Browsing by Author "Das, B.B."

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3D printing aspects of fly ash and GGBS admixed binary and ternary blended cementitious mortar
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Mishra, S.K.; Upadhyay, B.; Das, B.B.
This study investigates the integration of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and fly ash to sustainably reduce the usage of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in 3D printable mortar to enhance printability and engineering performance. Four mortar mixes were developed, and their printability parameters, such as flowability, extrudability, open time, yield stress, shape retention, and buildability, were assessed. Among mixes, O70G30 (70% OPC, 30% GGBS) showed the best printability, with an 18.3% and 54.3% higher shape retention factor than the control and O70F30 mixes, respectively, which can be attributed to improved particle packing and 5.5% higher yield stress. However, its open time was 22.2% lower than the control. This reduction can be attributed to the finer particle size and higher specific surface area of GGBS, which increased water demand and accelerated the loss of workability. In the hardened state, O70G30 exhibited 24% lower water absorption and 18.5% reduced permeable porosity than the control, indicating a denser microstructure. Printed specimens exhibited anisotropic strength, with the highest values observed on the YZ plane and the lowest on the ZX plane. Depending on the loading direction and mix composition, their compressive strength was 9.4–35.6% lower than that of mould-cast samples, while the flexural strength improved by 16.19% to 40.18%. Microstructural analysis revealed a denser matrix with a lower Ca/Si ratio and enhanced secondary hydration, evidenced by stronger C–S–H peaks in XRD, pronounced Si–O–Si/Al bands in FTIR, and 41.22% higher bound water (WH) with reduced portlandite (CH) in TGA compared to O70F30. These promising results can be attributed to GGBS’s role in enhancing hydration, refining the microstructure, and improving the performance of 3D printable mortar, offering a sustainable and effective pathway for digital construction. Also, the Life Cycle Impact Analysis (LCIA) revealed that the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) significantly reduces environmental impacts compared to the control mix. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
A comprehensive review of radiation shielding concrete: Properties, design, evaluation, and applications
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.; Norman, P.; Qureshi, T.
This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of radiation shielding concrete, covering its properties, design, evaluation, and applications. It begins with an introduction, stating the objective and scope. The paper explores radiation shielding basics, including ionizing radiation, shielding principles, and materials used for shielding. Concrete's properties relevant to shielding, radiation attenuation mechanisms, and factors affecting its efficiency are discussed. Different types of radiation shielding concrete are examined, along with their applications. The design and formulation of shielding concrete, including mix proportions, optimization techniques, and quality control, are presented. Evaluation methods and standards are discussed. Lastly, challenges, future directions, and emerging technologies are outlined. This review paper serves as a valuable resource for professionals involved in radiation shielding. The review on radiation shielding concrete highlighted its effectiveness in attenuating ionizing radiation, emphasizing material composition, density, and thickness as key design factors. Evaluation methods, such as gamma spectroscopy and Monte Carlo simulations, are discussed, demonstrating its versatile applications in nuclear facilities, healthcare, and space exploration. © 2024 The Author(s). Structural Concrete published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation for Structural Concrete.
A comprehensive review on integrating sustainable practices and circular economy principles in concrete industry
(Academic Press, 2024) Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.; Adak, D.
This comprehensive review explores the integration of circular economy principles into the concrete industry, emphasizing their role in enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency. It covers the fundamental concepts of circular economy and examines the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in evaluating the environmental impacts of concrete production. The review highlights innovative strategies for recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and resource optimisation, showcasing how these approaches can transform concrete production practices. It also addresses the policy considerations, economic implications, and societal impacts associated with adopting circular economy practices. Furthermore, the review investigates recent technological advancements in circular concrete production, including self-healing concrete and 3D printing. By summarizing these findings and offering practical recommendations, the review aims to support the industry in transitioning towards more sustainable practices. This detailed analysis provides valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of circular economy adoption, helping stakeholders make informed decisions for a greener concrete sector. © 2024 The Authors
A comprehensive review on the use of hemp in concrete
(Elsevier Ltd, 2022) Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.
A simple mixture of hemp hurd, water, and lime is used to make hemp concrete. It is indeed one of the few materials that can continue to absorb carbon after being employed in construction, storing more carbon in the atmosphere over the building's lifetime than was emitted during construction. Furthermore, hemp can be harvested in as little as 60 days. Hemp concrete is a “carbon-negative” or “better-than-zero-carbon” substance because the hemp plant absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits during its production and application on site. It is a bio-composite material that can be utilised as an alternative to concrete and standard insulation in building. Hemp concrete is also recyclable at the end of the building's lifespan. This study summarises the fast-developing body of knowledge about hemp concrete, which was recently developed. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd
A Comprehensive Review on the Use of Wastewater in the Manufacturing of Concrete: Fostering Sustainability through Recycling
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Maddikeari, M.; Das, B.B.; Tangadagi, R.B.; Roy, S.; Priyanka, P.B.; Ramachandra, M.L.
The primary aim of this review article is to find the influence of wastewater and its characteristics on recycling as an alternative to potable water for concrete preparation. On the other hand, scarcity, and the demand for freshwater for drinking are also increasing day by day around the globe. About a billion tons of freshwater is consumed daily for concrete preparation for various operations such as mixing and curing, to name a few. The rapid development of certain industries such as textile, casting, stone cutting, and concrete production has caused the water supply to be severely affected. Recycling wastewater in concrete offers various potential benefits like resource conservation, environmental protection, cost savings, and enhanced sustainability. This article reviews the effect of various types of wastewater on various physical and chemical properties of wastewater, rheological characteristics, strength, durability, and microstructure properties of concrete. It also explores the potential effects of decomposing agents on enhancing concrete properties. Currently, limited research is available on the use of various types of wastewater in concrete. Hence, there is a need to develop various methods and procedures to ensure that the utilization of wastewater and treated wastewater is carried out in the production of concrete in a sustainable manner. Although wastewater can reduce the workability of fresh concrete, it can also increase its strength and long-term performance of concrete. The use of various types of wastewater, such as reclaimed water and tertiary-treated wastewater, was found to be superior compared to those using industrial- or secondary-treated wastewater. Researchers around the globe agree that wastewater can cause various detrimental effects on the mechanical and physical properties of concrete, but the reductions were not significant. To overcome limited scientific contributions, this article reviews all the available methods of using various types of wastewater to make concrete economically and environmentally friendly. This research also addresses possible challenges with respect to the demand for freshwater and the water crisis. © 2024 by the authors.
A comprehensive review towards sustainable approaches on the processing and treatment of construction and demolition waste
(Elsevier Ltd, 2023) Trivedi, S.; Snehal, K.; Das, B.B.; Barbhuiya, S.
A massive boom in global construction has led to an enormous generation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. C&D waste is the largest stream of waste, which needs to be treated and utilized efficiently for achieving sustainable goals. Multiple economical and valuable materials are embedded in C&D waste, most of these can be reused as construction materials. Ideally, these wastes are processed or treated near the demolition sites to ensure a constant supply of raw materials such as recycled aggregates for its use in the construction of roads, buildings, and urban landscapes. Several challenges are posed in the processing and treatment of C&D waste as a result of variable material properties as well as its bulky nature. From this point of view, this article presents a structured, comprehensive review of the existing literature on various tools and techniques for procuring recycled aggregates (RA) from C&D leftovers. The latest processing technologies, and subsequent treatment processes for recycled aggregates to make it suitable for further use in concrete is discussed and critically analyzed. Also, diverse approaches for treating the RA are evaluated critically with prime focus on removal of adhered mortar fractions and surface coating techniques. In addition, the modified mixing approach and its implementation in mix design for RA based concrete is emphasized. This article also covers the studies on recycled aggregate concrete at microstructural level, which include characterization techniques such as SEM-EDAX, XRD, FTIR and TGA. Emphasis is also given to embrace the deficiencies associated with RA concrete and improvement techniques for its inclusion in construction works. On the basis of the extensive review, it is understood that subjected to processing of the C&D debris, it yields useful recycled aggregates that can be incorporated into concrete up to an optimum percentage between 15 and 20%. Further, there is a requirement for specified pre-treatment methods that enhances the physio-chemical properties. Also, there is a necessity for the assimilation of mineral admixtures of micron, sub-micron to nano size for overcoming the shortcomings of recycled aggregates for the production of sustainable and high-performance concrete. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
A Multi-dimensional Study on Impact of Energy Efficiency on Life Cycle Cost of a Single-Family Residential Building
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2021) Shifad, S.; Pati, P.; Das, B.B.
A sustainable building is the one which causes least impact on the environment by appropriate selection of construction materials, appliances and other practices. Many rating systems have been put forward in the recent years to provide guidelines for constructing and accessing the performance of green buildings. Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) rating system is one such guideline available in India. eQUEST has been proved to be powerful tool for analysing the projected energy efficiency of buildings in the initial design phase. This particular study aims to identify effectiveness of higher green certification towards energy savings. Building simulation was done for a double-storey residential building situated in western coast city of Mangalore, India for each certification level namely, certified, silver, gold and platinum. The results obtained from the simulation were analysed to quantify the energy-saving potential and energy efficiency of higher green certification of IGBC green homes. Life cycle costs of single-family green residential buildings of similar type and function rated by IGBC rating systems for buildings was evaluated and compared in terms of savings to investment ratio, net saving and payback period. Â© 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
A review of fracture propagation in concrete: fundamentals, experimental techniques, modelling and applications
(ICE Publishing, 2023) Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.; Kanavaris, F.
A comprehensive overview of fracture propagation in concrete, covering various aspects ranging from fundamentals to applications and future directions, is presented. The introduction presents an overview of fracture propagation in concrete, emphasising its importance in understanding the behaviour of concrete structures. The fundamentals of fracture propagation are then explored, including concrete as a composite material, crack initiation and propagation mechanisms, types of fractures and the factors that influence fracture propagation. Next, experimental techniques for studying fracture propagation are discussed, encompassing both destructive and non-destructive testing methods, such as acoustic emission, ultrasonic testing, digital image correlation and advanced imaging techniques like X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Modelling approaches, including continuum damage mechanics, the finite-element method, the discrete-element method, the lattice discrete particle model and hybrid models, for simulating and predicting fracture propagation behaviour are then reviewed. The applications of fracture propagation in concrete are highlighted, including structural health monitoring, design optimisation, failure analysis and repair and rehabilitation strategies. Research opportunities for further improvement are addressed. This article should serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers and professionals in the field, providing a comprehensive understanding of fracture propagation in concrete and guiding future research endeavours. © 2023 Emerald Publishing Limited: All rights reserved.
A review of multi-scale modelling of concrete deterioration: Fundamentals, techniques and perspectives
(Elsevier Ltd, 2023) Barbhuiya, S.; Jivkov, A.; Das, B.B.
The properties of concrete are degraded during service by coupled physical and chemical processes that operate at several length scales, and the prediction of its performance in engineering structures requires multi-physics, multi-scale modelling approaches. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current modelling techniques for analysis of concrete deterioration. The paper covers the fundamentals of modelling at several length scales, as well as the bridging/transition between scales, and the numerical methods based on continuum and discrete formulations appropriate to different scales. Considered are the key chemical and physical deterioration processes of carbonation, chloride ingress, freeze–thaw damage, and abrasion. The paper also reviews the validation and verification of multi-scale models and discusses future trends such as data science integration and sustainable concrete design. It is expected that the information presented here will be a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field, highlighting advancements and stimulating future research in multi-scale modelling of concrete deterioration. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
A Review on Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of Reinforced Concrete Exposed to High Temperatures
(Springer, 2021) Goudar, S.K.; Santhosh, S.K.; Das, B.B.
This paper presents the recent research progress on the response of concrete exposed to fire or high temperatures. The main highlight of this review paper is a compilation of previously reported data regarding the variations in mechanical properties and microstructure properties of concrete when exposed to high temperatures. The concrete structures get deteriorated at the macro- and microscopic levels due to high-temperature exposure. The macro-level damages can be measured with degradation in mechanical properties such as the reduction in compressive strength, weight loss, changes in elastic properties, reduction of bond strength in reinforced concrete, etc. The macro-cracks on the surface of concrete causes spalling which can be observed after exposing the concrete samples to more than 300 ℃. The compressive strength of the concrete reduces slightly till 400 ℃, and when the temperature increased to 600 ℃, there was an exponential reduction in the compressive strength of concrete. Another important parameter is bond strength degradation, which plays a crucial role in durability issues. To understand the deterioration phenomenon and changes in mechanical properties, the changes at the level of the microstructure of concrete need to be understood. Dehydration of products causes deterioration of mechanical properties and weight loss of concrete when exposed to high temperatures. At different temperatures, the microstructure changes and the response of hydration products such as calcium hydroxide (CH), CSH gel, unhydrated cement and capillary water reported by previous researchers are compiled and discussed. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
A Review on the Properties of Steel-Concrete Interface and Characterization Methods
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH info@springer-sbm.com, 2021) Sumukh, E.P.; Goudar, S.K.; Das, B.B.
The Steel-Concrete interface (SCI) is usually regarded as the weakest region, which influences both mechanical properties and durability of reinforced concrete structures. Several researchers have well explored and defined the importance of SCI on the service life of the reinforced concrete structures as it directly affects the durability. The primary objective of this paper is to report and compare a variety of published findings and microstructural analysis on the SCI in one place which appears in reinforced concrete. The information available on the occurrence, formation, properties, various characterizing and analysing techniques of SCI are reviewed for a better understanding of microstructural properties of SCI on the hardened and durability properties of reinforced concrete. It was found that the SCI exhibits significant spatial inhomogeneity along and around as well as perpendicular to the reinforcing steel. Significant factors like quantification of porosity, porous zone thickness and actions that affect the properties of SCI like wall effect, bleeding, settlement and segregation of fresh concrete which were favourable to both initiation and propagation of corrosion are described in this paper. The influence of w/c ratio, hydration age, steel orientation and mineral admixtures on the distribution profiles of hydration products and Engineering properties of SCI is also discussed. Â© 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
Acid, alkali and chloride resistance of binary, ternary and quaternary blended cementitious mortar integrated with nano-silica particles
(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Snehal, K.; Das, B.B.
This paper investigates the quantification of ettringite (Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12.26H2O, AFt), gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O, Gy) and Friedel's salt (Ca4Al2(OH)12Cl2.4H2O, Fs) formed for binary, ternary and quaternary blended cementitious mortar mixes that were exposed to acid (H2SO4), alkali (Na2SO4) and chloride (NaCl) solutions. Quantification was carried out through a thermogravimetric analyzer by characterizing the mass loss associated to the decomposition of these compounds at specific boundaries of temperature (50–120 °C for AFt, 120–150 °C for Gy and 230–380 °C for Fs). Binary, ternary and quaternary blended cementitious mortar mixes were designed by adopting modified Andreasen and Andersen particle packing model. A long-term exposure period was spanned to the duration of 180 days for all kind of aggressive media and its effect on engineering properties of blended cementitious mortar were measured. Deterioration due to acid (H2SO4) exposure is found to be more intense due to the synergistic action of acid and sulfates. It is to be noted that for acid exposure period of 180 days, control mortar underwent an acute density and strength losses of 18% and 59%, respectively. However, cementitious mortar mix consisting of 3% nano-silica performs the best against aggressive media. The optimistic resistance to the formation of AFt and Gy was also found to be offered by quaternary blended mix. A similar trend was also observed in the formation of Fs for the mortar mixes exposed to NaCl solution. Significant improvement in particle packing density by the inclusion of micron to nano sized finer particles for quaternary blended mortar mix has minimized the permeable porosity, thus reduced the susceptibility to the formation of voluminous compounds. Enhanced pozzolanic activity due to the presence of nano-silica could be one of the primary reasons for quaternary blended mortar to perform better against the aggressive media that can be adopted in the practice considering sustainability and economical point of view. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Acid, alkali and chloride resistance of high volume fly ash concrete
(Indian Society for Education and Environment indjst@gmail.com, 2015) Sahoo, S.; Das, B.B.; Rath, A.K.; Kar, B.B.
Objectives: To find variation in compressive strength and mass of high volume fly ash concrete samples subjected to different chemical solutions of sodium chloride, sodium sulphate and sulphuric acid. Methods: A total of 900 numbers of cubes were cast and cured with four levels of curing period of 28, 56, 90 and 120 days. After certain duration of curing period, specific numbers (60) of cubes were submerged each in 5 percent sodium sulphate solution (Na2SO4), 5 percent sodium chloride solution (NaCl) and 1percent of sulphuric acid solution (H2SO4) separately in chemical exposure containers for an exposure period of 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Findings: Investigations with respect to acid, alkali and chloride resistance were carried out on high volume fly ash concrete, HFC (40 percent replacement with cement), low volume fly ash concrete, LFC (25 percent replacement with cement) and their performances against control concrete (NC) is presented in this paper. Their performance was measured with respect to the loss in compressive strength and weight of the concrete cubes over the period of exposure time. It is found that the resistance of control concrete to all the three chemical attack is better only up to 28 days of water curing. At 56 days of water curing LFC shows better resistance against the control and HFC. However, with prolonged water curing of cubes of 90 days and more, HFC has consistently shown highest resistance; whereas the control concrete faced a great loss in strength.
Acid, alkali, and chloride resistance of concrete composed of low-carbonated fly ash
(American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) onlinejls@asce.org, 2017) Sahoo, S.; Das, B.B.; Mohammed Mustakim, S.
This research investigates the effect of carbonated fly ash inclusion in concrete as partial replacement of cement on the durability performance when exposed to salt, sulfate, and acid solution. The effect of chemical exposure periods (30, 60, 90, and 120 days) on compressive strength and weight of concrete with low volume (25%) replacement of cement was investigated for various water curing ages (28, 56, 90, and 180 days). A comparative assessment with low volume (25% cement replacement) fly ash concrete and control concrete was also conducted. It was observed from the results that low volume carbonated fly ash concrete demonstrated a significant increase in resistance to loss in compressive strength and weight against salt, sulfate, and acid attack. Gray relation-based analysis was performed to determine suitable parameters for simultaneous minimization of strength loss and weight loss under chemical exposure. It can be recommended that, due to its cost-effectiveness, easy processing, and environmental friendly nature, carbonated fly ash can be adopted in construction as a partial replacement of cement in concrete. © 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Advancements in nano-engineering of cement and concrete: a comprehensive review
(Springer Nature, 2025) Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.; Adak, D.; Katare, V.
This comprehensive review highlights the transformative potential of nano-engineering in cement and concrete for the construction industry. To provide context, the introduction outlines the motivation and objectives of integrating nano-engineering principles, establishing a foundation for subsequent sections. Building on this, the fundamentals section explores nanotechnology in construction materials, nanoparticle characteristics, and synthesis methods. Transitioning to applications, the focus shifts to nano-engineered cement, examining additive types and their effects on setting time and strength. Further advancing the discussion, nano-engineered concrete composites are analyzed, with emphasis on nanofibre and nanotube reinforcement and their impacts on mechanical and durability properties. Addressing challenges, the review critically examines dispersion issues and durability concerns. Finally, the conclusion synthesizes key findings and discusses implications for the construction industry, offering valuable insights for researchers and professionals in this evolving field. © Qatar University and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.
Advances and perspectives in engineered cementitious composites: a comprehensive review
(ICE Publishing, 2024) Barbhuiya, S.; Adak, D.; Das, B.B.
Engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) have garnered significant attention within the construction industry, owing to their exceptional mechanical properties and durability. This thorough review presents a meticulous analysis of the progress and prospects in ECC research. It begins by introducing the background and rationale for investigating ECCs, while outlining the objectives of the review. The review provides an encompassing overview of ECCs, encompassing their definition, characteristics, historical development, composition and constituent materials. Emphasis is placed on the examination of ECCs' mechanical properties, specifically their flexural behaviour, tensile behaviour, compressive strength and resistance to environmental factors. Furthermore, the rheological properties of ECCs, including workability, flowability, self-healing, crack mitigation, viscosity and thixotropy, are discussed in detail. The review delves into the influence of fibre reinforcement on ECCs, encompassing the types of fibres utilised and their impact on mechanical and structural properties, as well as fibre dispersion and orientation. Additionally, it explores the diverse applications of ECCs across various fields, such as structural applications and sustainable building practices. The challenges and limitations associated with ECCs, such as cost and availability, are addressed, alongside an exploration of future trends and research directions. © 2024 ICE Publishing. All rights reserved.
An Integrated Approach of Life Cycle Cost and Life Cycle Energy for Energy Efficiency Measures in Residential Buildings
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Rakesh, P.; Das, B.B.
In India, the use of energy efficiency measures in small residential buildings is limited because of the negative impression of high initial cost. Very few studies have been conducted on energy efficiency measures in buildings and their long-run benefits. This research primarily investigates the influence of various parameters on the energy performance, the life cycle cost (LCC) and the life cycle energy (LCE) of residential buildings through energy simulations. This study tried to establish the trade-off between initial cost and the operating cost and also the trade-off between embodied energy and operational energy for different envelope conditions. This research also aims to demonstrate the long-run benefits of using energy efficiency measures concerning LCC and LCE in residential buildings. The different efficiency measures used in a single-family residential building include, roof insulation, alternate wall envelope material and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) efficiency. The use of materials with low thermal transmittance (U-value) value in building envelope was found to be very beneficial in lowering energy consumption, especially the cooling and heating loads. HVAC efficiency was observed to have a substantial role in reducing the energy consumption. When the mentioned combinations were combined, a massive drop of 27.61% in the energy consumption was observed, which resulted in substantial savings in LCC and LCE. The importance of choosing the building envelope materials and parameters was evident from the compliance check with ECBC–R (energy conservation code for residential buildings) of the single-family residential building. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Shiraz University 2024.
Application of Andreassen and Modified Andreassen Model on Cementitious Mixture Design: A Review
(Springer, 2021) Snehal, K.; Das, B.B.
Cement is a widely used construction material and its consumption on large-scale causes environmental degradation; thus, more emphasis is being given on industrial by-products as alternative materials to cement for their sustainable usage. It is necessary that varying particle size of supplementary cementitious particles is to be used for filling the voids to form a dense particle-packed concrete. The selection of right combination of material is tedious job by trials involving different replacement materials and the resultant concrete may show unexpected results; thus, a more suitable method is the selection of materials based on optimum packing of particles. To select the optimum size of replacement materials particle packing models are essential, so that a low-cement concrete can be prepared which will be ecological as well as economical with improved density, low porosity and high compressive strength. It is found that there are different models have been developed to achieve optimal packing. However, application of Andreassen and modified Andreassen models for the particle packing of multiple ingredients of cementitious matrix found to be largely being accepted by the researchers. This paper reviews the application of Andreassen and modified Andreassen models for the effective particle packing investigations on cementitious particles. It also reviews the software’s employed for designing various cementitious mixtures based on Andreassen and modified Andreassen models. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
Areca nut husk biochar as a sustainable carbonaceous filler for cement: Pyrolysis temperature and its effect on characterization, strength, and hydration
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Manjunath, B.; Ouellet-Plamondon, C.M.; Das, B.B.; Rao, S.; Bhojaraju, C.; Rao, M.
This study addresses the gap in sustainable agro-based materials for cement by exploring locally available areca nut husk pyrolyzed into areca nut husk biochar (AB). The research investigated the effect of pyrolysis temperature (300°C, 400°C, and 500°C) on the characteristics of AB and its impact on cementitious performance. The study found that increasing pyrolysis temperatures led to lower yield, greater aromaticity, and increased surface area of AB. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed decreased functional groups in AB at higher temperatures, confirming enhanced carbonization. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed greater thermal stability of AB. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated a carbon-rich amorphous structure and crystalline graphite carbon formation in AB. Incorporating AB at 2 % into cementitious composites substantially increased the compressive strength compared to the control mortar. At 7 and 28 days, the compressive strength increased by 8 % and 12 % for AB 300, 16 % and 21 % for AB 400, and 27 % and 34 % for AB 500. This improvement was due to the micro filler effect of AB, which improved the compactness of the cementitious matrix. Hydration studies from TGA showed that the addition of AB accelerated early-stage hydration, with the degree of hydration increasing from 46 % (in control mix) to 48–53 % in AB blended mixes using Bhatty's method. FTIR analysis demonstrated improved hydration of silicate phases and C-S-H formation in the presence of AB, supported by XRD analysis. AB blended mortar reduced the CO2 equivalent emission by 22 % compared to the control mortar attributed to its carbon sequestration capacity. These results highlight the potential of AB as a sustainable carbonaceous filler for cementitious composites, offering an environmentally friendly option for future research in construction materials. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
Artificial Intelligence in Damage Detection of Concrete Structures: Techniques, Integration and Future Directions
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.
The chapter thoroughly explores the pivotal role played by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the identification of damages in concrete structures. It delves into conventional methods, their limitations, and how AI can effectively complement these approaches. The basics of AI, encompassing machine learning and deep learning, are elucidated within the specific context of damage detection. Additionally, the chapter examines data acquisition and pre-processing techniques tailored for AI models. It sheds light on AI-driven damage detection methodologies, such as the utilization of convolutional neural networks for image analysis, vibration analysis, and AI-enhanced non-destructive testing methods, highlighting their precision in identifying structural issues. Moreover, the chapter investigates the integration of AI into structural health monitoring systems, providing in-depth discussions on data fusion and real-time monitoring. Emphasis is placed on the significance of performance assessment and model validation to ensure the reliability of AI algorithms. The chapter also addresses future trends, including the integration of AI with the Internet of Things (IoT), and delves into ethical considerations in the sphere of infrastructure development. In summary, the chapter underscores AI's transformative potential in revolutionizing damage detection and structural health assessment, contributing to the creation of more resilient and sustainable concrete structures. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.