Faculty Publications
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://idr.nitk.ac.in/handle/123456789/18736
Publications by NITK Faculty
Browse
11 results
Search Results
Item Assessment on performance of steel slag and processed granulated blast furnace slag as an alternative for fine aggregate—an assertive review(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2021) Sudarshan, V.J.; Arpitha, D.; Thilak Kumar, Y.T.; C, C.; Puttaswamy, N.Sand has always been an integral part of construction in our civilization. It has been the most easily available and acceptable source for the same. However, the depletion of river sand availability has started looking at the alternatives including some industrial by-products. One of them is slag obtained from manufacture/refining of metals which would help in the utilization of industrial waste and conservation of natural resources to have a sustainable construction. This paper provides the gist of organized overview involving the evaluation of physical and chemical characteristics, assessment of mechanical and durability properties for the effective utilization of steel slag and processed granulated blast furnace slag (PGBS) that could be modelled from previous researches related to the study. The basic properties of steel slag and PGBS exhibit requisite properties like river sand which is an indication for a possible alternative material to the conventional aggregate. The multiple processing of slag has its influence on strength, durability, and workability of concrete. These recent innovations have made the slag economically viable and environmentally friendly, and also profitable salvaging of processed by-product. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2021.Item A Critical Review on Potential Use of Waste Foundry Sandin Geotechnical and Pavement Applications(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2024) Basayya Balulmath, A.; Sridhar, G.; Saranya, P.In recent years, industrial recycled and waste materials have been utilized considerably in various civil engineering applications. To aid the metal casting process, metal foundries throughout the world use about 105 million tons of foundry sand annually. When the sand becomes unfit for molding, it is discarded in the landfill as waste foundry sand (WFS). India produces around 3 million tons of foundry sand annually. US Environmental protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that applications of WFS in construction works could prevent 20,000 tons of CO2 emissions and save 200 billion BTU of energy. Sustainable reuse of WFS can furnish an economical and environmentally beneficial solution to conserve landfills and virgin sands. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the reuse potentials and engineering properties of WFS as a suitable material in various geotechnical and pavement applications. This study discusses available information on WFS from a geotechnical perspective. Evaluation and characterization of geotechnical behavior and environmental properties of WFS may necessitate its effective utilization in the construction industry. Some existing recovery processes of WFS and its uses are also discussed. Large-scale application of WFS in various civil engineering works may significantly reduce the quantity of waste generated in the state. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.Item Decarbonising cement and concrete production: Strategies, challenges and pathways for sustainable development(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Barbhuiya, S.; Kanavaris, F.; Das, B.B.; Idrees, M.This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of decarbonising cement and concrete production, addressing strategies, technologies, policy considerations, case studies, economic implications, challenges and future recommendations. The cement and concrete industry are major contributors to carbon emissions and environmental degradation, making decarbonisation crucial for sustainable development. The paper explores various strategies, including alternative clinker technologies, carbon capture and storage, improved energy efficiency, low-carbon cements and circular economy approaches. Additionally, it examines technologies such as supplementary cementitious materials, carbonation, low-carbon concrete mixes, recycling and novel manufacturing processes. The importance of policy interventions, collaboration and standards and certifications is emphasised. Case studies and best practices highlight successful decarbonisation initiatives, while economic implications and market opportunities are considered. The paper also identifies challenges, including technological limitations, financing constraints, resistance to change and the need for awareness and education. Finally, future recommendations focus on pathways for deep decarbonisation, policy measures, research priorities and fostering collaboration. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers and industry professionals striving to achieve sustainable and low-carbon cement and concrete production. © 2024 The AuthorsItem Sustainable approaches for utilizing waste in building construction: Two case studies in India(CAFET INNOVA Technical Society cafetinnova@gmail.com 1-2-18/103, Mohini Mansion, Gagan Mahal Road, Domalguda, Hyderabad 500029, 2014) Kasthurba, A.K.; Reddy, K.R.; Venkat Reddy, D.V.Problems associated with increasing waste due to rising urban developments and its environmental concerns are reviewed. The challenges and standards for sustainable construction are outlined. This study explores potential utilization of different types of waste materials in building construction for its efficient and sustainable management. The benefits and challenges in utilization of waste for building applications are reviewed. Two case studies which demonstrate effective utilization of waste in construction projects carried out in India are outlined. These sustainable approaches of managing waste in building construction shall help private and governmental agencies to incorporate effective waste management strategies in future. This study will offer a background and useful guide for engineers and material scientists to develop standards and specifications for cost effective alternate building materials and techniques for economy, energy, and environmental benefits. © 2014 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.Item Use of Laterite as a sustainable building material in developing countries(CAFET INNOVA Technical Society cafetinnova@gmail.com 1-2-18/103, Mohini Mansion, Gagan Mahal Road, Domalguda, Hyderabad 500029, 2014) Kasthurba, A.K.; Reddy, K.R.; Venkat Reddy, D.V.Utilisation of local materials is an important step to sustainable construction to reduce transportation cost, save embodied energy, and protect the environment. This paper advocates the use of local laterite-a soil type rich in iron and alumina formed under hot and wet tropical conditions-due to its cost effectiveness and energy efficiency than that of conventional modern materials in tropical developing countries. This paper summarizes the occurrence and characteristics of laterite and then highlights the need for developing universal database of properties and standard testing protocols to facilitate evaluation and extensive use laterite in building applications. Understanding of properties and potential challenges of using this material will benefit for the development of suitable strategies/techniques for sustainable construction. Overall, this study identifies various factors that should be considered for efficient utilization and managements of laterite in construction to meet the growing demand of new housing and infrastructural in different regions of developing tropical world. © 2014 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.Item Volume change characteristics of eco-friendly mortar mixes produced with geopolymeric binder and recycled fine aggregate(ASTM International, 2020) Saha, S.; Shaik, N.; C, C.The production of geopolymer mortar using recycled fine aggregate (RFA) generated from concrete waste has significant potential to be a sustainable construction material. In this article, the volume change properties of the produced geopolymer mortar mixes are studied in terms of drying shrinkage up to the age of 180 days and reported as the percentage increase with respect to the shrinkage value of 3 days. The influence of RFA content, alkaline liquid (AL) in terms of the concentration of sodium hydroxide (SH) solution, the ratio of sodium silicate (SS) solution to SH solution, and the ratio of AL to fly ash (FA) were investigated on the drying shrinkage properties of the geopolymer mortar mixes. All the cast specimens were cured at 80°C for 24 hours. Higher drying shrinkage values were observed for the mortar mixes produced with higher RFA content, AL/FA, SS/SH ratio, and lower concentration of SH solution. Scanning electron microscope images were studied for the samples taken from the geopolymer mixes showing lower drying shrinkage values to understand the microstructure. © 2019 by ASTM International.Item Ferrochrome ash – Its usage potential in alkali activated slag mortars(Elsevier Ltd, 2020) Kumar, K.B.; Yaragal, S.C.; Das, B.B.This study is an attempt to develop a sustainable construction material, i.e., alkali activated slag (AAS) in combination with ferrochrome ash (FCA) as a replacement to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The effect of the various levels of FCA (0, 25, and 50%) replacing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in AAS mortars with 4% of Na2O dosage is studied. Further, five levels of the modulus of silica (Ms = 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75) are chosen to achieve targeted compressive strength at 28 days under ambient temperature curing conditions. The compressive strength decreases with the increase in level of the FCA replacement. The targeted design compressive strength is achieved with 25% FCA replacement to GGBS in the AAS mortar system with Ms = 1.25. In addition, microstructure and mineralogical studies are undertaken to ascertain the formation of different hydration products with the aid of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Gismondine and calcium aluminate silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) are the major hydration products in the AAS mortar mixes. Sodium aluminate silicate hydrate phases (N-A-S-H) are also observed prominently as the FCA replacement level increases in the AAS mortar mixes. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirms the presence of the Si–O-(Si or Al) functional group. The addition of FCA in the AAS system is of vital significance in the reduction of the embodied carbon dioxide (ECO2eq), embodied energy (EEeq) and cost. © 2020 Elsevier LtdItem Mechanical and dynamic thermal performance evaluation of rice husk blended cement plaster when used with different bricks(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Mahapatra, D.; Madav, V.; Talanki Puttaranga Setty, A.B.The construction industry is known for its significant environmental impact during the construction and operational phases. This study aims to explore the potential of rice husk, an abundant agricultural waste, as a partial replacement for sand in cement mortar. The research evaluates the thermo-mechanical properties, including compressive strength, water absorption, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity, of cement mortar by conducting a series of laboratory experiments. One of the critical novel aspects of this study is the evaluation of the dynamic thermal performance of the cement mortar when used with different bricks. The dynamic thermal performance was assessed using a MATLAB code based on the Charted Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE) 2006 standard. By increasing the percentage of rice husk as a replacement for sand, the compressive strength of the cement mortar decreases, while the thermal conductivity decreases and the water absorption capacity increases. Notably, the results reveal that a 12 % reduction in thermal conductivity can be achieved by replacing just 7 % of the sand with rice husk. Furthermore, the study establishes a linear relationship between the dynamic thermal performance of the cement mortar and its volumetric heat capacity. These findings contribute to the development of eco-friendly solutions for energy-efficient buildings. The outcomes of this research can help engineers, architects, and policymakers in the decision-making processes regarding sustainable construction practices, promoting the use of rice husk as a viable alternative to sand. © 2023 Elsevier LtdItem Valorization of coffee cherry waste ash as a sustainable construction material(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Manjunath, B.; Ouellet-Plamondon, C.M.; Ganesh, A.; Das, B.B.; Bhojaraju, C.This study explores the potential of treated coffee cherry waste (T-CCW) as a partial replacement of cement in mortar. T-CCW was characterized and incorporated into pastes and mortars at 5 %–25 % cement replacement. The main objectives were to examine the fresh and hardened properties, hydration, and environmental assessment. Results showed that the high specific surface area and porous structure of T-CCW particles increased water demand and accelerated setting times. T-CCW incorporation of up to 15 % enhanced compressive strength at all curing ages due to improved hydration and limited pozzolanic reactions. Ultrasonic pulse velocity indicated good homogeneity and compactness in T-CCW blended mortars. Microstructural analysis revealed that T-CCW enhanced cement hydration, leading to a denser matrix. Environmental analysis showed a reduced embodied carbon and cement intensity index compared to the control mix. Overall, the optimal performance was observed at 15 % T-CCW replacement, significantly improving engineering properties and environmental impact. Further, the fishbone diagram addresses various factors to optimize the use of T-CCW as a cementitious composite. These findings demonstrate the potential of T-CCW as a sustainable construction material, offering a promising pathway towards environmentally friendly and resource-efficient building practices while addressing waste management in the coffee industry. © 2024 Elsevier LtdItem Macro and microstructure evaluation of self-healing cement mortar enhanced with microbe-immobilized hemp fiber(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Chaudhary, P.; Palanisamy, T.; Gupta, A.; Gopal, M.Sustainable construction materials are gaining attention in structural engineering to improve performance and reduce environmental impact. This study presents an eco-friendly composite of hemp fiber-reinforced cement mortar with self-healing bacteria, aimed at improving mechanical properties and crack repair efficiency. Microbe immobilized fiber enhanced (MIFE) cement mortar was developed by incorporating dormant bacterial spores of Priestia megaterium and Bacillus licheniformis through the mixing water, with hemp fibers serving as carrier medium. The MIFE mortar was tested at various fiber content levels, specifically 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 % by weight of cement, to evaluate its structural efficacy through comprehensive compressive strength tests, strength regain assessments, water absorption analysis, and detailed microstructural evaluations. The results revealed a significant 22 % increase in compressive strength with 1 % hemp fiber content, attributed to enhanced particle cohesion and reduced microstructural voids. The fiber's ability as a carrier to uniformly facilitate calcite precipitation also led to a notable 4.31 % reduction in water absorption. Morphological studies of CaCO3 from healed cracks in biomortar specimens demonstrated that the bio-environment and microbial interactions significantly influenced calcite polymorph formation, with vaterite crystals showing improved mechanical integrity and reduced chemical reactivity. The present study underscores the potential of microbe-immobilized hemp fibers as a green reinforcement option in cementitious materials, offering improved mechanical performance, self-healing capabilities, and environmental sustainability. These findings also align with the increasing focus on bio-based composites in the evolution of structural engineering, complementing the industry's shift toward sustainable construction materials. © 2025 Institution of Structural Engineers