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Cultures and ancient civilizations have developed the art of construction by creating simple but effective cliff dwellings to grand structures like pagodas and Byzantine domes to work alongside the environment around them. The term for this is Vernacular Architecture, how cultures manifest traditions through buildings adapted to the environment with unique craftsmanship. However, modern architecture prioritizes minimizing cost per square foot as land prices rise, minimizing time spent to create new designs by using the same building plans, and modern trends and fads. Especially in developing countries where “globalization” often translates to “Westernization”, this causes trading out of local architectural practices and climate techniques for internationally used materials and high-tech designs. Think of the five-over-one type apartments that have popped up all over the place or the sprawling suburbs that have taken over since the 1930s. Although these new buildings meet the modern ideals of convenience and low effort/planning, “they have multiple consequences, including reduced thermal comfort, overdependence on electric controls, loss of traditions, increased urban heat, depletion of natural resources and increased emissions”. However, maybe we can bridge the gap between modern structures and ancient techniques to come to a happy, more sustainable medium. This article explores modern issues, ancient techniques, how they work, and ways to implement them into sustainable modern designs.

We present a many-body GW formalism for quantum subsystems embedded in discrete polarizable environments containing up to several hundred thousand atoms described at a fully ab initio random phase approximation level. Our approach is based on a fragment approximation in the construction of the Green's function and independent-electron susceptibilities. Further, the environing fragments susceptibility matrices are reduced to a minimal but accurate representation preserving low order polarizability tensors through a constrained minimization scheme. This approach dramatically reduces the cost associated with inverting the Dyson equation for the screened Coulomb potential W, while preserving the description of short to long-range screening effects. The efficiency and accuracy of the present scheme is exemplified in the paradigmatic cases of fullerene bulk, surface, subsurface, and slabs with varying number of layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research introduces a novel in-situ and visibly-active heterojunction formation concept to fabricate a sustainable antimicrobial cementitious material. To achieve this, cement mortar incorporating iron-rich industrial waste products (FWPs) was outer-coated with photocatalyst Titanium dioxide (TiO 2). The proposed technique forms a novel surface-active Fe 2 TiO 5 heterojunction oxide layer, which considerably improves the photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of TiO 2 under the visible spectrum of light. Primarily, the study evaluated the structural suitability of the developed iron-rich cementitious material in terms of its durability and strength properties. The findings indicate that the iron-rich cementitious material performed better than conventional cementitious material. After this, the effectiveness and novelty of the proposed research were examined, such that the Fe 2 TiO 5 photocomposite was subjected to detailed microscopic investigations such as XRD, HRTEM, UV-DRS, XPS, FESEM, etc. The results verified the production of the inherent Fe 2 TiO 5 heterojunction through the presence of Fe in the photocatalyst TiO 2 lattice via the formation of ITO complex bonds. It also revealed that the Fe 2 TiO 5 photocomposite functions effectively under visible light with an energy band gap of 2.57 eV. The antimicrobial activity of the Fe 2 TiO 5 photocomposite was also assessed by neutralizing E.coli bioaerosols. The disinfection results indicated that the Fe 2 TiO 5 photocomposite exhibits excellent antimicrobial properties. It achieved 69.33 % and 95–98 % antibacterial efficiency under dark and visible light, respectively. Thus, the study establishes a Fe 2 TiO 5 photocomposite material that combines photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for use as a sustainable building material. Also, it contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting a circular economy and green building practices. • The design and manufacturing of an antibacterial and photocatalytic sustainable building material. • Utilization of cement mortar incorporating FWPs to make the surface active Fe 2 TiO 5 heterojunction photocomposite. • Fe from FWPs enhances TiO 2 's photocatalytic action via the inherent concept of Fe 2 TiO 5 heterojunction formation. • The Fe 2 TiO 5 photocomposite potentially inactivates E.coli bioaerosols under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exists more than one-third of the stock of buildings that do not meet energy-saving building standards, so there is an urgent need for breakthroughs in the field of green buildings. Herein, we successfully prepared boron nitride (BN) fiber aerogels by sol-gel, freeze-drying and high-temperature pyrolysis. When the molar ratio of C 3 N 6 H 6 to H 3 BO 3 was 1:2 and the roasting temperature was 1000 °C, the BN fiber aerogel was produced with high specific surface area (257.690 m2/g) and high porosity (99 %). BN fiber aerogels, with their low thermal conductivity (0.043 W/(m·K)) and stable mechanical properties (no change after 45 cycles at 30 % strain), offered possibilities for thermal insulation in green buildings. Its hydrophobic properties protect the wall from the natural environment. In particular, it had a solar reflectivity of 98.6 %, which exceeds most reflective coating materials, enabling the cooling of green construction on hot summer days. The high-temperature resistance of BN fiber aerogels could be applied in special environments such as blast furnace plants and thermoelectric power plants. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties of environmentally friendly polymer composite rebar, created using locally discarded vegetable waste biochar and areca fiber. The material underwent various characterization following ASTM standards in order to evaluate its suitability for construction applications. The integration of biochar and areca fiber aims to improve both the sustainability and performance of the composite rebar. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were analyzed to offer insights into the material's microstructure and morphology behind the performance change. From rebar composite 'C,' with 2 wt% biochar and 40% areca fibers, superior load-bearing capacity was observed with a tensile strength of 58 MPa, flexural strength of 99 MPa, and compression strength of 75 MPa, indicating enhanced mechanical performance. In contrast, rebar composite 'E' exhibited notable shore-D hardness of 81 due to excessive biochar content, enhancing material rigidity. The increased biochar content positively influenced the thermal conductivity of the composite rebar material, with the collaborative effect of areca fibers and biochar particles enhancing overall thermal performance. Consequently, rebar composite 'E' displayed a thermal conductivity value of 0.544 W/mK. Water absorption behavior in the rebar composites was influenced by 1 µm-sized biochar particles, rendering them hydrophobic. Despite the natural hydrophilic nature of areca fibers, the biochar content intensified hydrophobic behavior. Rebar composite 'E,' with 8 wt% biochar, exhibited minimal water absorption at 0.0009. In the three-point bending strength analysis of beams constructed with rebar composites, 'C' rebar-made beams demonstrated robust bending strength at 29.6 MPa. This heightened strength is attributed to the structural strength inherent in the 'C' rebar composite, enabling effective resistance and absorption of applied loads. Therefore, this overall characterization provides valuable insights into the performance of the eco-friendly polymer composite rebar, establishing their potential for sustainable construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum industrial refractory waste pose a huge risk to the environment, and hence a safe resource utilization is mandatory to build a green industrial construction industry. Herein, a thermoplastic polyester elastomers‐spent refractory material (TPEE‐SRM) modifier having a two‐layer structure of "protective layer‐functional layer" was developed. Scanning electron microscopy and surface area analysis revealed that Eps used in the protective layer formed a dense film layer (50% decrease in specific surface) with a 97.7% sequestration of fluoride. As the reaction occurred in an organic solution, fluoride posed no risk to the environment. TPEE functional layer itself melted and dissolved with asphalt under high‐temperature conditions, and hence it established a strong interfacial interaction with asphalt. This led to an increase of 99.73% in the complex modulus (G*) and 41.75% in the rutting‐resistance performance (Jnr) of the TPEE‐SRM composite modified asphalt than that of the pristine styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) modified asphalt. The performance of the TPEE‐SRM/SBS composite modified asphalt after 10 years of use was also evaluated by conducting high pressure aging simulation tests. The linear amplitude scanning test results showed a 27.1‐fold increase in Nf 5.0%. Owing to the efficient and green modification method, the newly designed TPEE‐SRM modifier poses great application prospects and feasibility for designing advanced functional modified asphalt for construction and highway industries alongside a suitable disposal aspect for SRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In May 1945 an Imperial Japanese Army Green cipher machine was captured at Baguio in the Philippines. The machine was unlike any previous Japanese cipher machine that was known to U.S. codebreakers; GREEN made use of multiple irregularly stepping rotors and a fractionating matrix. The U.S. Army's Signal Security Agency began an urgent effort to understand the machine and its weaknesses, design an attack, and construct an analog. However, three months after the capture of a Green Machine, the war with Japan ended without any messages enciphered by GREEN having been intercepted. Six months after the war ended, construction of a GREEN analog was completed, and the analog was delivered to the museum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is an extraordinary material for promoting sustainable development in the construction industry and reducing environmental risk. However, material properties, such as compressive strength, are commonly determined using laboratory experiments, which are costly and time-consuming to run. Therefore, optical-inspired rain forest (ORF), a sophisticated predictive model, was developed to offer an alternative mathematical solution. The developed model uses a novel mechanism that grows an operation tree into multiple operation forests and employs an optical microscope algorithm to optimize the weight and forest topology. The experimental results indicate that the proposed model outperformed several other popular artificial intelligence approaches, achieving the highest evaluation criteria of RI=0.973 and RI=0.979 , respectively, for training and testing data sets. Hence, ORF is recommended as a viable tool to assist material engineers to significantly increase the utilization of GPC in construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delved into the mechanical and fatigue attributes of hemp fiber–reinforced concrete (HFRC) using both natural crushed aggregates (NCA) and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) for sustainable rigid pavements. The additional hemp fiber ratios were 0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0% by volume of concrete. The accelerated setting times were found due to hemp fibers facilitating rapid cement hydration. The compressive strengths were found to typically decrease with increasing hemp content. Mixes with 0.5% hemp (NCA-0.5H-FRC and RCA-0.5H-FRC) met the local road authority's rigid pavement standards, with enhanced energy absorption and ductility. Flexural strength was optimal at 0.5% hemp, with all mixes meeting the standard 4.2 MPa. The flexural fatigue test indicated that higher hemp content significantly improved the fatigue life of HFRC under repetitive loading. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated hemp fibers' role in enhancing bond strength and interactions with cement matrix, thereby improving the concrete performance. While NCA mixes outperformed RCA ones, hemp fiber's reinforcing effect was consistent across both types of aggregates. The study indicated hemp fiber's potential in applications like pavements, highlighting 0.5% as the optimal hemp content for balancing enhanced mechanical properties while mitigating potential drawbacks. This research paves the way for the broader adoption of hemp fiber–reinforced concretes in sustainable construction endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the potential of incorporating crushed brick powders (CBPs) and hydrated lime (HL) as additives in concrete production. Various tests were conducted on mortar, paste, and concrete samples to evaluate the performance of different blend types. The results reveal that among 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% HL additive in the cement-CBP blend, 6% HL addition yields a significant increase in compressive strength of up to 16% compared to the control mortar. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicate improved hydration and reduced calcium hydroxide content in CBP-blended pastes, particularly in the blend with 6% HL. The concrete blend incorporating crushed bricks (C-CB) with 6% HL (C-CB-6HL) demonstrates superior early strength gain, surpassing the control blend by approximately 2.1% at 28 days and exhibiting the highest compressive strength at 90 days. It also shows enhanced moisture resistance, with a reduction in water absorption percentage of up to 10.6% compared to the control blend, reduced water permeability, improved resistance against chloride permeability, and better durability against acid attack compared to other blends. Overall, the C-CB-6HL blend shows the most promising durability characteristics, highlighting the potential for sustainable concrete production. Its outcomes have implications for shaping technical standards and promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry, aligning with environmental conservation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at effectively utilizing recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) in sustainable construction, it is necessary to study the internal damage evolution of steel fiber–reinforced recycled-aggregate concrete (SFRAC) under dynamic tensile loads and the reinforced mechanism of steel fiber. The influences of the steel fiber content, the recycled-aggregate replacement ratio, and the loading rate on the mechanical properties and dynamic damage of SFRAC were studied using the Brazilian disc splitting test and acoustic emission (AE) technology. Then, the mechanism of crack evolution was investigated by means of the parameter analysis method. The results indicate that the existence of RCA makes the mechanical properties of recycled-aggregate concrete worse than those of normal concrete and weakens the strain rate effect of splitting tensile strength, whereas this negative influence can effectively be improved by steel fiber. The preferable steel fiber contents obtained from the splitting tensile strength and peak displacement are 1.0% and 1.5%, and under these conditions, the SFRAC replaced by 30% RCA has a mechanical performance superior to that of normal concrete. It is also found that the damage degree and energy absorbing capacity of SFRAC can be identified by analyzing the ring and energy counts of the AE signal. Furthermore, the evolution of the crack pattern of SFRAC under dynamic axial tensile load is well reflected by the rise angle and average frequency. Increased steel fiber content and recycled-aggregate replacement ratio can change the failure mode to a complex tensile-shear mixed failure, and the shear crack gradually becomes the main crack with increasing loading rates. Practical Applications: The public environment crisis from the greenhouse effect led to a series of measures from all industries worldwide. The widespread use of concrete has brought with it serious environmental and energy-saving problems. The construction industry preliminarily attempts to replace natural aggregate by recycled aggregate obtained by crushing construction solid waste in green low-carbon buildings, which shows considerable carbon sequestration and emission reduction. However, recycled aggregate has poor mechanical properties such as low strength and high porosity. When participating in concrete configuration, this defect seriously affects the strength of the material and limits its wide application in construction engineering. For a component with strength requirements or special purposes, fiber can be adopted to improve the mechanical properties of recycled-aggregate concrete. This study examines the damage process of fiber-reinforced recycled-aggregate concrete with the microscopic method and proposes a satisfactory mix proportion. Naturally, these analysis methods require more time and effort than a basic macroscopic analysis. Moreover, proper research on the mechanism of damage evolution under dynamic loading is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of implementing industrialized construction to achieve sustainable future-proof healthcare facilities is not only about construction methods themselves but also about how to shift design methodologies. COVID-19 has raised the attention of research and practices in using modular design and construction for healthcare facilities. However, the lifespan and functional differences between general and emergency healthcare facilities mean that their sustainable design requirements are not exactly the same. Drawing from 27 interviews and design review sessions with 19 international groups of experts, this research proposes a modular adaptable hospital design (MAHD) approach based on the Open Building Concept (OBC). This includes an evaluation framework composed of five design categories and 23 subcategories complemented with a set of design guidelines and it concludes by identifying a future implementation pathway. This research extends the implementation of OBC through theoretical contributions for modular and adaptable designs and practical guidelines for future design implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of large-scale tunnel construction and green energy mining toward the depths of the Earth, the study of the mechanical properties and the deformation, and fracture characteristics of the surrounding rock mass under high confining pressures and high temperatures has become an urgent requirement. Therefore, we compare and study the effects of different high temperatures and confining pressures on the mechanical behavior and fracture characteristics of rock samples under loading and unloading conditions. In this paper, uniaxial and triaxial compression tests of sandstone at high temperature, and the stress–strain curves of red sandstone under different temperatures and confining pressures, are obtained. On this basis, the characteristics of energy conversion in the process of rock deformation and failure are studied. The research results indicate that the high-temperature effect weakens the brittle characteristics and enhances the plasticity of red sandstone, and there is a certain lag in the time of rock failure relative to the stress reaching peak strength. The high confining pressure weakens the brittleness and enhances the plastic properties of red sandstone, enhancing the overall resistance of the rock to deformation and enhancing its ability to store elastic deformation energy. According to the law of energy evolution, a new strength criterion is established to describe the three-dimensional spatial critical state surface of macrofailure caused by rock fracture coalescence. The study of the mechanical properties and failure criteria of rocks under high temperatures and pressures from the perspective of energy not only has important value for deep resource extraction but also has important theoretical significance for deep underground engineering construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the encapsulation of Bacillus sphaericus LMG 22257 spores in biopolymeric microcapsules (MCs) for use in cement mortar, with a focus on enhancing self-healing properties. Biopolymers, including alginate (ALG), chitosan (CTS), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and ALG/CMC blends at various ratios, were employed to fabricate the MCs through ionotropic gelation and freeze–drying. The physicochemical properties of MCs, including size, morphology, and swelling behavior under simulated concrete conditions, were assessed. Among these, ALG/CMC-MCs exhibited superior characteristics and demonstrated the highest urea hydrolysis activity when incorporated into the mortar, indicating optimal spore protection. Despite an initial decrease in compressive strength, the ALG/CMC blend with an ALG:CMC mass ratio of 6:4 achieved a crack healing efficiency of 96.7% over 28 days under cyclic wet-dry conditions. These findings highlight the potential of biopolymer encapsulation for embedding functional microorganisms in construction materials, contributing to a more durable and sustainable infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correlation study was conducted between SPOTVEGNDVI monthly data and rainfall data in Yulin, Yan 'an, Xi 'an and Ankang of Shaanxi Province from 2015 to 2022. The ecological effects of urban vegetation cover were studied using the revised standardized Vegetation Index (NDVIC). It is found that NDVIC has a strong correlation with precipitation, and its correlation increases with the increase of altitude. Vegetation cover in the Ankang area increased significantly from 2016 to 2022. The net primary productivity index of urban green space increased significantly in October 2016-2022, which is an objective reflection of the effectiveness of urban green construction. This study can lay a theoretical foundation for the objective quantitative assessment of the ecological effects of urban vegetation cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the research titled Comprehensive AI-Driven Cost Dynamics Model (AICD-CDM) for Sustainable Green Building Projects, we delve into the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence to revolutionize cost estimation and control in green building construction. This study introduces AICD-CDM, a novel framework that integrates several advanced machine learning techniques, including Linear Regression (LR), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting (LGBoost), and Natural Gradient Boosting (NGBoost), to address the multifaceted challenges of cost prediction and management in sustainable building projects. By leveraging the distinct strengths of these methods, the AICD-CDM model offers a multi-dimensional approach to cost estimation, providing not only point predictions but also probabilistic forecasts to better manage uncertainties inherent in green building projects. The model's capability to process complex, non-linear relationships between a multitude of cost-influencing factors makes it exceptionally adept at handling the intricate dynamics of sustainable construction. Furthermore, the integration of AI techniques ensures enhanced accuracy, adaptability, and computational efficiency, making the AICD-CDM an invaluable tool for decision-makers in the green building sector. This research not only contributes to the field of construction management by introducing a sophisticated cost control mechanism but also aligns with global sustainability goals by promoting efficient resource allocation and cost optimization in green buildings. The findings and methodologies of this study have the potential to set new benchmarks in the application of AI in sustainable construction management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable construction represents a pivotal aspect of contemporary engineering endeavors, which are directed towards the minimization of the detrimental impact of the construction sector on the environment. This is achieved through the efficient utilization of resources and the reduction of waste generation. The study presented an analysis of the mechanical properties of ad hoc reinforced concrete beams made of concrete with recycled and natural aggregate. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of recycled aggregates as a substitute for natural aggregates in reinforced concrete structures, with the aim of contributing to the sustainable development of construction. The experiments compared the behavior of reinforced concrete beams with the same degree of reinforcement but differing in the type of aggregate. The results demonstrated that recycled aggregate beams exhibited lower stiffness and higher deformation under load compared to natural aggregate beams, particularly at loads close to the breaking force. Nevertheless, similar failure modes and cracking patterns were observed in both types of beams, indicating that concrete with recycled aggregate could be employed effectively in specific structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry (CI) has been at the center of the discussion on sustainable development as the largest consumer of resources and energy. The sustainable development goals offer the construction sector a general direction for pursuing sustainable development from social, environmental and economic perspectives. A sustainable and low-carbon future requires the promotion of sustainable building. In Pakistan, sustainable buildings are potentially difficult to adopt on a large scale, which requires further consideration. This research therefore aims to identify green building technologies (GBTs) and analyze the main drivers of the adoption of GBTs for future sustainable construction from the stakeholders’ perspective in Pakistan. The data were collected using a survey in the form of a questionnaire of 349 CI stakeholders, and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (SEM) method was applied. The results showed that environmental drivers have the highest significant influence on the adoption of GBTs, and that it is also significantly influenced by energy and industry-related drivers. However, company-related and economic drivers have an insignificant influence. Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that government authorities and concerned stakeholders should be competent, proactive, and active in the successful promotion of GBTs in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study comprehensively investigates the self‐compacting alkali‐activated slag concrete‐filled cold‐formed steel tubes (SACFST) stub columns under axial compression. The innovative combination of alkali‐activated slag concrete (AASC) with concrete‐filled steel tubes (CFST) enhances both sustainability and structural performance. AASC, known for its eco‐friendly benefits compared to conventional concrete, was developed using industrial wastes, contributing to green construction practices. Based on Taguchi's L‐9 orthogonal array, nine mixes of self‐compacting alkali‐activated slag concrete (SASC) were developed, achieving impressive flowability exceeding 700 mm and compressive strengths ranging from 48 to 69 MPa. Additionally, split‐tensile strengths between 3.8 and 5.7 MPa, flexural strengths from 6.3 to 8.2 MPa, and a modulus of elasticity between 27.6 and 32.9 GPa were observed. Nine circular CFSTs containing SASC mixes were tested under axial compression, and a finite element model was developed to simulate their results. The experimental results were compared with standards from ACI 318, AIJ‐97, AISC‐360, AS 5100, and EC‐4, to evaluate the accuracy of axial capacity predictions. Among these standards, EC‐4 and AS 5100 provided the closest estimates, with mean PTest/PEC4 and PTest/P5100 ratios of 1.03 and 1.04, respectively, indicating a high level of accuracy. These findings highlight the potential of SACFST in advancing sustainable and resilient construction practices, laying the groundwork for future applications in structural engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The replacement of conventional bars with fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) bars in seawater–sea sand concrete (SSC) structures is a promising method for sustainable construction. To promote the engineering application of the aforementioned structures, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the concerns regarding the durability of SSC beams reinforced with GFRP bars. For this purpose, three‐point bending tests were conducted on GFRP bar‐reinforced SSC beams to examine the coupled effects of sustained loading and exposure to a subtropical coastal environment on the flexural behavior of exposed SSC beams. The test results revealed that SSC beams reinforced with GFRP bars exhibited excellent durability in a subtropical coastal environment. The coupled effect of sustained loading and exposure to the subtropical coastal environment had an insignificant negative influence on the ultimate flexural capacity of GFRP bar‐reinforced SSC beams at 540 days of age. The failure mechanism of the exposed GFRP bar‐reinforced SSC beams was concrete crushing due to overreinforcement. Finally, the flexural capacity of the exposed beams was predicted by a function of the degradation in the tensile strength of the GFRP bars. Highlights: The coupled effects of loading and environmental exposure on GFRP‐SSC beams were examined.The failure mechanisms of the exposed GFRP‐SSC beams was investigated.The long‐term flexural capacity of the GFRP‐SSC beams was predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability principles should be incorporated into all decision-making stages for residential construction projects to ensure maximum revenue while maintaining essential residential building services. This study identifies and analyzes the critical success factors (CSFs) necessary for implementing agile project management (APM) in residential construction projects. Data were collected from 120 professionals in the Nigerian construction industry through questionnaire surveys to understand the implementation of APM. The CSFs were obtained from previous research and analyzed within the specific context of the Nigerian construction industry through questionnaire surveys. The CSFs were grouped into two main categories using exploratory factor analysis: dynamic project optimization and agile project foundations. The model for the CSFs was developed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study found that the dynamic project optimization element had the most significant impact on the model, highlighting its importance as a key CSF in APM implementation. These results support the adoption of APM within Nigeria's construction industry as stakeholders and professionals seek effective strategies to reduce costs and improve sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study advances concrete workability prediction by integrating ensemble learning models like Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), and gradient boosted regression trees (GBRTs), and XGBoost showing superior accuracy. Using Shapley additive explanations (SHAPs), it identifies key factors such as the S/log(W) ratio and aggregate components affecting concrete performance. Theoretically, this enhances the predictive analytics framework in material science, while practically, it improves construction efficiency by optimizing material use and reducing physical testing. The development of a user‐friendly graphical user interface (GUI) makes these models accessible for industry application. Addressing gaps in model accuracy and interpretability, the research contributes to sustainable construction practices and underscores the need for future expansions in data diversity and computational optimization in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation purposes to use the recycling waste materials in concrete to produce a sustainable environment for construction. The Costus lucanius bagasse fiber (CLBF) was utilized as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) to analyse the workability and mechanical properties of blended cement concrete. The concrete samples were made with the inclusion of 5–20% of CLBF at several w/c ratio by applying RSM modelling and optimization. Moreover, the cubical specimens were cast to study the compressive strength (CS), while beams were used to investigate the flexural strength (FS) on 28th days correspondingly. The outcomes show that the compressive and flexural strengths were decreased with rise in proportion replacement in concrete at various w/c ratio. The highest flexural and compressive strengths was attained at 5% of CLBF at 28 days respectively. Across the tested specimens, the values of compressive strength and flexural strength ranged from 30.20 to 53.92 N/mm2 and 2.15–8.81 N/mm2 for CLBF correspondingly. Besides, the workability and water absorption of concrete is getting decreased as the content of CLBF increases while it is recorded increasing as w/c ratio increases from 0.20 to 0.40. Furthermore, response model predictions were constructed and verified applying ANOVA at an acceptable level of significance of 95%. The coefficients of R2 for the mathematical models ranged from 98 to 99.99%. The research study also indicated that cement can be substituted by CLBF in the production of concrete for various construction purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable school design is becoming increasingly important worldwide, particularly in the UAE, where schools are significant energy consumers. This study explores the impact of courtyard orientation on microclimate and energy consumption in UAE schools, utilizing a standardized template applied across 70 existing schools. By employing advanced simulation tools, ENVI-met and IES-ve software, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of air temperature and energy use related to different courtyard orientations, specifically on key dates of September 21st and March 21st, representing seasonal variations. The results indicate that North-facing courtyards consistently provide cooler microclimates compared to other orientations. Specifically, North-facing courtyards showed temperature reductions of 1.31°C in September and 1.9°C in March compared to the least favorable orientations. This orientation recorded the lowest average mass temperatures of 29.36°C in September and 25.13°C in March, surpassing the West-facing orientation by 0.39°C and 0.45°C, respectively. The primary factor for this improvement is the reduced solar radiation exposure on East-West aligned courtyards, which significantly lowers the heat gain. Additionally, the study assessed Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) readings and cooling demands, both of which were found to be lower in North-facing courtyards. Cooling load reductions varied between 1% and 4%, depending on the day, further emphasizing the efficiency of this orientation. These findings suggest that strategic courtyard orientation is a critical design consideration for enhancing thermal comfort and energy efficiency in school buildings. The implications of this research are significant for sustainable design and construction practices. By highlighting the benefits of optimal courtyard orientation, this study offers practical solutions for reducing energy consumption and improving the indoor and outdoor thermal environments of schools. These insights contribute to the broader goal of developing greener, more sustainable educational facilities, particularly in hot climates like the UAE. This research not only informs architects and urban planners but also supports policymakers in implementing effective sustainability strategies in the educational sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPopulation growth and urban expansion have increased impervious surfaces, leading to environmental issues such as stormwater runoff and groundwater depletion. Traditional concrete, while durable, contributes to these problems. There is a need for sustainable construction materials that can address environmental challenges and reduce the consumption of natural resources. Pervious concrete, enhanced with recycled aggregates (RCA) and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like metakaolin (MK) present a potential solution. This study aims to improve the mechanical and durability properties of pervious concrete by incorporating RCA and MK, assessing their effects on workability, density, porosity, permeability, compressive strength and flexural strength. The incorporation of RCA resulted in increased aggregate porosity compared to natural aggregates. Workability was assessed using the slump test, density was measured, and porosity and permeability were evaluated. The results showed that incorporation of RCA generally decreased workability, density and strength, while the addition of MK improved these properties by refining the microstructure. Specifically, mixes with 10% MK demonstrated better performance in terms of increased compressive and flexural strengths, improved density and reduced porosity. The ANN model showed high accuracy in predicting compressive and flexural strengths. The study concludes that RCA and MK can enhance the mechanical and durability properties of pervious concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically examines the carbon cycle and environmental impacts associated with building materials, encompassing diverse impact categories for both midpoint and endpoint scenarios. The research encompasses a comparative analysis of five distinct scenarios, contrasting the environmental performance of green against conventional counterparts. Notably, previous research endeavors did not investigate the effects of varying percentages with and without phase change materials (PCM). The primary objective is to assess the impact of integrating phase change materials (PCM) with varying percentages of fly ash (20% and 35%) on energy consumption and carbon emissions, particularly in cold climates like Norway. The study employs the ReCiPe2016 Midpoint (E) method, which offers a robust life cycle assessment (LCA) framework aligned with European standards, making it particularly suitable for this context. Energy Plus, within the Design Builder software, was used to simulate and calculate the impact of PCM on energy efficiency. The findings underscore those environmental impacts attributed to green buildings amount to 9.79 × 104 kg of CO2 equivalent, while conventional buildings account for 1.04 × 105 kg of CO2 equivalent. Furthermore, among the cases studied, the optimal scenario pertains to a green building utilizing 35% wind ash cement and PCM, resulting in the equivalent of 9.68 × 104 kg of CO2 emissions. Remarkably, the best-case scenario involves a green building boasting a robust steel interior structure and aluminum windows, whereas the worst-case scenario entails a typical building devoid of PCM implementation. Furthermore, energy consumption analysis indicates that scenario 5, which utilizes PCM and 35% fly ash, achieves a 15% reduction in cooling energy and a 6.9% reduction in heating energy compared to scenario 3, resulting in an annual energy consumption of 97,453.09 kWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As sustainability rises in significance in the construction industry, there is a need to adopt new project management techniques to help achieve increases in sustainability objectives. There have been several research works that have investigated the integration of sustainability in construction. However, there is a gap in addressing performance measurement and evaluation during the construction phase. Traditional project performance evaluation methods use the Earned Value Management (EVM) technique to assess time, cost, and scope performance. However, EVM does not address the performance of sustainability goals. The main objective of this paper is to develop a new project controls method for sustainable construction projects. Sustainability performance indicators can play an essential role in advancing the practice of sustainable construction. Accordingly, a Sustainable Earned Value Management (SEVM) model incorporating sustainability indicators was developed to monitor the attainment of sustainability objectives in construction projects in addition to the traditional objectives. The proposed SEVM model uses the construction planning optimization model to prepare the baseline plan to monitor the project's time, cost, and sustainability performance. The proposed model enhances the monitoring and control of sustainable construction projects in terms of time, cost, and sustainability using sustainability indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to present the mechanisms regulating the waste management system of one of the European countries that affect the cement industry. This publication analyses the possibility of using selected fractions of municipal and industrial waste as alternative fuels, including an analysis of ecological costs and benefits. The methodology includes the analysis of production data and the calculation of savings resulting from the use of alternative fuels. On this basis, ecological aspects were also indicated that should be taken into account when analyzing the profitability of the investment. Production data from an example Polish cement plant were used to analyze the research problem. Based on the guidelines of environmental standards and technical specifications, the parameters that PASr alternative fuels should meet were calculated in the company laboratory. This fuel type was then calculated in terms of emission intensity and production efficiency. The research results obtained in this paper study emphasize that the change in cement clinker production technology toward the use of waste raw materials and secondary fuels does not lead to an increase in heavy metal emissions to the extent that would justify qualifying cement as a material requiring systematic control of its harmful impacts on humans and the natural environment. The conclusions show that the use of alternative fuels reduces CO2 emissions and production costs, without negatively affecting the efficiency and production volume. The average energy requirement for the production of 1 ton of cement is approximately 3.3 GJ, which corresponds to 120 kg of coal with a calorific value of 27.5 MJ per kg. Energy costs account for 30–40% of the total cement production costs. Replacing alternative fuels with fossil fuels will help reduce energy costs, providing a competitive advantage for cement plants that use it as an energy source. The presented considerations can provide an answer to all interested parties, including representatives of the executive and legislative authorities, on what path the sector should follow to fit into the idea of sustainable building materials and the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate dispositions have been associated with implementing sustainable building construction (SBC). Prior studies have underscored the need for institutions to adopt sustainable development concepts as an integral part of their operations. Nonetheless, there remains ambiguity about the characteristics essential for enabling SBC, particularly for construction companies. Consequently, this study explored the corporate dispositions influencing SBC implementation in South Africa. The respondents included built environment professionals in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Descriptive and principal component analyses were used to determine the essential characteristics or features. The study found that top management support, competency, availability of finance for the project operation, good project management culture, stakeholders' involvement and commitment, and commitment to innovative construction are the most critical corporate disposition features for SBC implementation. These formed a principal cluster called corporate capability and commitment. The insight from the critical corporate dispositions analysis is anticipated to trigger improvement initiatives and mitigate unsustainable practices and the unaffordability of smart houses in the South African construction industry. The findings suggest that mobilising competent human and financial resources for project operation among construction firms will support the adoption of modern building techniques and the erection of smart houses. Similarly, competitive advantage and committed involvement of the relevant stakeholders, including government and community, can lead to subsidy, alignment of local needs and aspirations, and reducing the high price of erecting sustainable/smart buildings and rental costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating global plastic waste crisis has prompted a search for sustainable solutions, particularly in the construction industry. Recycling plastic waste to create sustainable construction materials, such as concrete, has emerged as a promising approach. This paper explores the potential of utilizing plastic waste in concrete to mitigate environmental impacts while enhancing construction practices. The study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices in response to increasing plastic consumption and waste generation. By recycling plastic waste into concrete, the construction industry can reduce dependence on natural aggregates and minimize environmental pollution. The paper also highlights the economic feasibility and long-term performance of plastic-containing concrete, addressing key challenges and limitations. Through a comprehensive analysis of the environmental, economic, and technical aspects, this paper aims to provide valuable insights into the sustainable use of plastic waste in concrete construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infrastructure boom has driven up cement demand to 30 billion tons annually. To address this and promote sustainable construction, researchers are developing solutions for carbon-neutral building practices, aiming to transform industrial waste into an eco-friendly alternative. This study aims to develop and enhance the mechanical and durability properties of alkali-activated composites (AACs) by incorporating varying amounts (5, 10, 15, and 20%) of finely ground bagasse ash (GBA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. Results indicate that higher GBA content initially reduces the 7th and 14th-day strength but results in increased strength at later ages. The optimum 28-day strength is achieved with a 10% GBA content, leading to a 10% increase in compressive strength, 8% increase in tensile strength, and 12% increase in flexural strength. Additionally, the incorporation of GBA enhanced the resistance of the composite to chloride ingress, thus reducing its conductance and increasing the overall durability. This study demonstrated the potential of GBA as an eco-friendly material, emphasizing the significance of tailored AACs formulations for durable and sustainable construction practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioinspired synthesis of construction material, known as biocement, represents a significant advancement in addressing the environmental sustainability issues associated with traditional cement use in the built environment. Biocement is produced through the process of microbially induced bio-mineralization (MIBM), which offers a promising alternative or supplement to conventional cement, potentially reducing its consumption. Despite extensive literature on the application of biocement in construction biotechnology, the fundamental mechanisms underlying its ability to enhance concrete quality remain poorly understood. This study focuses on the kinetics of biomineral synthesis by two Bacillus species; Bacillus megaterium RB05 and Bacillus foraminis DRG5, to identify the most effective strain for biomineralization. Bioconcrete specimens were created by adding inoculum containing Bacillus megaterium RB05 cells with a nutrient solution to the concrete mixture in a layer-by-layer approach. After 28 days of water curing, nanoparticles of CaCO3, ranging in size from 27 to 82 nm, were produced in the bioconcrete specimens. The resulting concrete, containing nanocrystalline biogenic calcite, demonstrated significant improvements in mechanical properties. Specifically, compressive and tensile strengths of the bioconcrete, tested using a universal testing machine (UTM), increased by 7.69 ± 0.08% and 22 ± 0.1%, respectively, after 72 h of curing. Additionally, the biocement was found to exhibit an organic–inorganic hybrid nature, as identified by TEM, EDAX, FESEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses. The enhanced mechanical properties were attributed to the high surface-to-volume ratio and hybrid nature of the calcite nanoparticles. The findings of this investigation are encouraging, suggesting the potential development of future green and self-sustainable construction materials or bioconcrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia gum (AG), a polysaccharide biopolymer, has been adopted to improve the strength of three cohesive soils by subjecting them to diverse environmental aging conditions. Being a polysaccharide and a potentially sustainable construction material, the AG yielded flexible film-like threads after 48 h upon hydration, and its pH value of 4.9 varied marginally with the aging of the stabilized soils. The soil samples for the geotechnical evaluation were subjected to wet mixing and were tested under their Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), as determined by the light compaction method. The addition of AG modified the consistency indices of the soils due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in AG, which also led to a rise in OMC and reduction in Maximum Dry Unit weight (MDU). The Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were determined under thermal curing at 333 K as well as on the same day of sample preparation. The least performing condition of the soil's CBR was evaluated under submerged conditions after allowing the AG-stabilized specimens to air-cure for a period of 1 week. The UCS specimens tested after 7 days were subjected to the initial 7 days of thermal curing at 333 K. A dosage of 1.5% of AG yielded the UCS of 2530 kN/m2 and CBR of 98.3%, respectively, for the low compressible clay (LCC) after subjecting the sample to 333 K temperature for 1 week. The viscosity of the AG was found to be 214.7 cP at 2% dosage. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and average particle size determination revealed the filling of pores by AG gel solution, adsorption, and hydrogen bonding, which led to improvements in macroproperties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateritic soil, a prevalent geological material in tropical regions, often exhibits poor engineering properties, leading to road pavement failures. Meanwhile, the alarming rise in plastic waste poses environmental concerns. This innovative study explores the potential of utilizing waste plastics as a lateritic soil addictive for sustainable road construction. Varying percentages by weight of shredded waste plastic (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) were incorporated into lateritic soil samples, evaluating its effects on soil geotechnical properties. The results revealed that lateritized plastic (shredded plastic waste and lateritic soil) containing 2% shredded plastic waste gave the optimum maximum dry density of 1.985 g/cm3, and the lateritized plastic containing 10% shredded plastic waste gave the highest optimum moisture content of 18%. However, the lower California bearing ratio obtained on the addition of plastic waste showed that the lateritized plastic is relatively weak and can only be used for roads with low traffic. The incorporation of shredded plastic waste into lateritic soil for stabilization is a promising polymer science-based method. By reducing the need for conventional materials and diverting plastic waste from landfills, this approach contributes to a more environmentally friendly infrastructure supporting the achievement of United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These days, the use of natural materials is required for sustainable and consequently plus-, zero- and low-energy construction. One of the main objectives of this research was to demonstrate that pelite concrete block masonry can be a structural and thermal insulation material. In order to determine the actual thermal insulation parameters of the building partition, in situ experimental research was carried out in real conditions, taking into account the temperature distribution at different heights of the partition. Empirical measurements were made at five designated heights of the partition with temperature and humidity parameters varying over time. The described experiment was intended to verify the technical parameters of perlite concrete in terms of its thermal insulation properties as a construction material used for vertical partitions. It was shown on the basis of the results obtained that the masonry made of perlite concrete blocks with dimensions of 24 × 24.5 × 37.5 cm laid on the mounting foam can be treated as a building element that meets both the structural and thermal insulation requirements of vertical single-layer partitions. However, it is important for the material to work in a dry environment, since, as shown, a wet perlite block has twice the thermal conductivity coefficient. The results of the measurements were confirmed, for they were known from the physics of buildings, the general principles of the formation of heat and the moisture flow in the analysed masonry of a perlite block. Illustrating this regularity is shown from the course of temperature and moisture in the walls. The proposed new building material is an alternative to walls with a layer of thermal insulation made of materials such as polystyrene or wool and fits into the concept of sustainable construction, acting against climate change, reducing building operating costs, improving living and working conditions as well as fulfilling international obligations regarding environmental goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building envelopes with natural fibers are the future of sustainable construction, combining ecology and energy efficiency. The geopolymer building envelope was reinforced with innovative composite bars and two types of natural insulation (coconut mats and flax/hemp non-woven fabrics) were used as the core material. A 10 mol sodium hydroxide solution with an aqueous sodium silicate solution was used for the alkaline activation of the geopolymers. The purpose of this study was to confirm the feasibility of producing geopolymer composites with insulating layers made of renewable materials, which would have compressive strengths like those of C25/30-grade concrete and thermal conductivity coefficients like those of lightweight concrete. This publication presents the results of physicochemical tests on the base materials (oxide (XRF) and mineral phase (XRD) analysis as well as morphology and EDS) and studies the physical (density measurements), mechanical (flexural and compressive strength tests) and insulating properties (thermal conductivity measurements) of the finished sandwich partitions. The composites achieved a flexural strength of 7 MPa, a compressive strength of up to 30 MPa and a decrease in the thermal conductivity coefficient of about 60%. The research demonstrates contribution to sustainable construction by developing geopolymer composites, offering both structural integrity and superior thermal insulation. This innovation not only reduces reliance on traditional, carbon-intensive materials but also promotes the use of eco-friendly resources, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of construction. The integration of natural fibers into geopolymer matrices addresses key environmental concerns, advancing a rapidly growing field that aligns with global efforts toward energy efficiency, waste reduction, and circular economy principles in building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various studies have reported the use of alkali-activated composites to enable sustainable development in the construction industry as these composites eliminate the need for cement. However, few studies have used ferronickel slag aggregates (FSAs) as an aggregate material for alkali-activated composites. Alkali-activated composites are environmentally friendly and sustainable construction materials that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cement production, which accounts for 7% of global carbon emissions. In the construction industry, various research was conducted to improve the performance of alkali-activated composites, such as changing the binder, alkali activator, or aggregate. However, research on the application of ferronickel slag aggregate as an aggregate in alkali-activated composites is still insufficient. In addition, the effect of ferronickel slag aggregate on the performance of alkali-activated composites when using calcium-based or sodium-based alkali activators has not been reported yet. Thus, this study prepared ground granulated blast-furnace slag-based alkali-activated composites with 0, 10, 20, and 30% FSA as natural fine aggregate substitutes. Then, the fluidity, micro-hydration heat, compressive strength properties, and resistance to chloride ion penetration of the alkali-activated composite were evaluated. The test results showed that the maximum temperature of the CF10, CF20, and CF30 samples with FSA was 35.4–36.4 °C, which is 3.8–6.7% higher than that of the CF00 sample. The 7 d compressive strength of the sample prepared with CaO was higher than that of the sample prepared with Na2SiO3. Nevertheless, the 28 d compressive strength of the NF20 sample with Na2SiO3 and 20% FSA was the highest, with a value of approximately 55.0 MPa. After 7 d, the total charge passing through the sample with Na2SiO3 was approximately 1.79–2.24 times higher than that of the sample with CaO. Moreover, the total charge decreased with increasing FSA content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for sustainable building materials has boosted research on plant-based composite materials, including hemp shives bound with biodegradable binders. This study investigates the enhancement of potato-starch-based binders with sodium metasilicate and glycerol to produce eco-friendly bio-composites incorporating hemp shives. Potato starch, while renewable, often results in suboptimal mechanical properties and durability in its unmodified form. The addition of sodium metasilicate is known to improve the mechanical strength and thermal stability of starch-based materials, while glycerol acts as a plasticizer, potentially enhancing flexibility and workability. Bio-composites were produced with varying concentrations of sodium metasilicate (0–107% by mass of starch) and glycerol (0–133% by mass of starch), and their properties were evaluated through thermal analysis, density measurements, water absorption tests, compressive strength assessments, and thermal conductivity evaluations. The results demonstrate that sodium metasilicate significantly increases the bulk density, water resistance, and compressive strength of the bio-composites, with enhancements up to 19.3% in density and up to 2.3 times in compressive strength. Glycerol further improves flexibility and workability, though excessive amounts can reduce compressive strength. The combination of sodium metasilicate and glycerol provides optimal performance, achieving the best results with an 80% sodium metasilicate and 33% glycerol mixture by weight of starch. These modified bio-composites offer promising alternatives t2 o conventional building materials with improved mechanical properties and environmental benefits, making them suitable for sustainable construction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate a machine learning (ML) algorithm to accurately predict bamboo compressive strength (BCS). Using a dataset of 150 bamboo samples with features such as cross-sectional area, dry weight, density, outer diameter, culm thickness and load, various ML algorithms including artificial neural network (ANN), extreme learning machine (ELM) and support vector regression (SVR) were tested. The ELM algorithm outperformed others, showing superior accuracy based on metrics like R2, MSE, RMSE, MAE and MAPE. The study highlights the efficacy of ELM in enhancing the precision and reliability of BCS predictions, establishing it as a valuable tool for assessing bamboo strength. Design/methodology/approach: This study experimentally created a dataset of 150 bamboo samples to predict BCS using ML algorithms. Key predictive features included cross-sectional area, dry weight, density, outer diameter, culm thickness and load. The performance of various ML algorithms, including ANN, ELM and SVR, was evaluated. ELM demonstrated superior performance based on metrics such as coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), establishing its robustness in predicting BCS accurately. Findings: The study found that the ELM algorithm outperformed other ML algorithms, including ANN and SVR, in predicting BCS. ELM achieved the highest accuracy based on key metrics such as R2, MSE, RMSE, MAE and MAPE. These results indicate that ELM is a highly effective and reliable tool for predicting the compressive strength of bamboo, thereby enhancing the precision and dependability of BCS evaluations. Originality/value: This study is original in its application of the ELM algorithm to predict BCS using experimentally derived data. By comparing ELM with other ML algorithms like ANN and SVR, the research establishes ELM's superior performance and reliability. The findings demonstrate the significant potential of ELM in material strength prediction, offering a novel and robust approach to evaluating bamboo's compressive properties. This contributes valuable insights into the field of material science and engineering, particularly in the context of sustainable construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridge decks are the surface of bridges that carry the weight of the vehicles and pedestrians crossing over them. The design of bridge decks varies depending on the span, traffic volume, and material availability. But nowadays, the need for a sustainable approach is required. So, use of a sustainable material for construction and retrofitting purposes is the need of the hour. In the present study, a novel synthetic material polyurethane has been used in bridges. The study deals with the variation in skew angles to determine the response of the bridge deck. The response of natural frequencies on the bridge deck due to the variation in skewness and thickness of steel are analysed under simply supported and clamped boundary conditions. Further, the bridge deck is sandwiched using steel and polyurethane having different thicknesses, and the responses are recorded. Afterwards, a bridge deck is modelled using polyurethane as a special case, to pursue sustainability and justify the RRR (reduce, reuse, and recycle) concept of waste management. A comparative study is also performed between the isotropic steel deck and sandwiched deck by varying the skewness. The skew angle is varied from 0° to 60° with a difference of 10°, i.e., 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60°. The frequencies of the isotropic steel and sandwiched decks are increasing when the skewness is increased. Also, the decks may be modelled in a way to enhances the vibration behaviour by sandwiching the existing steel decks. The free vibration frequencies of the sandwiched decks are comparable to the steel deck of similar thickness, which shows the use of polyurethane as the core material does not affect the vibrational characteristics of the deck, while at the same time reducing the cost significantly. The research lays the groundwork for the creation of engineering recommendations that practitioners can use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysis holds a pivotal position in modern organic synthesis, capable of inducing novel reactivities under mild and environmentally friendly reaction conditions. However, the merger of photocatalysis and transition‐metal‐catalyzed asymmetric C−H activation as an efficient and sustainable method for the construction of chiral molecules remains elusive and challenging. Herein, we develop a cobalt‐catalyzed enantioselective C−H activation reaction enabled by visible‐light photoredox catalysis, providing a synergistic catalytic strategy for the asymmetric dearomatization of indoles with high levels of enantioselectivity (96 % to >99 % ee). Mechanistic studies indicate that the excited photocatalyst was quenched by divalent cobalt species in the presence of Salox ligand, leading to the formation of catalytically active chiral Co(III) complex. Moreover, stoichiometric reactions of cobaltacycle intermediate with indole suggest that the irradiation of visible light also play a critical role in the dearomatization step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shines a light on the act of social construction of climate change mitigation as a policy issue at the hands of expert bodies enjoying epistemic power, notably the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) as key tools. This is crucial to the politics of tackling climate change as IPCC models and scenarios profoundly shape what are seen as viable futures and mitigation policy options. Analysing how technocratic governance bodies broach climate change, its mitigation, and the associated economic costs and implications, reveals contestations within the technocratic politics of climate change. The particular social construction of mitigation as a policy issue through IAMs and IPCC scenarios has important and real socio-ecological consequences. This engagement with the technocratic politics of mitigation problematises five key assumptions that are fed into modelling, and reveals why and how they matter politically. We also highlight ways in which contestable assumptions built into IPCC IAMs undermine their credibility and usefulness for planning mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recycled MSWI bottom ash as partial replacement of natural aggregates in concrete. • Incorporating Portland limestone cement presents another avenue for sustainability. • Both ash streams investigated met performance metrics for reuse. • Advanced metal recovery has little impact on MSWI-ash amended concrete performance. The optimization of alternative materials in concrete production continues to garner considerable attention in order to meet sustainability goals and supplement natural materials. Portland limestone cement (PLC) and municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash (BA) have been proposed separately as green cement and coarse aggregate supplement in low-strength concrete production, creating sustainable products and alternative disposal scenario for a waste material. This study discusses the impact of advanced ash processing techniques on aggregates and presents the performance of concrete incorporating both of these products with PLC for the first time. Two sources of MSWI BA were investigated, one as-produced (TMR) and one processed with novel advanced metals recovery (AMR). The AMR process reduced total Al content in ash compared to TMR (20,500 vs 17,000 mg/kg), though not aluminum oxide content, as the AMR process targets metallic aluminum. A composition study on both aggregates supports a reduction in ferrous and non-ferrous metals following the AMR process. All control and test mixes met 28-day compressive strength requirements (17 Mpa). Both AMR and TMR MSWI BA-amended concretes yielded compressive strengths below control specimens (no ash) ranging from 17 to 23 MPa, with little to no difference observed dependent on MSWI BA processing. The life-cycle discussion supports benefits deriving from supplementing naturally mined materials and recovering ferrous and nonferrous metals with the AMR process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust removal in ports exacerbates water shortages and coastal pollution, particularly in coal ports with significant dust production. Constructing green ports for water conservation and emissions reduction is the future direction for port development. Stormwater harvesting, especially through low-impact development (LID), emerges as an attractive solution in line with green ports. concept. However, determining optimal LID layouts is complex due to multiple objectives. Fluctuations in runoff coefficients, stemming from changing underlying surface types in coal ports, are often overlooked, resulting in costly and ineffective LID layouts that fail to adequately control runoff across varying scenarios. This study innovatively addresses the impact of underlying surface stochasticity on optimizing LID layouts in coal ports. First, the storm water management model (SWMM) is employed to simulate runoff changes in coal ports under various representative underlying surface scenarios, generated through the K-Medoids method. The analysis reveals a significant 70.6% variation in the stockyard's total runoff during a 1-year 2-h design rainfall, ranging from 14,100 m3 to 48,000 m3. Subsequently, a multiobjective stochastic programming model for LID layout optimization is proposed, coupled with a surrogate model for SWMM. Two objectives for LID layout optimization are considered: investments and total runoff harvesting. Finally, the Nash bargaining solution is applied to balance the trade-off between the two objectives and obtain the optimal LID layout considering underlying surface stochasticity. Results indicate that the optimal LID layout has a cost of 1.636 billion Chinese yuan (CNY) and achieves a 50.98% runoff harvesting rate. Compared to previous studies ignoring underlying surface stochasticity, it demonstrates a 2% improvement in harvesting rate, a cost reduction of 200 million CNY, and shows higher robustness with 96 compliance instances out of 100 simulations. This study offers methodological support for developing economically efficient planning and construction schemes for stormwater harvesting facilities in coal ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology innovation in prefabricated buildings (PBs) is an important way to realize transformation upgrading and green development for the construction industry. The existing literature focuses on the influence of different types of policies on PB development while ignoring the importance of technology innovation. In addition, there are still inconsistent conclusions in the evaluation of the influence of policies on technology innovation. Using the difference-in-differences method and panel data from 2011 to 2020 covering 25 provinces of China, this study investigates the mechanism and impact of five different technological and economic policies on PB technology innovation. The results show that technological support policy, land supply policy, fiscal subsidy policy, and preferential tax policy have a significantly positive impact on PB technology innovation. However, financial policy has no significant effect on PB technology innovation. This paper not only makes theoretical contributions to PB policy research, but also provides the government with a more precise and effective policy toolbox to promote technology innovation in the PB industry or other industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability is becoming increasingly pivotal in the construction industry, prompting a shift toward the use of bio-sourced waste materials. This study presents a novel application of mint stem (MS) waste as an additive in mortar with the aim of harnessing its cellulosic nature to enhance thermal insulation. The mineralogical and chemical properties of the raw materials were examined to understand their inherent characteristics and suitability for mortar composite development. The modified mortars were subjected to thermal and mechanical evaluations with MS proportions up to 6% by cement mass. The hot disk method revealed a substantial reduction in thermal conductivity (over 50%), whereas compressive strength testing indicated a decrease with higher MS content. The water absorption increased slightly, implying changes in porosity. These findings suggest that MS can play a significant role in the development of energy-efficient building materials, despite trade-offs in mechanical strength. This study discusses the implications of these results for sustainable construction and the potential of MS-enhanced mortar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconfiguring practices within the construction industry through the utilization of diverse industrial byproducts is a crucial endeavor. This study was devoted to promoting sustainable construction methodologies while mitigating environmental implications. The focus of the research was the incorporation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates into GPC for application as pavement quality concrete (PQC). Leveraging fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as viable aluminosilicate sources emerged as a judicious strategy for formulating blends that exhibit exceptional attributes at ambient temperatures, thereby circumventing the challenges posed by impractical on-site oven curing. Natural coarse aggregates were replaced with RAP at varying percentages ranging over 25% to 100% and the performance of the binders was assessed across a range of NaOH molarities (10M to 16M). The 14-M, 50% RAP mix exhibited superior strength and durability, achieving permissible compressive and flexural strength after just 7 days of ambient curing (41.80 and 4.72 MPa, respectively), in contrast to the 28 day of curing required for conventional cement concrete. This designed mix also showcased significant resistance to surface abrasion and carbonation, along with exemplary thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Upon exposure to a 2% H2SO4 concentration (to gauge performance in aggressive environments), higher RAP replacement levels revealed to influence mass and strength loss, but the effect of molarity remained quite moderate. Furthermore, toxicity characteristic leaching potential (TCLP) tests confirmed the immobilization of heavy metals in GPC blends with integrated RAP, thereby endorsing their environmental suitability for the construction of rigid pavements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective management of agricultural waste is an important contribution to environmental sustainability and economic development, especially considering the significant volume of agricultural residues produced worldwide. Rice is a widely cultivated crop in Colombia, and its high production results in a high amount of wastes, which is often underutilized due to a lack of knowledge regarding its potential value-added applications. On the other hand, the construction industry has become increasingly aware of the necessity to develop materials with reduced environmental impact. Therefore, this study explores the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate various alternatives for utilizing rice waste in construction materials; the alternatives were evaluated based on criteria tailored to the needs of local agricultural communities in the Tolima region of Colombia. The findings highlight the potential of rice husk ash (RHA) as an environmentally responsible alternative in the construction sector, offering a viable solution for waste management while contributing to the economic development of small-scale farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is critical to achieve the organization's sustainability goals by implementing employee green behavior. This study attempts to explore the influencing mechanisms linking perceived environmental leadership and employee green behavior. A mediating effect of environmental awareness and a moderating role of perceived pro-environmental climate were proposed based on social information processing theory. Three hundred fifty-two questionnaires were gathered from the Chinese construction industry. After excluding invalid ones, two hundred ten of them were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method. The results suggest that perceived environmental leadership has a positive impact on environmental awareness, thus promoting required and voluntary employee green behavior. Perceived pro-environmental climate moderates the positive correlation between environmental awareness and required employee green behavior, while no significant moderating effect is observed on voluntary employee green behavior. By exploring how psychological factors and the work environment affect the relationship between perceived environmental leadership and employee green behavior, the research related to employee green behavior is further enriched. In addition, this study provides valuable advice for construction companies on green project management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]