Journal of Building Materials and Structures

Comparative Analysis of Flexural Strength in Timber-Reinforced Concrete Beams Using African-Birch Timber and Steel Reinforcement

2026-01-09T18:24:53+00:00

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of African-Birch (AB) Timber-Reinforced Concrete (ABTRC) as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional steel-reinforced concrete. The objectives were to determine some material properties (e.g. specific gravity, moisture content, fineness modulus, sieve analysis etc.), develop mix designs, and evaluate the flexural strength of ABTRC beams. Four reinforcement configurations {Steel (hanger bar) + Steel (main bar), Steel (hanger bar) + AB (main bar), AB (hanger bar) + Steel (main bar), and AB (hanger bar) + AB (main bar)} were tested, with beams cured for 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Some physical properties were determined for African-Birch timber (specific gravity, moisture content and tensile strength), fine and coarse aggregates. A mix design was developed using the BS 196-3-2016 (1:2.39:3.24 and water-cement ratio of 0.6). The flexural strength was evaluated using a 3-point bending test on a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The results/findings demonstrated a significant 127% increase in flexural strength for Steel (hanger bar) + Steel (main bar), while AB (hanger bar) + Steel (Main bar) improved by 19.32%. AB (hanger bar) + AB (main bar) exhibited the lowest strength values. While Steel-based and hybrid configurations showed minimal density changes, AB (hanger bar) + AB (main bar) experienced a 22.32% reduction. Additionally, ultimate loadingss increased by 19.4% for AB (hanger bar) + Steel (main bar) and 27.1% for Steel (hanger bar) + Steel (main bar), highlighting the potential of African-Birch timber for sustainable construction applications.

Perspectives of construction workers on the management of Concrete Waste on Construction Sites: A Case study of Ho Municipality, Ho, Ghana

2026-01-09T18:24:43+00:00

Many countries worldwide are experiencing rapid population expansion and urbanization, which increase building activity and, therefore, waste generation. To reduce and manage waste, a thorough understanding of the factors that contribute to its formation is required. This study examines concrete waste management on construction sites in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. The purpose is to examine the reasons behind on-site concrete waste and the techniques for managing it. The study's findings demonstrated that the main factors contributing to on-site concrete waste were rework because of broken equipment, workmanship error, negligence, and supervisor neglect of inspection. The recycling of concrete waste generated on-site, disposal of concrete waste generated at permitted landfills, and reuse of concrete waste generated on-site are the most efficient means of handling and disposal of concrete waste on-site. The study discovered that training workers on ways to handle concrete to avoid wastage, using proper mix during production to avoid waste, and proper and effective supervision when producing and placing concrete were efficient ways of minimizing concrete waste at construction sites. The study recommended that an adequate construction waste management plan is required to aid professionals in minimizing waste and to involve all other stakeholders in such a plan.

Acid Resistance and Strength Performance of Bamboo Leaf Ash–Bone Ash Concrete under Simulated Acid Rain Conditions

2026-01-09T18:24:51+00:00

Concrete infrastructure in oil and gas environments faces rapid degradation due to exposure to acid rain and chemically aggressive discharges. Conventional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete is particularly vulnerable in such zones, necessitating the development of more durable and sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the use of Bamboo Leaf Ash (BLA) and Bone Ash (BA) as partial OPC replacements for enhancing concrete's resistance to acid attack. A binary pozzolanic system was developed by replacing OPC with 5–30% BLA–BA blends while maintaining a fixed water-to-binder ratio. Concrete mixes were evaluated for slump, compressive strength (3–56 days), hardened density, and acid resistance through mass loss and residual strength after 28-day immersion in a simulated acid rain solution (1% H₂SO₄ + 1HNO₃). Statistical techniques including ANOVA, regression modeling, and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to analyze and predict performance trends. The optimum mix, containing 10% BLA + 5% BA, achieved a 28-day strength of 33.14 N/mm², residual strength retention of 97.59%, and the lowest mass loss (2.4%) under acid exposure. Regression models yielded R² values exceeding 0.84, indicating strong predictive reliability. Visual inspection confirmed reduced surface degradation compared to the control. These findings demonstrate that BLA–BA concrete offers superior acid durability and aligns with sustainability objectives through waste valorization and reduced cement demand. The proposed mix is particularly suitable for acid-prone infrastructure in refineries, petrochemical plants, and industrial wastewater systems.

Effect of Incineration Temperatures and Time on the Rice Husk Ash (RHA) Silica Structure: A comparative study to the literature with experimental work

2026-01-09T18:29:12+00:00

Controlled burning of rice husk can produce amorphous rice husk ash (RHA) with high silica content which can significantly enhance the properties of concrete. This study has been undertaken to investigate the relationship between the incineration temperatures and time to produce RHA with ultimate reactivity. The rice husk samples were incinerated in an electrical muffle furnace at 350°C, 400°C, 425°C 450°C, 475°C, and 500°C for 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. The silica structure in the Rice Husk Ash (RHA) was determined using X-Ray diffraction analysis. The results show that RHA appeared to be the totally amorphous when the husk incineration up to 425°C for 60 and even at 90 minutes. However, with increased temperature to 450°C, 475°C and 500°C, traces of crystalline silica (quartz) were detected. Nonetheless, is unable to be considered as it does not impact the ash structure. In conclusion, the result gives an idea of the temperature and the time required for the production of ash from rice husk with totally amorphous form.

Mechanical, Statistical, and Reliability Analysis of Sustainable Pervious Concrete Incorporating Calcium Carbide Waste and Broken Ceramic Tiles

2026-01-09T18:24:46+00:00

This study explores the development of sustainable pervious concrete by employing broken ceramic tiles (BCT) as a partial coarse aggregate replacement (7–20%) and calcium carbide waste (CCW) as a partial cement replacement (5–20%). The mechanical performance was assessed using tests for compressive and splitting tensile strength at 7 and 28 days. The correlation between these strengths was determined using statistical regression analysis. Additionally, a probabilistic reliability analysis was employed to assess the structural safety of the mixes in relation to a target strength of 15 MPa. The results show that while higher replacement levels considerably decrease strength because of increased porosity and reduced bonding, moderate replacement levels (5% CCW and 7% BCT) produce optimal mechanical performance. According to the results of the regression analysis, splitting tensile strength makes up around 5–6% of compressive strength at 28 days, and the relationship was statistically significant. Furthermore, the reliability analysis revealed that mixes with more than 15% combined replacement were unreliable, whereas the mix with 5% CCW and 7% BCT exhibits high structural reliability (β > 4.5). By confirming the complementary usage of CCW and BCT in pervious concrete, this study provides a risk-informed framework for producing sustainable mixtures that ensure both structural safety and environmental benefits.

Assessing the Performance of Glueberry Fruit Powder as Viscosity Modifying Admixture for Self-Compacting Concrete Production

2026-01-09T18:24:44+00:00

Glueberry fruit powder has been used to enhance the viscosity of flour for the production of glutten-free biscuits with limited use for self-compacting concrete. It is for this reason that this study investigated the potential use of glueberry fruit powder as a viscosity modifying admixture for the production of self-compacting concrete. Both fresh and hardened properties were measured, at varying percentage addition levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight of cement, and indicated as A₀ (control), B₅, B₁₀, B₁₅ and B₂₀ (experimental) respectively. A total of 120 cubes and 60 cylinders, were prepared and tested for the 7, 14, 28 and 90 days, curing phases. At a constant water/cement ratio and Conplast SP 430 addition, varied glueberry powder dosage caused an increase in setting times, plastic viscosity, flowability, passing-ability and segregation resistance, with further addition. Strength properties increased to maximum values at the 15% addition compared to the control and dropped with further addition in all curing durations. Water absorption decreased significantly to the 15% addition and marginally at the 20% addition compared to the control. The study recommended 15% glueberry fruit powder addition by weight of cement for the production of self-compacting concrete in hotter environments.

The impact of admixtures on the rheological properties of self-compacting concrete with and without fly ash: A review

2026-01-09T18:24:50+00:00

Although admixtures typically represent only 1–3% of the cement content, they play a crucial role in one cubic meter of concrete. Despite its low proportion, it significantly influences the rheological properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC), particularly in terms of placement, pumping, and segregation resistance, thereby affecting flowability, compressive strength, structural compactness, and durability.

The literature serves as a valuable resource for acquiring the necessary knowledge. A comprehensive synthesis of admixtures was carried out, compiling various results from existing research to deepen the understanding of their impact on the rheology of self-compacting concrete. This study highlighted the determination of a new coefficient, K, which is essential for accurately adjusting the required water content and thus optimizing the rheological properties of concrete.