Recent Advances in Building Materials and Technologies–An Introduction

Abstract

This volume underscores the critical influence of building materials on construction projects, emphasizing their role in progress, quality, and operational durability. The construction industry's explosive growth, aligning with economic development, is noted as a positive force for industrialization and modernization. Amidst climate change considerations, the imperative for sustainable and resilient building materials is highlighted. Alternative materials, whether fully or partially replacing aggregates or cement, emerge as vital for sustainable and resilient construction. These include diverse industrial wastes (e.g., plastics, construction by-products) and fibers/ashes (e.g., jute, steel, sugarcane bagasse). A notable innovation is the geopolymer, an alkali-activated binder offering superior durability and mechanical strength with lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions than traditional cement. In waste material utilization, studies explore plastic, waste tea, scrap ceramic tiles, and construction waste in concrete, addressing both sustainable waste management and high-performance structures. Ash applications consider wood ash, palm oil fuel ash, and agricultural waste ashes as sustainable alternatives to traditional cement. Geopolymer advancements encompass mechanical behavior, heat conditions, and novel applications like using iron ore tailings. Durability assessment explores nanotechnology to enhance concrete properties and reduce energy consumption. Fiber-reinforced materials and compressed stabilized earth blocks reinforced with coconut fiber aim for enhanced mechanical properties and reduced carbon emissions. The volume also touches on construction project investigations, addressing safety, progress tracking, and construction delay analysis techniques. In essence, this synthesis offers a panoramic view of recent advances in building materials and technologies, contributing to a holistic understanding of sustainable and resilient construction practices. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.