In

При производстве строительных материалов и в сельском хозяйстве могут быть использованы значительные объемы водопроводных осадков, обеспечивая при этом их утилизацию. Следствием применения осадков в строительной промышленности может стать существенная экономия традиционных сырьевых материалов без ухудшения качества продукции. Налаженных поставок водопроводных осадков на предприятия стройиндустрии, однако, пока не происходит, и в качестве основной причины называют непостоянство их состава. Вместе с тем достигнутые результаты свидетельствуют о значительных усилиях, предпринимаемых в этой области. На основе использования водопроводных осадков разработаны технологии производства цемента, строительного раствора, бетона, кирпича, кровельной черепицы, керамических изделий. Сельскохозяйственное применение водопроводных осадков считается наиболее доступным и масштабным вариантом их утилизации. Содержание органики и тяжелых металлов в водопроводных осадках достаточно ограниченно, что выгодно отличает их от осадков сточных вод и позволяет классифицировать как безопасные. К настоящему времени в целом ряде стран проведены многолетние масштабные эксперименты по использованию водопроводных осадков для корректировки содержания растворимого фосфора в почвах, для связывания растворимых форм мышьяка и хрома и корректировки содержания микроэлементов. Кардинальное решение проблемы водопроводных осадков должно быть связано с уменьшением их образования в процессе водоподготовки. В этом направлении ведется поиск альтернативных коагулянтов, прежде всего растительного происхождения. Достигнутые результаты позволили провести опытно-промышленные испытания водного экстракта семян масличного дерева Moringa oleiferaв качестве коагулянта при очистке поверхностной воды. Utilization of water sludge in significant amounts can be provided by using it in the production of construction materials and in agriculture. The use of water sludge in the construction industry can result in significant savings in traditional raw materials without compromising product quality. However, the supply of water sludge to the construction industry enterprises, has not been established so far, and the instability of its composition is posed as the main reason. At the same time, the results achieved evidence significant efforts made in this area. Based on the use of water sludge, technologies have been developed for the production of cement, building mortar, concrete, brick, roofing tiles, and ceramic products. Agricultural use of water sludge is considered as a most affordable and large-scale option of its disposal. The concentration of organics and heavy metals in water sludge is quite limited, which sets it apart from wastewater sludge and allows it being classified as safe. To date, in a number of countries many years of large-scale experiments have been conducted on the use of water sludge for adjusting the concentration of soluble phosphorus in soils; binding soluble forms of arsenic and chromium, and adjusting the concentration of trace elements. A radical solution to the problem of water sludge disposal should be associated with reducing its amount generated during water purification process. In this direction, studies are being conducted on alternative coagulants, primarily of plant origin. The results achieved made it possible to carry out pilot tests of using aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera oil-tree seeds as a coagulant in the purification of surface water.

Download Full-text