Jingzhou Lu , Wenhui He , Zuowei Liu , Yuange Ma , Han Huang , Tong Mou , Lin Chen
{"title":"Novel dual-strain biomineralization method for performance enhancement of recycled coarse aggregate","authors":"Jingzhou Lu , Wenhui He , Zuowei Liu , Yuange Ma , Han Huang , Tong Mou , Lin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114229","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114229","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The utilization of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) conserves natural resources and minimizes construction waste. However, its inferior properties remain a major concern. Ureolytic bacterial treatment effectively enhances RCA; nevertheless, its associated ammonia emissions critically constrain practical applications, particularly in indoor environments. This study explored a dual-strain biomineralization method, which not only significantly enhanced the properties of RCA but also sharply reduced the ammonia emission. A specific strain with nitrifying and denitrifying ability was supplied to the ureolytic bacterial solution, composing a dual-strain bacterial solution. The dual-strain bacterial solution was adopted to treat RCA. The results demonstrated that the 14-day treatment significantly improved the RCA microstructure, yielding a 21.5 % reduction in water absorption, a 20.8 % decrease in crushing value, and a 4.1 % increase in apparent density. Notably, compared with ureolytic bacterial treatment, the ammonia release of this method decreased by 93.4 %. Compared to concrete with 50 % of untreated RCA, the compressive strength and tensile splitting strength of concrete with 50 % of treated RCA improved by 22.1 % and 6.9 %, respectively, and the relative dynamic modulus of elastic after 100 freeze-thaw cycles decreased by 78.0 %. The SEM, EDS, and XRD analysis showed that the dual-strain biomineralization modified the RCA by the bio-induced calcium carbonate crystals in calcite formation. This method effectively enhanced the performance of RCA with negligible release of ammonia, thereby overcoming one of the major long-term constraints that has restricted the practical implementation of biomineralization technology in industrial production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 114229"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145271237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Miguel A. Orellana , Sonia E. Ruiz , Ali Rodríguez-Castellanos
{"title":"Best combination of stiffness and strength ratios for seismic design of buildings with BRBs","authors":"Miguel A. Orellana , Sonia E. Ruiz , Ali Rodríguez-Castellanos","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A probabilistic evaluation of seismic structural performance, considering economic losses related to repair cost and downtime (occupancy interruption) of steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs) equipped with buckling-restrained braces (BRBs) is conducted. The assessment considers expected total costs throughout the 50-year lifespan of the dual systems. The probabilistic assessment is carried out for groups of 6-, 9-, and 12-story office buildings, considering different combinations of design parameters resulting from the combination of the stiffness and strength ratios (α and γ, respectively) between the MRFs and the BRBs. Based on the findings, recommended best values of the design parameters α and γ are proposed, aiming to minimize the total expected costs of the buildings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 114248"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanical characteristics, thermal reflective performance and energy-saving efficiency of nano TiO2 cement mortars for building envelopes","authors":"Ying Zhang, Gongxun Wang, Bo Huang, Fucai Liu, Feng Qu, Mingqiao Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114259","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114259","url":null,"abstract":"To overcome the persistent challenges of rapid aging and insufficient durability in organic thermal reflective coatings, this study designed an inorganic thermal reflective cement mortar incorporating rutile titanium dioxide (NT) as the core functional component. The relationship between NT particle size (25–2000 nm) and dosage (0–10 %) on both mechanical strength and thermal reflective performance was rigorously explored. Mechanisms driving reflectance degradation under prolonged curing and carbonation were quantitatively modeled, while energy-saving potential was validated via DeST simulation. Results demonstrated that under identical NT dosage, both mechanical strength and thermal reflective performance increased with larger NT particle sizes. For fixed NT particle size, these properties initially improved then declined with increasing NT content. Comprehensive analysis identified 2000 nm NT particles at 6 % optimal dosage as the balanced solution, achieving a 4.2 °C surface temperature reduction compared to the control specimen. The thermal reflective performance degradation followed a logarithmic model, showing merely 16.7 % reduction after 180 days of natural carbonation. DeST simulations confirmed that in Guangzhou’s air-conditioning season, the developed mortar reduced indoor temperature by 3 °C, decreased building energy consumption by 6.54 %, and reduced CO<ce:inf loc=\"post\">2</ce:inf> emissions by approximately 5.25 kg/m<ce:sup loc=\"post\">2</ce:sup>. This work offers a scalable pathway toward carbon-neutral building envelopes.","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"86 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pozzolanic evaluation of mechanical-thermal composite activation of low-quality coal gangue and its impacts on the hydration properties of ordinary Portland cement","authors":"Shukai Cheng, Hongtao Wang, Chuqiao Feng, Qiwen Liu, Dongfang Zhang, Zhihong Fan, Kang Chen, Cheng Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114237","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114237","url":null,"abstract":"Although low-quality coal gangue (CG) has potential as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material, its low activity limits practical applications. This study employed mechanical-thermal activation to enhance the activity of CG. The Hinckley index (HI) and Liètard indices (R<ce:sup loc=\"post\">2</ce:sup>) quantified the reduction in crystallinity induced by ball milling. In addition to evaluating the activity of composite-activated coal gangue (CACG), we also investigated the impact of CACG on the mechanical properties, hydration products, and microstructure of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) systems. The findings show that ball milling increases the interplanar spacing and reduces the crystallinity of kaolinite in CG. The HI and R<ce:sup loc=\"post\">2</ce:sup> decrease respectively by 18.7 % and 7 %, and their correlation coefficient reaches 0.9. Calcined at 600 °C, kaolinite in CG begins to transform into metakaolinite, while agglomeration occurs at 700 °C. The 28-day activity of CG reaches 80 % when it is ball-milled for 60 min and calcined at 650 °C. The strong linear correlation (R<ce:sup loc=\"post\">2</ce:sup> = 0.8) is observed between the strength activity index (SAI) and the assessed pozzolanic activity index (API), indicating that API is an efficient and economical method for evaluating pozzolanic activity. The CACG effectively promotes the hydration process of cement in the later stage, generating more calcium (alumino) silicate hydrate (C-(A)-S-H) and ettringite (AFt). This decreases the porosity of the cement paste and enhances the densification of the matrix structure. Life cycle assessment results indicate that compared to OPC, M3T2-30 exhibits a 7.9 % reduction in carbon emissions and a 5.3 % decrease in cost. These research results provide a practical approach for the industrial application of CG in low-carbon cementitious materials.","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aizhao Zhou , Hainan Wang , Rudan Huang , Wei Wang , Gang Liu , Nuo Xu , Jie Yin
{"title":"Enhancement-type graphene treated cement-soil for building foundation improvement: experimental and microscopic investigations","authors":"Aizhao Zhou , Hainan Wang , Rudan Huang , Wei Wang , Gang Liu , Nuo Xu , Jie Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the mechanical performance and microstructural mechanisms of enhancement-type graphene (EtG) treated cement-soil mixtures for building foundation improvement. A series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, unconsolidated-undrained (UU) triaxial compression tests, and microstructural analyses, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were conducted to evaluate the influence of EtG on strength, deformation, and microstructural changes. The optimal EtG content was determined to be 0.05 %, which increased UCS by 103.6 %, from 697 kPa (plain cement-soil) to 1052 kPa. The internal friction angle and cohesion also showed notable increases, reaching maximum values of 17.2° and 158 kPa, respectively, at the optimal EtG content. Microstructural analysis revealed that the addition of EtG enhanced the hydration reaction, promoting the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and other gel products. SEM images indicated that EtG filled voids, refined pore structures, and created a denser matrix. Notably, EtG facilitated the formation of fibrous, rod-shaped, and needle-like hydrates, which improved particle bonding. EDS results confirmed the incorporation of EtG within the hydration products, with increased carbon content playing a critical role in enhancing the microstructure. XRD analysis highlighted the reduction in quartz peak intensity and the increased presence of hydrated calcium silicate gels, confirming the catalytic role of EtG in cement-soil composites. The findings demonstrate the potential of EtG as an effective nanomaterial for reinforcing cement-treated soils in building foundation applications, offering a sustainable approach to improving strength, durability, and microstructural integrity in ground improvement practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 114251"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145271276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Steel fiber reinforced LC3 subject to microwave curing: evolution of hydration microstructure and optimization of thermal homogeneity","authors":"Jianchao Xia , Ruochen Zhang , Zimeng Xing , Yimiao Huang , Guowei Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114200","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114200","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microwave curing technology has garnered considerable attention in cement material processing. However, issues, such as non-uniform heating and sluggish temperature escalation, persist. To this gap, this study introduces an innovative approach to enhance microwave heating efficiency in the low-carbon LC<sup>3</sup> through the strategic incorporation of steel fibers. Heat conduction pathways is optimized via appropriately controlled content of steel fibers. Experimental results reveal that increasing steel fiber content to 3 vol% significantly accelerates heating rate of LC<sup>3</sup>, achieving an average increment of 0.286 °C/s, while remarkably improving heating uniformity. Furthermore, microwave curing substantially enhances the mechanical properties of LC<sup>3</sup>. Comparative analysis with standard curing method demonstrates notable compressive strength enhancements up to 36.1 % and 37.3 % for specimens with 2 % and 3 vol% steel fiber contents, respectively. The microwave curing process promotes hydration reactions, yielding homogeneous product distribution and reduced porosity. These findings provide valuable insights into the thermal effects of steel fiber incorporation in microwave-cured LC<sup>3</sup>, offering theoretical framework for optimized dosage strategies and quantitative process control. This research underscores the innovation and practical significance of microwave curing technology in advancing sustainable cementitious material processing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 114200"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145270663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Investigation on pullout and shear behavior of recycled plastic rebar-concrete connection for mortar-free housing","authors":"Shehryar Ahmed, Majid Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional construction materials and techniques offer major drawbacks in terms of emissions from cement processing and economic viability due to high material cost. Recycled plastic has emerged as a reliable material but its application as rebars in structural concrete and mortar-free housing applications is yet to be uncovered. Thus, this study evaluates the pull-out and shear anchorage characteristics of recycled HDPE plastic rebar for application in mortar-free construction. Various configurations have been considered based on influencing parameters namely, diameter, embedment, concrete mix and rebar type. The results reveal superior pull-out performance of ribbed rebars with a diameter of 19.05 mm having embedment depth 300 mm in a concrete mix of 1:2:4. However, fixed embedment depth of 100 mm in a concrete mix of 1:2:4 shows better shear anchorage performance of ribbed rebar having diameter of 12.70 mm. Empirical equations can accurately predict pull-out and shear anchorage strengths based on limited data set. Long-term straining behavior of recycled plastic rebar needs to be considered in future for real life implications in construction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 114266"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chiemela Victor Amaechi , Ahmed Reda , Salmia Binti Beddu , Daud Bin Mohamed , Agusril Syamsir , Idris Ahmed Ja'e , Safi Ullah , Deng Xiaopeng , Bo Huang , Chunguang Wang , Xuanze Ju
{"title":"A systematic literature review on knowledge management for project risk management in construction","authors":"Chiemela Victor Amaechi , Ahmed Reda , Salmia Binti Beddu , Daud Bin Mohamed , Agusril Syamsir , Idris Ahmed Ja'e , Safi Ullah , Deng Xiaopeng , Bo Huang , Chunguang Wang , Xuanze Ju","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The need for urbanisation, smart cities and high-rise buildings globally has increased the volume of projects carried out in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. These buildings are designed under tight schedules, tight contracts, huge budgets, and highly performance-driven construction managers. Thus, this article presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on knowledge management for project risk management in construction. Using the SLR, two academic databases were utilised, namely Dimensions and Scopus for publications from 2000 to 2025. The knowledge acquired from the research was examined by classifying the areas on Project Risk Management (PRM), construction processes and knowledge management associated with construction. The keyword search utilised for this study was conducted in Google Scholar database. The search on this SLR considered three main areas namely project management (PM), knowledge management (KM) and risk management (RM). However, related search was conducted on other aspects like quantitative risk management (QRA). The findings include the development of knowledge maps on publication trends. Findings on the publication trends reflect steady growth in publications, with peaks and dips due to global events (like, COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021). Regarding the subject areas, Engineering is the dominant subject area (39 %), followed by Business and Computer Science, then others. Also, the leading countries include USA, China, UK, Australia, Malaysia, then others. The implications of the study reflect knowledge-based learning on construction management. The study found various innovative technologies that are adapted in construction through knowledge management. This SLR shows emerging trends, applications and research collaborations in the construction industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 114261"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaomeng Zhang , Xiangqing Kong , Bo Hou , Yuanhao Zhao , Wanfu Qiao , Dongzhou Jia
{"title":"A review of recent advances in nanoindentation technique in nano engineered cement composites","authors":"Xiaomeng Zhang , Xiangqing Kong , Bo Hou , Yuanhao Zhao , Wanfu Qiao , Dongzhou Jia","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditional cement-based materials (CBMs) are increasingly challenged to meet the performance requirements of modern engineering applications. To address these limitations, significant research efforts have been directed toward enhancing CBMs through the incorporation of nanomaterials. As an advanced characterization technique, nanoindentation provides essential insights into the nanomechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of individual phases within nano engineered cement composites (NECC), as well as the characteristics of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). These insights facilitate a deeper understanding of how nanomaterials optimize material performance at micro- and nanoscopic levels. This review systematically outlines the fundamental principles of nanoindentation, methods for data analysis, sample preparation techniques, and the current state of research on the macroscopic influences of various nanomaterials. Furthermore, it examines the application of nanoindentation in evaluating nanomechanical properties, ITZ behavior, and creep response in NECC. The paper concludes by comparing the effects of different types of nanomaterials on CBMs across multiple scales.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 114264"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xin Dong, Fuqiang Fan, Ran Gao, Bo Li, Nianqun Wang, Angui Li
{"title":"Un-fully developed flow effects on topology-optimized HVAC check valves: Resistance reduction and vortex analysis","authors":"Xin Dong, Fuqiang Fan, Ran Gao, Bo Li, Nianqun Wang, Angui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114209","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, due to the limitations of the building space structure, the connection distance between duct components usually cannot allow the fluid to be fully developed. In fluid dynamics, this flow state is called un-fully developed flow. Based on un-fully developed flow, this paper proposes a multi-objective topology optimization method for duct check valves with energy consumption ratio (<em>Φ</em>) and flow resistance (Δ<em>P</em><sub><em>f</em></sub>, Pa) as multi-objective functions, aiming to simultaneously improve performance and drag reduction efficiency. Comparative studies show that the resistance calculation error between un-fully and fully conditions can reach 52.34 %, and there are obvious differences in the optimization results. Therefore, the study of un-fully developed flow must be given high attention. The results of un-fully developed topology optimization show that the performance (ratio of reverse pressure drop (Δ<em>P</em><sub><em>r</em></sub>, Pa) to forward pressure drop (Δ<em>P</em><sub><em>f</em></sub>, Pa), Di) of the check valve is improved by 191.7 %, and the drag reduction rate reaches 64.8 %. Further analysis shows that Reynolds number (Re) has little effect on valve performance, and the fluctuation range of Di is between −0.74 % and 5.94 % (Di = 6.68–7.04). Di and Δ<em>P</em><sub><em>f</em></sub> are both proportional to the number of blades. When a set of blades is added, Di increases by 37.6 %, but the resistance increases by 218.05 %. In addition, the vortex analysis method (Q-criterion) is extended to this study to visualize the high resistance area of the system. The numerical simulation results are consistent with the experimental data. The experimental error within 10 % and the error with the simulation results less than 5 %.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15064,"journal":{"name":"Journal of building engineering","volume":"114 ","pages":"Article 114209"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145254775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}