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The purpose of this study is to fit an appropriate mathematical model to express response variables as functions of the proportions of the mixture components. One purpose of statistical modeling in a mixture experiment is to model the blending surface such that predictions of the response for any mixture component, singly or in combination, can be made empirically. Testing of the model adequacy will also be an important part of the statistical procedure.

A series of mortar using air lime, marble and ceramic sanitary waste aggregates were prepared for statistically designed combinations. The combinations were designed based on the mixture-design concept of design of experiments; this mortar is often used as a filler material in restoration projects. The aim of this work is to find an optimal composition of a paste for the manufacture of air lime mortar with ceramic and marble waste. This investigation aims to recommend mix design for air lime-based mortar, by optimizing the input combination for different properties, and to predict properties such as mechanical strength, thermogravimetric and x-ray diffraction analysis with a high degree of accuracy, based on a statistical analysis of experimental data.

This paper discusses those mortar properties that architects, contractors and owners consider important. For each of these properties, the influence of ceramic and marble waste in the air lime mortar is explored. The flexibility of lime-based mortars with waste materials to meet a wide range of needs in both new construction and restoration of masonry projects is demonstrated.

The objective of the present investigation is to recommend mixture design for air lime mortar with waste, by optimizing the input combination for different properties, and to predict properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength with a high degree of accuracy, based on the statistical analysis of experimental data. The authors conducted a mixture design study that takes into account dependent parameters such as the constituents of our air lime-based mortar where we have determined an experiment matrix to which we have connected the two responses, namely, compressive and flexural strength. By introducing the desirability criteria of these two responses, using JMP software, we were able to obtain a mixture optimal for air lime mortar with ceramic and marble waste.

Solid wastes are today one of the worst problems in the word, mainly because of the increase in volume and the high capacity of environmental contamination. The aim of this work is to analyze the possibility of use sawing granite wastes as alternative ceramic raw materials for the production of bricks and roof tiles. Samples were collected from wastes of several granites companies from the northeast region of Brazil. They were submitted to particle size and mineralogical characterization. Some ceramic compositions were prepared with granite waste and submitted to technological tests. The results indicated that the wastes have particle size distribution and mineralogical composition similar to conventional non‐plastic ceramic raw materials. These wastes can be used in substitution of conventional raw materials in ceramic formulations in proportions up to 50 per cent. This can be important to save traditional raw materials from the region and decreasing the aggression to the environment.

The purpose of this study is to utilize two types of gypsum mold wastes from two different factories as novel and economical reinforcing fillers for composites that may be useful for building materials and floors. Two types of gypsum mold wastes from two different factories as raw materials were incorporated into linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) aiming to get rid of that waste in one hand and obtaining useful economical composites suitable for building materials and floors.

Composites were prepared from two types of gypsum mold wastes substituted with different ratios from raw gypsum and LLDPE throughout the melt blending technique. The physico-mechanical and electrical investigations in addition to the morphology of the composites were included.

The mechanical results illustrate that substituting commercial gypsum with gypsum mold waste positively affects tensile strength, flexural strength and hardness shore D for the LLDPE composites. The tensile strength increased from 5 MPa for LLDPE filled with commercial gypsum as blank samples to 11.2 and 13.2 MPa for LLDPE filled with D and S waste. Also, electrical properties which include both permittivity ɛ′ and dielectric loss ɛ″ increased with increasing the waste content in the LLDPE matrix. In addition to the electrical conductivity values, σ lies in the order of insulation materials. Consequently, it is possible to produce materials with a gypsum matrix by adding industrial waste, improving the behavior of the traditional gypsum and enabling those composites to be applied in various construction applications as eco-friendly tiles.

This study aims to prepare eco-friendly composites based on LLDPE and waste gypsum mold to preserve resources for the coming generations, other than lowering the environmental footprint and saving the costs of getting rid of it.

Traditional ceramic industries (ceramic tiles, frits, glazes and pigments) generate solid wastes, wastewater and gas emissions that have different characteristics depending on the type of product made. The present study was undertaken to define a series of test methodologies for characterising each type of waste. The approach involved defining the elements to be analysed in each kind of sample, subsequently carrying out the respective test methods for the determinations in terms of type of parameter and sample. In gas emissions, the study addressed fluorine compound analysis. In liquid samples, AAS and ICP‐OES techniques were compared, validating the methods by using reference materials and participating in CALITAX and AQUACHECK intercomparison rounds on wastewater analysis. In solid samples, ICP‐OES and XRF techniques were compared, validating the methods by participating in International Proficiency Tests of Analytical Geochemistry Laboratories (GEOPT‐7, GEOPT‐8 and GEOPT‐9). The selective electrode determination of fluorine in gas emissions yields good results. The study shows that toxicity can be determined in liquid and solid samples by the bioluminescence assay. In liquid samples, good results were found for metal elements analysis by AAS and ICP‐OES, the latter being better. Finally, in solid wastes the ICP‐OES technique has advantages in analysing minor elements compared with XRF, whereas XRF is more suitable for analysing major elements, as it is a faster, more reproducible technique.

The United Nations has demonstrated a commitment to preserving the ecosystem through its 2030 sustainable development goals agenda. One crucial objective of these goals is to promote a healthy ecosystem and discourage practices that harm it. Building materials production significantly contributes to the emissions of greenhouse gases. This poses a threat to the ecosystem and prompts a growing demand for sustainable building materials (SBMs). The purpose of this study is to investigate SBMs to determine their utilization in construction operations and the potential impact their application could have on construction productivity.

A systematic review of the existing literature in the field of SBMs was conducted for the study. The search strings used were “sustainable” AND (“building” OR “construction”) AND “materials” AND “productivity”. A total of 146 articles were obtained from the Scopus database and reviewed.

Bio-based, cementitious and phase change materials were the main categories of SBMs. Materials in these categories have the potential to substantially contribute to sustainability in the construction sector. However, challenges such as availability, cost, expertise, awareness, social acceptance and resistance to innovation must be addressed to promote the increased utilization of SBMs and enhance construction productivity.

Many studies have explored SBMs, but there is a dearth of studies that address productivity in the context of SBMs, which leaves a gap in understanding. This study addresses this gap by drawing on existing studies to determine the potential implications that using SBMs could have on construction productivity.

This study aims to develop geopolymer concrete (GPC) using manufactured sand (M-sand) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) under different curing conditions. GPC is a sustainable construction material developed with industrial waste products such as fly ash to eliminate the use of cement in the production of concrete. GPC requires heat curing for the attainment of early age strength. The development of GPC under heat curing conditions is a hard process in practice. To overcome such circumstances, an attempt was made to develop the GPC under different curing conditions with the aid of coarse aggregate (CA) and RCA. The influence of different curing conditions on strength gain and microstructural characteristics of GPC is investigated. Mechanical properties of GPC such as compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and elastic modulus are reported and discussed.

This study focuses on the assessment of mechanical and microstructure characterization of eco-efficient GPC developed with natural CA and RCAs. The required optimum quantity of binder, alkali activator, alkaline liquid to binder ratio and aggregates was determined by appropriate trials. Three types of curing methods, namely, ambient, oven and water, were used for the development of GPC mixes. Following the properties of RCA, it is realistic to substitute up to 40% of coarser aggregates as the resulting aggregate mix falls within the requirements of the analyzed mix.

Special attention is required for the mix with RCA because the mix’s consistency is affected by the high water absorption of the RCA mix. GPC specimens cured at ambient and water conditions exhibited marginal variation in the compressive strength for both CA and RCA. The compressive strength of GPC mixes prepared with RCA was marginally higher than that of the GPC made with CA under different curing regimes. RCA can be used as a sustainable material in lieu of CA in GPC.

The main significance of this research work is to develop the optimal mix design with appropriate mix proportion. The present study proposes a satisfactory methodology that enhances the mechanical strength of GPC as the guidelines are not available in the standards to address this problem. Effective use of waste materials such as fly ash and recycled aggregate for the development of GPC is another major research focus in the proposed investigation.

This paper aims to identify modern construction techniques for affordable housing, such as prefabrication and interlocking systems, that can save time and cost while also providing long-term sustainable benefits that are desperately needed in today's construction industry.

The need for housing is growing worldwide, but traditional construction cannot cater to the demand due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society. This paper presented a state-of-the-art review of modern construction techniques practiced worldwide and their advantages in affordable housing construction by conducting a systematic literature review and applying the backward snowball technique. The paper reviews modern prefabrication techniques and interlocking systems such as modular construction, formwork systems, light gauge steel/cold form steel construction and sandwich panel construction, which have been globally well practiced. It was understood from the overview that modular construction, including modular steel construction and precast concrete construction, could reduce time and costs efficiently. Further enhancement in the quality was also noticed. Besides, it was observed that light gauge steel construction is a modern phase of steel that eases construction execution efficiently. Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time, which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork. However, the cost is subjected to the repetitions of the formwork. An interlocking system is an innovative approach to construction that uses bricks made of sustainable materials such as earth that conserve time and cost.

The study finds that the prefabrication techniques and interlocking system have a lot of unique attributes that can enable the modern construction sector to flourish. The study summarizes modern construction techniques that can save time and cost, enhancing the sustainability of construction practices, which is the need of the Indian construction industry in particular.

This study is limited to identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork.

The need for housing is growing rapidly all over the world, but traditional construction cannot cater to the need due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society.

This study is unique in identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

This paper aims to analyse the behaviour of dune sand mortars with the addition of ceramic waste. The objective of improving the performance of these modified mortars was evaluated in terms of accelerated carbonation performance.

The effect of these recycled materials was studied in an experimental programme through several tests. The carbonation depth was determined using a classical phenolphthalein test. The mass fractions of Ca(OH)₂ and CaCO₃ were calculated using thermogravimetric analysis, water absorption occurring through capillary action and open porosity, and the mechanical characteristics were measured after subjecting the materials to wetting–drying cycles.

The results show that using ceramic waste provides better performance in terms of water absorption by capillary action, open porosity and carbonation penetration.

This research is a study of the incorporation of ceramic waste up to 10 per cent in dune sand mortar. The choice of using ceramic waste to produce dune sand mortars has benefits from economic, environmental and technical points of view and offers a possibility for improving the durability of mortars.

The sustainable performance of hotels which constitute a major part of the tourism industry, gains increasing importance day by day. Sustainability has become mandatory not only for the tourism industry but also for all industries producing goods and services. Reducing the negative impact of development on the environment and environmental innovation which aims to benefit from natural resources and energy effectively and consciously helps hotels to be sustainable. The tourism industry has a complex structure and exists as being intertwined with other branches of science. Tourism, which is a multidisciplinary industry, is nourished by other branches of science as well as supplies other fields of science by providing working space. Some new solutions that are put forward by materials science and engineering take place in the tourism industry as new innovations. Owing to this interaction, the workload of the personnel working in hotels is reduced and the enterprises save material and energy. At the same time, the customers who benefit from the services of the hotels consume the services in more comfortable and safer environments.

Ceramic materials are generally used in toilet and bathroom parts of hotels. However, ceramics are observed to be used in lobbies, cafes, restaurants, pools, facades, and similar areas in addition to toilets and baths in hotels. The aim of this study is to identify new ceramic solutions that affect and contribute to the sustainability of the hotels which is a major sector under the roof of the tourism industry and to contribute the literature. In order to actualize this aim, the document analysis method which is one of qualitative research methods was used and the literature search was carried out to identify new ceramic solutions. The result of study includes moisture control tiles with the ability to keep the humidity at normal standards in terms of human health and that can be used in hotels, facade systems that clean themselves and the polluted air, thermal coating systems for heat insulation, antibacterial materials that provide hygiene, and dirt repelling products. Also, it is seen that there are new ceramic solutions such as costless night lighting and security strips as well as materials with a phosphorescence property for aesthetical purposes and also, tiles with heat control which offer different possibilities aesthetically. It is observed that the different benefits obtained from each of identified new ceramic solutions ease off the workload of personnel working in the hotels, enable material and energy saving in hotels and at the same time, provide an accommodation in a more comfortable and safer environment for customers. In addition to this, the use of high-technology ceramics and nanomaterials in the field of tourism creates places where technology and aesthetics combine.

The purpose of this paper is to conduct the directed synthesis of blue-colour aluminate spinel pigments based on spent aluminium–cobalt–molybdenum (ACM) catalyst and to study peculiar features of mineral formation processes and changes in their colour indices depending on composition and firing temperature.

Aluminate spinel ceramic pigments with specified colour indices were synthesised by directed formation of their mineral composition and identification of the most rational technological parameters of production. Mineral composition of synthesised pigments was evaluated by X-ray phase analysis. The colour indices of pigments and pigment-containing glaze coatings were studied on the comparator colour. The chemical resistance of pigments was determined by loss of their weight loss after boiling in 1 N hydrochloric acid solution and 1 N sodium hydroxide solution.

Peculiar features of formation of the mineral composition of aluminate spinel pigments based on the ACM catalyst were studied. The expediency of using magnesium and zinc oxides in their composition has been proved. It is found that for the formation of stable pigments of intense blue colour, a concentration of cobalt (II) oxide in the amount of 0.5 mol is sufficient, which is 23.1 Wt.%. The colour of such pigments is determined by the ratios of cobalt, magnesium and zinc aluminates, which form a spinel solid solution.

The use of developed aluminate spinel pigments provides obtaining of high-quality glass coatings of blue colour, in particular, for ceramics.

Aluminium oxide in the spent ACM catalyst is predominantly in the active form (of amorphous aluminium hydroxide and y-Al₂O₃). This is a prerequisite for the use of this waste material as a complete substitute for chemically pure Al₂O₃ in the technology of aluminate spinel pigments and reduction of their firing temperature. Besides, spent ACM catalyst already contains 5 Wt.% of expensive cobalt (II) oxide in the form of stable colour-bearing phase CoAl₂O₄.