Papers by Keyword: Sustainability

Abstract: This review utilizes bibliometric analysis to examine global research trends and the chronological development of studies on the incorporation of mine wastes and tailings in concrete. A total of 345 publications were extracted from the Web of Science (WOS) database, and their analysis revealed a clear upward trajectory in scientific output since 2000. Respectively, China, India, Canada, and the USA were identified as the countries contributing the most to this research area. Among the 1139 author keywords extracted from the collected papers, 103 keywords with a minimum of three occurrences were analyzed using the VOSviewer software. VOSviewer further supports identifying research gaps and emerging trends by visualizing relationships among authors, publications, and keywords, facilitating a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the field. The analysis of keyword occurrences shows convergence towards research that focuses on the development of sustainable and high-performance materials that equate environmental responsibility with industrial economy demands. The current review also uses Biblioshiny, a web-based tool that explores topic timelines. It reflects that, in recent years, research focuses have shifted toward more sustainability, advanced materials, and performance optimization in the use of mine tailings in concrete.

Abstract: In Lima, many concrete structures experience accelerated deterioration due to physical and chemical factors, limiting their durability. This study evaluates the effect of recycled glass powder (RGP) and a nanosilica additive (1.5 %) on concrete with f’c = 27.5 MPa (280 kg/cm²), focusing on optimizing its mechanical properties, durability, and economic feasibility. Mixtures with 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % cement replacement by RGP were prepared, assessing compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, as well as permeability and water absorption. The mixture with 10 % RGP (RGP-10) showed the best early age mechanical performance, increasing compressive strength by 39.1 %, tensile strength by 12.7 %, and flexural strength by 26.2 % compared to the concrete control. Mixtures with 15 % and 20 % RGP showed lower initial strength, although future gains are expected due to delayed pozzolanic reactions. Regarding durability, RGP-10 reduced permeability by 9.02 % and water absorption by 6.45 %, while RGP-15 and RGP-20 achieved even greater reductions, with permeability decreasing by 11.48 % and 9.84 %, and water absorption by 8.68 % and 10.56 %, respectively. Although the nanosilica additive increases the initial cost, its combination with RGP produces significant improvements in mechanical properties and durability, contributing to a reduction in maintenance related costs, resulting in a durable, sustainable, and economically viable material.

Abstract: Energy transition projects encounter delays due to governance-related risks like regulatory ambiguity, corruption, stakeholder pushback, logistical breakdowns, and limited technical capacity. This study explores the linkage between risk factors (regulatory policies) and the environmental sustainability of energy transition projects within Southern Nigeria. The study employed a purposive sampling technique in the distribution of 660 survey questionnaires among construction sector staff.The research targets project managers, procurement officers, contract compliance offices, and government regulators engaged in green infrastructure initiatives. The results indicate that weak regulatory policies pose significant risks to the environmental sustainability of energy transition projects. The study highlights weak regulatory enforcement and compliance as major challenges to sustainable energy transition in Nigeria’s construction industry. The findings indicate a significant association, since the p-value (.000) is less than the 5% significance criterion. The study recommends that early-stage engagement and cooperation among key project stakeholders are vital for detecting and mitigating risk factors that commonly lead to execution delays, cost escalations, and project underperformance.

Abstract: Earth has been used as a construction material for centuries, starting with sun-dried mud and straw bricks, which had limited strength and durability. This evolved into fired clay bricks, which enabled large-scale production. However, with the building industry now accounting for 35% of global energy consumption, there is an urgent need to reduce energy use, construction costs, and reliance on nonrenewable resources—particularly in energy-scarce developing nations. This study explores Unstabilized Earth Bricks (UEBs) as a sustainable alternative, requiring 98% less energy than conventional bricks. The addition of straw as an eco-friendly additive not only addresses the disposal of 200 million tons of agricultural straw waste but also improves brick strength. Tests on 230 mm x 100 mm x 90 mm bricks with 1% and 2% straw content showed increased compressive strength, though strength declined in recycled samples. Both straw-reinforced and recycled UEBs demonstrated high durability in wire brush tests, underscoring their potential as cost-effective, sustainable building materials. However, recycled clay bricks exhibited significantly lower strength and are less suitable for structural applications.

Abstract: Prior studies have emphasised the drawbacks of the linear economy (LE), which uses resources inefficiently and functions on the "take-consume-throw away" tenet. However, there is a noticeable gap in studies examining the transition from a LE to circular economy (CE) adoption, as a practice necessary to limit the weaknesses of LE. This study examined CE practices adoption by identifying key enablers and challenges, emphasising the benefits, and developing a statistical model to predict it adoption in Ondo State's building construction sector. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 175 construction professionals in Ondo State. Data obtained were analysed using frequencies, percentages, relative importance index, linear regression and ANOVA. Results revealed that “research and development”, “awareness of circular economy”, and “policy support” were the primary driver of CE. The study also identified “lack of proper technology”, “unfavourable policies”, and “limited knowledge” as top barriers impeding CE adoption while “cost savings”, “job creation” and “improved corporate image” were salient benefits of CE adoption. Further analysis produced a predictive model that combine the most prominent factors that drive CE adoption, such as organizational infrastructure (X₁), client’s interest and awareness (X₂), training and education (X₃), research and development (X₄), organisational alignment (X₅), and cost savings (X₆). The model finding revealed that only 57% of the respondents aligned with CE practices, meaning an increase in the dependent variables will lead to higher levels of adoption in the building construction industry. This study serves as a theoretical base for policymakers, stakeholders, and construction professionals towards promoting a more sustainable and circular construction sector.

Abstract: MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) technology has evolved rapidly in response to the demand for increased performance, lower power consumption, and ongoing device downsizing. This study provides a comparative review of various materials used in MOSFETs from 2021 to 2025, focusing on developments in channel ^materials as well as their features, advantages, and problems. While silicon (Si) and silicon-germanium (SiGe) continue to dominate mainstream technology, new materials such as indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) have gained popularity. They are used for high-speed, low-power, and power electronics applications due to their superior electron mobility and high breakdown voltages. Two-dimensional (2D) materials like molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and black phosphorus (BP) show promise for ultra-thin, flexible, and energy-efficient devices. However, integrating them into large-scale manufacturing remains a challenge. Silicon is included into transistors, integrated circuits, and solar cells. SiGe excels in high-speed wireless transmission. GaN powers devices with high frequency and voltage, such as LEDs. SiC improves EV and renewable energy systems. InGaAs is essential for near-infrared photodetectors. Diamonds improve electronic cooling. MoS₂ supports field-effect transistors and photodetectors. This article also looks at continuing research into germanium (Ge) and other new materials, which have great mobility but suffer from leakage currents and fabrication complexity. The comparison of these materials provides insight into the future of MOSFET technology, helping researchers and industry professionals to next-generation semiconductor solutions.

Abstract: This study proposes an alternative formwork system using recycled plastic to reduce the use of wood in the construction of tie columns and tie beams in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The main objective is to develop a more sustainable and efficient solution to reduce wood consumption and the high costs that these formworks represent in projects. A geometric design was developed using reinforced recycled plastic boards, tailored to meet the structural needs of secondary concrete elements. The study applied a comparative methodology, evaluating the proposed system against traditional wooden formwork based on parameters such as assembly time, reuse potential, resistance, and material reduction. Results showed a 20% to 30% decrease in formwork assembly and disassembly time, along with an over 80% reduction in wood consumption. The recycled plastic formwork demonstrated greater durability and resistance to moisture compared to wood, offering improved performance in terms of lifespan and reusability. In conclusion, the proposed system proved to be a functional, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative for the construction sector in Honduras. It also promotes the reuse of plastic waste in the development of modern, sustainable construction technologies.

Abstract: The main objective of this study is to optimize the reverse osmosis process in order to ensure the potabilization of water from the Oued Oum Er-Rbia, by determining the most influential parameters. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to apply daily PCA-based monitoring on Oued Oum Er-Rbia’s raw water to optimize membrane operation under Moroccan field conditions.To better understand the interactions between quality and hydraulic parameters influencing membrane performance, data were collected from Oued Oum Er-Rbia over multiple seasons. The parameters monitored included turbidity, salinity, temperature, and Silt Density Index (SDI), all known to affect fouling and pretreatment requirements.

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a study that aimed to analyze the flexural behavior of self-compacting rubberized steel-reinforced concrete. A four-point bending test was performed on three reinforced beams made with conventional concrete and three similar beams made using the same concrete mixture with a 10% volumetric substitution of natural aggregates with rubber particles. The results showed a statistically significant decrease (about 24%) in the cracking load for the rubberized concrete beams, which is attributed to the reduced indirect tensile strength and modulus of the rubberized concrete. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the control and rubberized concrete beams in terms of ultimate load and maximum deflection Additionally, the estimated adhesion strength, based on the average measured crack spacing, was also statistically similar between the tested beams. Existing equations derived from reinforced concrete beam theory were deemed suitable for rubberized concrete, since the estimation trends for these equations were similar for both types of concrete. Therefore, the main conclusion of this study is that the presence of rubber particles, at a 10% volumetric substitution, did not affect the flexural behavior particularly the quality of adhesion between the reinforcing bars and the surrounding concrete of steel-reinforced beams.

Abstract: The emanation of the concept of Industry 4.0 has instigated disruptive and emergent acumen and advanced information technologies, enabling an ever more production efficiency and adeptness level. The technologies of Industry 4.0 have an enormous and gigantic potential of drastically influencing the environmental and social sustainability while accelerating distinguishing contributions in the sustainable development. In this paper, sustainability insinuations and applications of the technologies of Industry 4.0 has been profoundly scrutinized focusing numerous environmental, social and economic attributes by perceiving the alignment of the technologies of Industry 4.0 with sustainability. Although, the goal of integrating Industry 4.0 and sustainability is to enhance the environmental sustainability through the creation of an ecological support guaranteeing ever-higher and more-absolute environmental performance. The novelty of this paper mendacities in its considerate depiction of the technologies of Industry 4.0 and their significant integration with sustainability goalmouths for the creation of sustainable Industry 4.0 and assimilating the environmental sustainability protection.