Browse

Portland cement–based materials represent the most widely used construction materials worldwide. However, their production and application are associated with significant environmental burdens, including high CO2 emissions and the depletion of natural aggregate resources. In response to the growing demand for environmentally responsible construction solutions, this study focuses on the development of building materials based on an alternative binder. Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) is considered a more sustai...

Lime mortars are widely used in the construction, repair, and conservation of historic masonry due to their compatibility with traditional materials and their flexible, porous structure. However, their relatively low mechanical strength compared to modern cement-based materials has led to efforts to enhance their performance, for example through fibre reinforcement. This study examines the effect of two types of natural fibres (bovine and goat) on the physical, mechanical, hygric, and thermal properties of lime–...

In an effort to develop binders with a reduced environmental impact, magnesium silicate hydrate (MSH) cement has recently attracted considerable attention. This binder belongs to the family of magnesium-based cements; however, unlike magnesium sulphate and magnesium oxychloride cements, it is classified as a hydraulic cement. It forms through the reaction of reactive magnesium oxide with silica sources in the presence of water, producing magnesium silicate hydrate (MSH) gel. Caustic-calcined magnesite, typically p...

In recent years, natural fibres have gained attention as an effective means of enhancing the performance of composite materials. By forming a reinforcing network within the matrix, fibres can limit crack propagation and improve cohesion. This approach is particularly relevant for lime-based mortars used in the repair of historic masonry, which often suffer from low mechanical strength during early curing. The presented study investigates the effect of increasing animal fibre content in natural hydraulic lime-based...

The most widely used building materials in the world are those based on Portland cement. Unfortunately, their use is associated with a number of negative environmental impacts, from CO2 emissions to the depletion of natural aggregate resources. In order to contribute to greater environmental responsibility, this work investigated building materials containing both alternative binders and fillers. Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) is considered to be a more sustainable binder than Portland cement and is characteri...

The protection and maintenance of cultural heritage is an integral aspect of urban development. Preserving the original architecture, appearance, and material design of historic buildings is of a significant importance for understanding the development of society and the changes that have occurred throughout history. In the face of increasing demands for durability, mechanical strength, water vapor permeability, and compatibility with other parts of historical construction, research has focused on innovations in l...

Human activities on a global scale are increasingly generating substantial quantities of solid waste. Consequently, in recent years, there has been a significant worldwide initiative to reduce waste production and reuse existing waste, including non-recyclable plastics, industrial waste, sewage sludge, hazardous waste, municipal waste, among others. To ensure environmental quality, further treatment of waste is essential to prevent its accumulation in landfills. For waste materials that cannot be recycled or for w...

In addition to excellent mechanical, physical and chemical parameters, magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) composites offer numerous environmental benefits, particularly with regard to the necessary reduction of carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of Portland cement based building materials. However, the limitation to the wider use of MOC is its low water resistance. Therefore, the possibility of improving the water resistance of magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) composites by nano-adjustment u...

This paper presents the experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of a newly developed two-coat system (TCS) for the protection and repair of concrete. The optimized system consists of a penetrating layer of modified low-viscosity resin of BPA (bisphenol A) type and a top coat based on aliphatic polyisocyanate resin of HDI (hexametyl diisocyanate) type. TCS was applied to reference concrete specimens, which were subjected to various tests to evaluate their basic physical properties, mechanical strength, hygric ...

Every day, human activities generate large amounts of solid waste. To ensure the quality of the environment, waste must be further treated to prevent it from accumulation in landfills. In the case of materials that cannot be recycled or reused, such as municipal solid waste, burning in waste incineration plants to generate heat or electricity appears to be the appropriate solution of such waste disposal. However, combustion processes generate residues, such as bottom or fly ash, which must be stored. Fly ash gener...