Analyzing damages at concrete structures due to physical, chemical, and mechanical exposures need the application of innovative non-destructive testing methods that are able to trace spatial changes of microstructures. Here, the utility of three different crack detection methods for the analysis of computed tomograms of various cementitious building materials is evaluated. Due to the lack of re...

An examination of the building materials sector raised two critical questions: Why do more firms in the building materials sector not attempt to directly gauge end-users’ preferences? And, why do many materials producers employ self-limiting definitions of building materials? The sector was analyzed using transaction cost economics and network theory. A framework was then developed for material...

The geotechnical behaviour of expansive clay soils is investigated by looking into the geomorphologic, geological and climatic conditions and mineralogical composition of the soils in the study area. The geotechnical results are linked with the performance of the foundation as well as structures. Since swell potential and swell pressure are key properties of expansive soils, the swell parameter...

This paper presents the experimental and theoretical results of applying resonant acoustic spectroscopy (RAS) to determine elastic parameters and losses in such consolidated granular materials as rock and building bricks. First, the theoretical aspects of the RAS method are outlined. A computer code for the rectangular and cylindrical samples was developed and tested. The results of experiments...

Usually, the corn cob is considered an agriculture waste. This natural and organic waste material may be used in the industry, in general, and in the building industry, in particular. The work presented in this paper was developed in order to give a contribution to the knowledge of this material, by attempting to describe and assess its macrostructure and microstructure, elementary chemical com...

The utilization of many industrial byproducts in the construction industry is now well-developed as it helps in improving the sustainability in two ways. First, reuse of the materials which otherwise will burden the environment and will be occupying scarce land resource. Second, it minimizes the degradation of land and the environment as a result of comparatively less digging. Quantities of was...