The Numerical Analysis of Replenishment of Hydrogel Void Space Concrete Using Hydrogels Containing Nano-Silica Particles through ELM-ANFIS

A study on the synthesis and performance evaluation of fly ash and alccofine as sustainable cementitious materials

Construction and global infrastructure depend on cement production. It is one of the biggest carbon emitters, making it an aspect of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. Each stage of cement production releases CO2 and other greenhouse gasses. About 8% of worldwide CO2 emissions come from the cement sector, making it a major contributor. Different supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), and slag are used to partially replace traditional raw materials like limestone, reducing the environmental impact. This study investigated the use of supplementary cementitious materials, specifically FA and alccofine (AF), as partial replacements for cement in concrete to reduce environmental impact. The study first identified an optimal replacement percentage for FA (20%, 30%, and 40%) by weight of cement. Subsequently, using the optimal FA percentage, AF was added at varying percentages (5%, 10%, and 15%) by weight of cement. The study evaluated the mechanical properties of the concrete mixtures, including workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength. Durability, measured by water sorptivity and rapid chloride penetrability tests, was also assessed. The microstructural properties of the concrete were analyzed to understand their influence on performance. As a result of the significant environmental implications of producing and using concrete for all activities, an in-depth life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted. Additionally, artificial neural networks were employed to predict the compressive strength of the concrete. The study concluded that incorporating FA and AF in concrete mixtures is a promising approach to producing more environmentally friendly concrete.

A Scientometric-Analysis-Based Review of the Research Development on Geopolymers

A scientometric-based assessment of the literature on geopolymers was conducted in this study to determine its critical aspects. Typical review studies are restricted in their capability to link disparate segments of the literature in a systematic and exact way. Knowledge mapping, co-citation, and co-occurrence are very difficult components of creative research. This study adopted an advanced strategy of data mining, data processing and analysis, visualization and presentation, and interpretation of the bibliographic data on geopolymers. The Scopus database was used to search for and retrieve the data needed to complete the study’s objectives. The relevant sources of publications, keyword assessment, productive authors based on publications and citations, top papers based on citations received, and areas actively engaged in the research of geopolymers are recognized during the data assessment. The VOSviewer (VOS: visualization of similarities) software application was employed to analyze the literature data comprising citation, bibliographic, abstract, keywords, funding, and other information from 7468 relevant publications. In addition, the applications and restrictions associated with the use of geopolymers in the construction sector are discussed, as well as possible solutions to overcome these restrictions. The scientometric analysis revealed that the leading publication source (journal) in terms of articles and citations is “Construction and building materials”; the mostly employed keywords are geopolymer, fly ash, and compressive strength; and the top active and contributing countries based on publications are China, India, and Australia. Because of the quantitative and graphical representation of participating nations and researchers, this study can help academics to create collaborative efforts and exchange creative ideas and approaches. In addition, this study concluded that the large-scale usage of geopolymer concrete is constrained by factors such as curing regime, activator solution scarcity and expense, efflorescence, and alkali–silica reaction. However, embracing the potential solutions outlined in this study might assist in boosting the building industry’s adoption of geopolymer concrete.