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Rapid Assessment of Sulfate Resistance in Mortar and Concrete

Mousavinezhad, S., Toledo, W. K., Newtson, C. M., & Aguayo, F. (2024). Rapid Assessment of Sulfate Resistance in Mortar and Concrete. Materials, 17(19), 4678-. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194678

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Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted on the sulfate attack of concrete structures; however, the need to adopt the use of more sustainable materials is driving a need for a quicker test method to assess sulfate resistance. This work presents accelerated methods that can reduce the time required for assessing the sulfate resistance of mixtures by 70%. Class F fly ash has historically been used in concrete mixtures to improve sulfate resistance. However, environmental considerations and the evolving energy industry have decreased its availability, requiring the identification of economically viable and environmentally friendly alternatives to fly ash. Another challenge in addressing sulfate attack durability issues in concrete is that the standard sulfate attack test (ASTM C1012) is time-consuming and designed for only standard mortars (not concrete mixtures). To expedite the testing process, accelerated testing methods for both mortar and concrete mixtures were adopted from previous work to further the development of the accelerated tests and to assess the feasibility of testing the sulfate resistance of mortar and concrete mixtures rapidly. This study also established criteria for interpreting sulfate resistance for each of the test methods used in this work. A total of 14 mortar mixtures and four concrete mixtures using two types of Portland cement (Type I and Type I/II) and various supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) were evaluated in this study. The accelerated testing methods significantly reduced the evaluation time from 12 months to 21 days for mortar mixtures and from 6 months to 56 days for concrete mixtures. The proposed interpretation method for mortar accelerated test results showed acceptable consistency with the ACI 318-19 interpretations for ASTM C1012 results. The interpretation methods proposed for the two concrete sulfate attack tests demonstrated excellent consistency with the ASTM C1012 results from mortar mixtures with the same cementitious materials combinations. Metakaolin was shown to improve sulfate resistance for both mortar and concrete mixtures, while silica fume and natural pozzolan had a limited impact. Using 15% metakaolin in mortar or concrete mixtures with Type I/II cement provided the best sulfate resistance.

Keywords

accelerated test method; concrete; metakaolin; mortar; natural pozzolan; sulfate attack

CBE Research and the role of Community Engagement

In FY24, CBE researchers have been awarded a number of grants and contracts for projects that include a community engagement component, defined as “collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial creation and exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity,” by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.  In FY24 (July 2023 – June 2024), CBE researchers were awarded 17 grant and contract awards,…

Carrie Sturts Dossick featured on Building Innovation: The Podcast

Dr. Carrie Sturts Dossick, Associate Dean for Research, and Professor in the department of Construction Management has been featured on the Building Innovation: The Podcast. The podcast episode is Season 2, Episode 1, and is part one of the NBIMS-US™ Series, and discusses the new module for Project BIM Requirements. Listen to the Podcast here: https://www.nibs.org/building-innovation-podcast  

No Stakeholder Is an Island in the Drive to This Transition: Circular Economy in the Built Environment

Adabre, M. A., Chan, A. P. C., Darko, A., Edwards, D. J., Yang, Y., & Issahaque, S. (2024). No Stakeholder Is an Island in the Drive to This Transition: Circular Economy in the Built Environment. Sustainability, 16(15), 6422-. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156422

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Abstract

Ensuring optimum utilisation of the Earth’s finite resources engenders the circular economy (CE) concept which has attracted the attention of policymakers and practitioners worldwide. As a bifurcated strategy which involves both scientific knowledge, advanced technologies and behavioural changes, the CE transition is sociotechnical in nature. Yet, prolific studies focus on scientific knowledge and technologies alone, while studies on promoting CE practices or built environment stakeholders’ behaviour are limited. Using Stakeholder Theory, a comprehensive literature review on CE drivers was conducted. Through a questionnaire survey of professionals, key drivers identified were deployed to develop a 20-driver model for CE transition in the built environment. The model is relevant to policymakers and practitioners because it highlights essential drivers for optimum resource allocation. Moreover, the findings apprise policymakers of the drivers that pertain to key stakeholders (i.e., professional and higher educational institutions, society and clients, government and firms), thus stating the requirements for driving each stakeholder to achieve this sociotechnical transition.

Keywords

circular economy; sociotechnical transition; sustainability; drivers; stakeholder theory; waste reduction

Big data analytics in the AEC industry: scientometric review and synthesis of research activities

Ohene, E., Nani, G., Antwi-Afari, M. F., Darko, A., Addai, L. A., & Horvey, E. (2024). Big data analytics in the AEC industry: scientometric review and synthesis of research activities. Engineering, Construction, and Architectural Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2024-0144

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Abstract

Unlocking the potential of Big Data Analytics (BDA) has proven to be a transformative factor for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. This has prompted researchers to focus attention on BDA in the AEC industry (BDA-in-AECI) in recent years, leading to a proliferation of relevant research. However, an in-depth exploration of the literature on BDA-in-AECI remains scarce. As a result, this study seeks to systematically explore the state-of-the-art review on BDA-in-AECI and identify research trends and gaps in knowledge to guide future research.
This state-of-the-art review was conducted using a mixed-method systematic review. Relevant publications were retrieved from Scopus and then subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A quantitative bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software and Gephi to reveal the status quo of research in the domain. A further qualitative analysis was performed on carefully screened articles. Based on this mixed-method systematic review, knowledge gaps were identified and future research agendas of BDA-in-AECI were proposed.
The results show that BDA has been adopted to support AEC decision-making, safety and risk assessment, structural health monitoring, damage detection, waste management, project management and facilities management. BDA also plays a major role in achieving construction 4.0 and Industry 4.0. The study further revealed that data mining, cloud computing, predictive analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods, such as deep learning, natural language processing and computer vision, are the key methods used for BDA-in-AECI. Moreover, several data acquisition platforms and technologies were identified, including building information modeling, Internet of Things (IoT), social networking and blockchain. Further studies are needed to examine the synergies between BDA and AI, BDA and Digital twin and BDA and blockchain in the AEC industry.
The study contributes to the BDA-in-AECI body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive scope of understanding and revealing areas for future research directions beneficial to the stakeholders in the AEC industry.

Keywords

Big data; Big data analytics; AEC; Bibliometric analysis; Systematic analysis

Developing a Body of Knowledge for Green Construction Project Management

Developing a Body of Knowledge for Green Construction Project Management. Darko, Amos & Chan, Albert PC (Eds.). October 2024.

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Abstract

Growing global imperatives to address sustainability concerns have boosted the importance and prominence of green construction projects worldwide. However, project managers may lack the specialist knowledge and/or technical skills to overcome the unique challenges to successfully deliver suitably sustainable green projects. This book aims to address this shortfall by unearthing, refining and synergising the hitherto scattered gems of experiential and theoretical knowledge, into a unified Body of Knowledge for green construction project management.

Comprising both conceptual principles as well as practical case studies, this book for the first time assembles, structures and consolidates a comprehensive body of knowledge for green construction project management that addresses the unique aspects of this critical domain. It will fulfil a now critical need: equipping industry practitioners, researchers and students with the core project management knowledge and skills needed to successfully deliver green construction projects. It is a must-read for anyone who seeks to develop core green construction project management knowledge and skills, and those intending to move into green construction project management.

Dr. Amos Darko ranked as top 0.05% scholar in Green Building

Assistant Professor in Construction Management Dr. Amos Darko was ranked in the top 0.05% of scholar in Green Building based on the comprehensive scope and impact of his work. This achievement speaks to the expertise Dr. Darko has in his field, and the value his work brings to CBE. Congratulations to Dr. Darko on this achievement! See more about Dr. Darko’s work here.

Evaluating carbonation resistance and microstructural behaviors of calcium sulfoaluminate cement concrete incorporating fly ash and limestone powder

Mohammed, T., Torres, A., Aguayo, F., & Okechi, I. K. (2024). Evaluating carbonation resistance and microstructural behaviors of calcium sulfoaluminate cement concrete incorporating fly ash and limestone powder. Construction & Building Materials, 442, 137551-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137551

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Abstract

This study investigates the effects of accelerated carbonation on calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement concrete, focusing on mixtures enhanced with 20 % fly ash (FA), 20 % remediated fly ash (RF), 15 % limestone powder (LP), and a combination of 20 % FA with 15 % LP (35 %). The study further evaluates the mechanical properties including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus, along with drying shrinkage and bulk resistivity. To delve into the microstructural characteristics of moist curing versus carbonation exposure on the CSA cement system, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed, particularly analyzing phase assemblage changes. The results show that the addition of FA reduced the carbonation depth in concrete mixtures over time (105 days). However, LP and the combination of FA and LP presented mixed effects. The microstructural analysis highlighted ettringite as the predominant phase in samples moist cured for 3 days. In contrast, carbonation-cured samples were characterized by different calcium carbonate (CaCO3) polymorphs alongside aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) and residual ye'elimite, with the formation of low-pH carbonic acid facilitating the conversion of ettringite into CaCO3. This study highlights the impact of different SCMs on the durability and microstructural characteristics of CSA cement concrete, underscoring the interplay between curing methods, effects of SCM, and carbonation processes.

Keywords

Calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA); Carbonation; Limestone powder; Fly Ash; Microstructural analysis

Applications of blockchain for construction project procurement

Kim, M., & Kim, Y.-W. (2024). Applications of blockchain for construction project procurement. Automation in Construction, 165, 105550-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2024.105550

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Abstract

Blockchain technology has shown potential in enhancing project performance by instilling trust in data sharing among stakeholders, thereby encouraging the stakeholders to ensure a strategic acquisition and resource management through procurement activities. However, despite the recent research efforts on blockchain in the construction sector, there is a lack of knowledge of the status quo in that barely any research investigated the synergy of blockchain and procurement by recognizing the inextricable linkage between procurement management and project delivery system. This paper conducts a systematic review of 54 articles to assess blockchain's potential in addressing issues inherent in the current organizational structures and collaborative efforts. Findings offer profound insight into the current landscape of procurement-specific blockchain research, highlighting areas needing attention. This paper identified opportunities in construction procurement by investigating the extent to which the technology is integrated into the current project management context emphasizing integration and collaboration.

Keywords

Blockchain; Procurement; Construction industry; Procurement process; Project delivery system; Literature review