Journal of Building Material Science

Experimental Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Incorporating Waste Tile Powder and Metakaolin under Aggressive Environmental Conditions

Mohammad Kazem Sharbatdar — 2026-07-23

Concrete deterioration in aggressive environments poses significant challenges for the durability of reinforced concrete structures. The incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials offers a promising strategy to enhance performance while reducing cement consumption. This experimental study investigates the effects of metakaolin and waste ceramic tile powder as partial cement replacements on the compressive and flexural behavior of reinforced concrete members exposed to aggressive environmental conditions. Ten concrete mix designs were prepared with replacement levels of 10%, 20%, and 30% using metakaolin and waste tile powder. A total of 120 concrete cubes (100 mm) and 56 reinforced concrete slabs (40 × 200 × 600 mm) were cast and subjected to both standard curing and aggressive exposure regimes, including continuous immersion and alternating wet–dry cycles. The results demonstrate that the pozzolanic activity of metakaolin became more pronounced after 3–6 months, leading to enhanced mechanical performance. All mixtures containing waste tile powder exhibited higher compressive strength than the control mix. An increase of up to 11% in flexural capacity was observed for slabs incorporating 20% metakaolin, while slabs with 30% waste tile powder achieved an 8% improvement compared to lower replacement levels. Notably, specimens with 30% waste tile powder showed a significant increase in the experimental-to-nominal flexural capacity ratio, reaching values of 1.57 and 1.50 at 90 and 180 days, respectively. Overall, the combined use of metakaolin and waste tile powder improved durability and structural performance under aggressive conditions, indicating their potential for sustainable construction and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures.

Digital Traceability and Lifecycle Performance of Bamboo-Based Construction Materials: Enhancing Durability and Circular Reuse through Smart Monitoring

Anber Abraheem Mohammad — 2026-07-02

This paper explores the role that traceability and the use of predictive analytics could play in improving the durability and reusability of bamboo-based building materials. In an effort to better understand the problem being solved, a web-based monitoring platform has been developed across bamboo building projects in Jordan leveraging the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, machine learning modelling algorithms, and a web-based dashboard. The data generated from the installed sensors was modelled using algorithms such as the Random Forest algorithm and the XG Boost algorithm. Additionally, interviews were done. Analysis revealed improved durability in the digitally traceable bamboo parts compared to the manually inspected parts through the increased residual strength of 9–12% and a life span of about three months. Introduction of environmental factors enabled the life span recalibration in the digital-twin system (R² = 0.89) compared to the previous predictions. Reuse circularity in the digital-twin platform improved as 62% of the components were categorized as high-reuse components. A combination of predictive intelligence and environmental analysis describes a replicable approach for the sustainable management of building materials in data-driven construction environments.

Optimization of the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy–Palm Fiber Composites Using a Simplex Experimental Design

Ali Rakrouk — 2026-07-17

This article presents a study on the development of environmentally friendly materials. In the current context of environmental preservation, facing climate change and the search for material solutions, the development of ecological materials has become essential. Composites reinforced with natural fibers offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. Among these fibers, palm fibers stand out for their low cost, lightness, and abundance. Derived from agricultural waste, they contribute to the valorization of local resources while reducing environmental impact. Their use promotes the development of high-performance and ecological composites. The objective of this study was to develop epoxy matrix composites reinforced with palm fibers. A simplex experimental design was used to vary the fiber concentration from 5% to 20%, while maintaining a constant resin/hardener ratio. The physical and mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests, viscosity analysis, and density measurements. The results indicate a continuous improvement in stiffness, with the Young's modulus increasing from 2 GPa to 3.67 GPa when the fiber content reached 20%. Tensile strength reached a maximum value of 62 MPa at a fiber content of 15%, before decreasing, suggesting an optimal concentration. This study confirms that palm fibers can serve as durable and effective reinforcements for optimized composite designs.