Faculty Publications

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Life Cycle Assessment of construction materials: Methodologies, applications and future directions for sustainable decision-making
(Elsevier Ltd, 2023) Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.
This review paper presents a comprehensive analysis of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies applied to construction materials. It begins with an introduction highlighting the significance of LCA in the construction industry, followed by an overview of LCA principles, phases and key parameters specific to construction materials. The methodological approaches utilised in LCA, including inventory analysis, impact assessment, normalisation, allocation methods and uncertainty analysis, are discussed in detail. The paper then provides a thorough review of LCA studies on various construction materials, such as cement, concrete, steel and wood, examining their life cycle stages and environmental considerations. The review also explores recent advances in LCA for construction materials, including circular economy principles, renewable alternatives, technological innovations and policy implications. The challenges and future directions in LCA implementation for construction materials are discussed, emphasising the need for data quality, standardisation, social aspects integration and industry-research collaboration. The provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers and industry professionals to enhance sustainability in the construction sector through informed decision-making based on LCA. © 2023 The Authors
Influence of multi-stage processing and mechano-chemical treatments on the hydration and microstructure properties of recycled aggregate concrete
(Elsevier Ltd, 2023) Trivedi, S.S.; Sarangi, D.; Das, B.B.; Barbhuiya, S.
On account of the shortage of naturally occurring coarse aggregate, recycled aggregate (RA) made from crushed concrete debris is now used in the construction industry. With this rise in the utilisation of recycled aggregate in the construction sector, there has been extensive research into ways to improve its quality. The significant fraction of mortar remains that are left on the RA surface is the primary factor that affects its quality. Concrete made from RA loses strength and mechanical performance due to the attached mortar's increased porosity and water absorption values and the frailer transition region between the new mortar and aggregates. In order to minimise the old cement fractions and increase the quality, this paper studies the effect of concrete incorporating multi-stage processed RA from demolished concrete waste, followed by treatment with mechanical abrasion and sodium silicate immersion. The recycled aggregates were produced through multi-stage jaw crushing, followed by utilising natural aggregate, recycled aggregate, and recycled aggregate obtained after mechanical abrasion, followed by sodium silicate treatment for concrete mix design at various substitution percentages as coarse aggregates. The experimental investigation further progresses with the evaluation of mechanical and durability properties of concrete mixes, which is additionally followed by microstructural studies such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The outcomes demonstrate that two-stage treatment, such as mechanical abrasion followed by sodium silicate immersion, yields superior-quality RA. Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) made with these treated aggregates illustrated an increase in workability and density with respect to an untreated RAC mix. Furthermore, comparable strengths in compression, flexure, and tension are found in treated RAC mixes, particularly at 35% replacement levels, with respect to concrete mixes comprised of natural aggregates. A similar trend is detected in the chloride penetration tests and water sorptivity tests. In addition, the microstructural investigation confirmed the formation of additional calcium silicate hydrate for treated RAC mixes, particularly for the 35% substituted RA mix. On the basis of the results, it is suggested that multi-stage jaw crushing followed by treatment through mechanical abrasion and sodium silicate can potentially enhance the mechanical, microstructural, and durability performance of RAC. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
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.

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