Genādijs Šahmenko
@rtu.lv
Faculty of Civil Engineering
Riga Technical University
EDUCATION
2005 Doctor’s degree of engineering sciences, Riga Technical University, ISCED 2011 – 8.lev.;
1994 Master’s degree of engineering sciences, Riga Technical University, ISCED 2011 – 7.level;
1991 Bachelor’s degree engineering sciences, Riga Technical University, ISCED 2011 – 6.level;
RESEARCH INTERESTS
High Performance Concrete, Cement Composite, Concrete non-destructive testing, Eco-materials, Hemp concrete
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Alise Sapata, Māris Šinka, Genādijs Šahmenko, Lidija Korat Bensa, Lucija Hanžič, Katarina Šter, Sandris Ručevskis, Diāna Bajāre, and Freek P. Bos
MDPI AG
This study investigates the fresh state and hardened state mechanical and durability properties of 3D-printed concrete. The mechanical tests focused on its anisotropic behavior in response to different load orientations. Compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths were evaluated relative to the print layers orientation. Results showed that compressive strength varied significantly, achieving 85% of cast sample strength when the load was applied parallel to the print layers ([u] direction), 71% when the load was applied perpendicular to the print object’s side plane ([v] direction), while only reaching 59% when applied perpendicular to the top plane ([w] direction). Similar trends were observed for flexural strength, with average values reaching 75% of cast sample strength when the load was applied perpendicular to the print layers ([v.u] and [w.u] directions), but decreasing to 53% when the load was applied parallel to print layers ([u.w] direction), underscoring the weaknesses at interlayer interfaces. The splitting tensile strength remained relatively consistent across print orientations, reaching 90% of the cast sample strength. Durability assessment tests revealed that 3D-printed concrete exhibits reduced resistance to environmental factors, particularly at the layer interfaces where the cold joint was formed, which are prone to moisture penetration and crack formation. These findings contribute valuable insights into the mechanical and durability properties of 3D-printed concrete, emphasizing the importance of print orientation and interlayer bonding in its performance. This understanding helps guide the optimal use of 3D-printed elements in real-life applications by aligning load or exposure to environmental factors with the material’s strength and durability characteristics.
Lucija Hanžič, Mateja Štefančič, Katarina Šter, Vesna Zalar Serjun, Māris Šinka, Alise Sapata, Genādijs Šahmenko, Evaldas Šerelis, Baiba Migliniece, and Lidija Korat Bensa
MDPI AG
Concrete is an essential construction material, and infrastructures, such as bridges, tunnels, and power plants, consume large quantities of it. Future infrastructure demands and sustainability issues necessitate the adoption of non-conventional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). At the same time, global labor shortages are compelling the conservative construction sector to implement autonomous and digital fabrication methods, such as 3D printing. This paper thus investigates the feasibility of using oil shale ash (OSA) as an SCM in concrete suitable for 3D printing, and collision milling is examined as a possible ash pretreatment. OSA from four different sources was collected and analyzed for its physical, chemical, and mineralogical composition. Concrete formulations containing ash were tested for mechanical performance, and the two best-performing formulations were assessed for printability. It was found that ash extracted from flue gases by the novel integrated desulfurizer has the greatest potential as an SCM due to globular particles that contain β-calcium silicate. The 56-day compression strength of concrete containing this type of ash is ~60 MPa, the same as in the reference composition. Overall, collision milling is effective in reducing the size of particles larger than 10 μm but does not seem beneficial for ash extracted from flue gasses. However, milling bottom ash may unlock its potential as an SCM, with the optimal milling frequency being ~100 Hz.
Slava Markin, Genadijs Sahmenko, Aleksandrs Korjakins, and Viktor Mechtcherine
MDPI AG
This study examined the impact of various foam concrete production techniques on pore size distribution and its water absorption properties. Techniques such as the use of a cavitation disintegrator and a turbulent mixer were employed to produce foam concrete. Six foam concrete compositions, with dry densities ranging from 820 to 1480 kg/m3 and compressive strength up to 47 MPa, were prepared. A novel method for digital image correlation was applied to analyse the pore size distribution within the foam concrete specimens. The manufactured foam concrete specimens’ porosity and water absorption indices were determined. The experimental results, including compression strength and water absorption, indicated that the production technique significantly affects the pore size distribution in foam concrete, impacting its mechanical and durability properties. Compressive strength was assessed at curing intervals of 7, 28, and 180 days. Cavitation technology was found to promote the formation of a finer porous structure in foam concrete, resulting in enhanced strength properties.
Aleksandrs Korjakins, Girts Kolendo, Vitalijs Lusis, Laura Spure, Kaspars Bondars, Diana Bajare, and Genadijs Sahmenko
MDPI AG
The performance of high-performance concrete has been enhanced in the present study by incorporating non-metallic fibres without altering the binder content. The impact of these fibres on high-performance concrete flexural and compression characteristics and the arrangement of fibres within the composite were systematically analysed. Unlike conventional practices, the authors of the research introduce various non-metallic fibres, including alkali-resistant glass fibres, carbon microfibers, three types of polypropylene microfibers, and one type of polyvinyl alcohol fibre while maintaining an equal amount of binder. The research aims to comprehensively evaluate the fibre’s influence on cement composite properties. Various types of non-metallic fibres, highlighting differences in diameters and their physical-mechanical properties with a constant amount by volume, have been considered in the research. Alkali-resistant glass and carbon fibres exhibit low values of residual post-cracking force but polyvinyl alcohol fibres demonstrate the best post-cracking behaviour, with a residual post-cracking force value. This detailed examination of fibre distribution and composition sheds light on the nuanced effects on fresh and hardened concrete properties. Notably, this work diverges from existing research by maintaining a constant binder amount and considering the quantitative distribution of fibres in a unit volume of the cement matrix, along with their aspect ratio. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting the most suitable non-metallic fibres for enhancing high-performance concrete properties.
G. Sahmenko, S. Rucevskis, V. Lusis, L. Spure, A. Korjakins, K. K. Annamaneni, and D. Bajare
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Piotr Łapka, Fabian Dietrich, Piotr Furmański, Maris Sinka, Genadijs Sahmenko, and Diana Bajare
Elsevier BV
Elza Briuka, Dmitrijs Serdjuks, Pavel Akishin, Genadijs Sahmenko, Andrejs Podkoritovs, and Raimonds Ozolins
MDPI AG
This study addresses the enhancement of material efficiency and reduction in brittleness in timber-to-concrete adhesive connections for beam-type timber and timber-concrete composite panels. The research explores the potential benefits of adding longitudinal timber ribs to cross-laminated timber (CLT) beam-type panels. Three groups of flexure-tested specimens were analysed as follows: (1) timber panels (1400 mm × 400 mm) with two 100 mm thick CLT panels and two 60 mm thick CLT panels reinforced with 150 × 80 mm timber ribs; (2) eight specimens (600 mm × 100 mm × 150 mm) with CLT members (600 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm) connected to a 50 mm concrete layer using granite chips and Sikadur-31 (AB) epoxy adhesive; (3) six CLT panels (1400 mm × 400 mm × 50 mm) bonded to a 50 mm concrete layer, with two panels containing polypropylene microfibres and two panels incorporating polyethene dowels for mechanical connection. Specimens were subjected to three-point bending tests and analysed using the transformed section method, γ-method, and finite element method with ANSYS 2023R2 software. Results indicated a 53% increase in load-carrying capacity for ribbed CLT panels with no additional material consumption, a 24.8–41.1% increase for CLT panels strengthened with a concrete layer, and improved ductility and prevention of disintegration in timber-concrete composites with polypropylene microfibres.
Genadijs Sahmenko, Liga Puzule, Alise Sapata, Peteris Slosbergs, Girts Bumanis, Maris Sinka, and Diana Bajare
MDPI AG
Over the past decade, 3D printing with concrete has been widely adopted worldwide. The primary drivers for this innovation are the reduction in manual labor and the more efficient use of natural resources. New materials that are suitable for 3D printing are developed, which are characterized by rapid setting and robust physical and mechanical properties. In this study, for the first time, ternary gypsum–cement–pozzolanic (GCP) composites were developed and evaluated for use in 3D printing. These composites are associated with durability in water as Portland cement (PC) while maintaining the rapid hardening properties of gypsum. Two types of secondary gypsum—recycled plasterboard gypsum (RG) and phosphogypsum (PG)—were used as the calcium hemihydrate component. The compressive strength test showed that 37 MPa can be achieved, which is comparable to that of traditional PC-based 3D printable mixtures. For the first time in a 3D print test, it was experimentally proved that GCP mixtures have good stability and buildability up to 35 layers. According to Life Cycle Analysis, elaborated material gives a carbon footprint reduction of up to 40%, compared to traditional PC mortar, thus supporting the sustainable use of this innovative composite.
Agris Rogainis, Dmitrijs Serdjuks, Karina Buka-Vaivade, Pavel Akishin, Genadijs Sahmenko, Elza Briuka, and Vjaceslavs Lapkovskis
MDPI AG
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a simplified design methodology for timber–concrete composite roof and floor structures employing metal web beams, also known as posi-joisted beams, easi-joist, or open web joists, validated through both laboratory experiments and finite element (FE) method analyses. The proposed method integrates the transformed section method and the γ-method, as outlined in Annex B of EN1995-1-1 for mechanically jointed beams. The investigation focuses on roof and floor structures featuring posi-joisted beams, oriented strand board (OSB) sheets connected by screws, and a layer of concrete bonded to the OSB sheets using epoxy glue and granite chips. Two groups, each consisting of four specimens, were prepared for the laboratory experiments. Each specimen comprised two posi-joisted beams, 1390 mm long, connected by OSB/3 boards measuring 400 mm in width and 18 mm in thickness. The beams had a cross-sectional depth of 253 mm, corresponding to beams of grade PS10, with top and bottom chords made from solid timber (95 mm × 65 mm). Bracing members with cross-sections of 100 mm × 45 mm were used to join the bottom chords of the beams. A layer of self-levelling mass SakretBAM, 50 mm thick, was bonded to the OSB/3 boards using SicaDur 31 epoxy glue and granite chips (16–32 mm). The specimens underwent three-point bending tests under static loads, and FE modelling, conducted using Ansys R2 2022 software, was employed for both experimental groups. A comparative analysis of results obtained from the simplified design method, FE simulations, and experimental data revealed that the simplified method accurately predicted maximum vertical displacements of the roof fragment, including posi-joisted beams, with precision up to 11.6% and 23.10% in the presence and absence of a concrete layer, respectively. The deviation between normal stresses in the chords of the beams obtained through the simplified method and FE modelling was found to be 7.69%. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed design methodology for timber–concrete composite roofs with posi-joisted beams.
Girts Bumanis, Pauls Pavils Argalis, Genadijs Sahmenko, Deniss Mironovs, Sandris Rucevskis, Aleksandrs Korjakins, and Diana Bajare
MDPI AG
Up to now, primary resources have been the main choice of raw material selection for production. Now, global market tendencies have brought significant attention to secondary resources as the price has been raised for primary materials, and there is a shortage of their delivery. This could bring an additional effort to increase the recycling level of construction and demolition waste, including expanded polystyrene (EPS). Efforts have been made to develop new efficient building materials with a high content of recycled EPS. In this paper, composite insulation material made of gypsum hemihydrate and recycled EPS beads by casting and compression methods were evaluated, and properties were compared. Thermal and sound insulation properties were characterized. Density from 48 to 793 kg/m3 was obtained and the thermal conductivity coefficient from 0.039 to 0.246 W/(m·K) was measured. Compression strength was from 18 kPa to 2.5 MPa. Composites produced with the compression method have a sound absorption coefficient α > 0.9 in the range from 600 to 700 Hz, while the samples produced by casting showed poor sound absorption with wide deviation. Compression methods had an advantage over the casting method as more homogenous and lightweight materials were produced with improved insulation properties.
Girts Kolendo, Aziza Kuldasheva, Aleksandrs Korjakins, Genadijs Sahmenko, and Diana Bajare
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Abstract The number of end-of-life tyres recycled into crumb rubber varies widely across different countries and regions, depending on factors such as local regulations, infrastructure, and demand for the product. According to the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG), the global production of crumb rubber from end-of-life tires was estimated to be around 12.7 million metric tons. This study is devoted to the development of cement composites where the sand was partially and fully replaced with a specially prepared fine fraction of crumb rubber. Partial replacement of sand with crumb rubber changes the workability of the concrete. The lighter concrete composite may also have improved acoustic and thermal insulation properties. Complete substitution of sand with crumb rubber leads to a lighter concrete composite, featuring reduced densities and enhanced ductility. In these experiments, prisms of dimensions 40×40×160 mm were produced, with various mixes where we changed the amount of replaced sand with crumb rubber and water-cement ratios. These samples were tested for strength in flexure and compression, simultaneously producing force-deflection curves indicating that the rubber granules prevent brittle failure. By full sand replacement, a lightweight cementitious composite was obtained, with the potential for use as acoustic absorption materials and shock energy absorbing layers, but careful consideration of the specific application and mix design is necessary to ensure optimal performance and sustainability. Replacing sand entirely resulted in a lightweight cementitious composite, with densities of 2222 kg/m3 for 10 % replacement and 1525 kg/m3 for 100 % replacement by volume. This material holds promise for applications in acoustic absorption and shock energy absorption. However, achieving optimal performance and sustainability requires thoughtful consideration of the specific application and mix design.
Ervins Blumbergs, Viktors Mironovs, and Genadijs Sahmenko
Rezekne Academy of Technologies
The relevance of the topic of the work was shown by the accident of a multi-storey residential building in Miami, which was caused by corrosion of steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete.There is a need to maintain the bearing capacity of structures for a long time in a humid climate, aggressive environmental influences and temperature fluctuations with a lower consumption of materials used.The use of titanium will allow changing some parameters of titanium concrete structures in comparison with reinforced concrete structures. The protective layer of concrete, which serves to protect the reinforcement from the effects of the external environment, will be significantly reduced. This will help to reduce the mass of concrete structures while maintaining strength properties and will allow you to create lighter structures that can withstand heavy loads.Strength tests were carried out on concrete blocks reinforced with smooth iron or titanium rods Ø10 mm, which showed the prospects of replacing steel reinforcement with titanium reinforcement in reinforced concrete.
Genadijs Sahmenko, Maris Sinka, Ugis Paurins, and Diana Bajare
IOP Publishing
Abstract Eco materials derived from natural plant fibres and mineral binders are an alternative solution for modern ecological construction. This research is devoted to developing production technology for ecological high-performance fibre composite materials based on hemp shives and magnesium binder. The proposed composite wall structures consist of outer envelope layers made from dense hemp composite and middle insulation layer made from a lightweight hemp composite. The article describes the process of manufacturing a hemp composite boadr and the process of creating a three-layer structure of the outer wall. Used mix compositions are based on previously elaborated mix compositions based on magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) binder and hemp shives. This study presents the case study of testing samples from hemp composite boards produced in actual industrial conditions. During an experiment, 20% magnesium oxide was replaced as an alternative binder, such as metakaolin and fly ash. The purpose of modifying the compositions of the composite is to increase the water resistance of the material and improvement of the hydraulic properties of the material, as it was previously found that this material is hygroscopic concerning the high humidity of the ambient air.
Jelizaveta Zorica, Maris Sinka, Genadijs Sahmenko, Laura Vitola, Aleksandrs Korjakins, and Diana Bajare
MDPI AG
The share of bio-based materials in modern construction needs to grow more rapidly due to increasingly stringent environmental requirements as a direct result of the climate emergency. This research aims to expand the use of hemp concrete in construction by replacing traditional lime binder with magnesium oxychloride cement, which provides a faster setting and higher strength, opening the door for industrial production. However, the negative feature of this binder is its low water resistance. In this work, the water resistance of magnesium cement was studied, and the possibilities of improving it by adding fly ash, various acids and nano-silica were considered. Nano-silica and citric acid showed the most significant impact, increasing the binder water resistance up to four times, reaching softening coefficient of 0.80 while reducing the compressive strength of the magnesium cement in a dry state by only 2–10%. On the downside, citric and phosphoric acid significantly extended the setting of the binder, delaying it 2–4 times. Regarding board production, prototype samples of hemp magnesium biocomposite demonstrated compressive strength of more than 3.8 MPa in the dry state but only 1.1–1.6 MPa in the wet state. These results did not correlate with binder tests, as the additives did not increase the strength in the wet state.
Michał Kubiś, Piotr Łapka, Łukasz Cieślikiewicz, Genadijs Sahmenko, Maris Sinka, and Diana Bajare
MDPI AG
The evolution of bio-based composites in the building industry is strongly linked with the growing demand for sustainable development, which is relevant nowadays. Hemp shives are a large group of organic residues that are obtained in the process of oil extraction as well as straw processing. These residues could be utilized along with a binder as constituents in the manufacture of bio-based building composites. This study is focused on the impact of density and relative humidity on the effective thermal conductivity of hemp shive-based bio-composites with a magnesium binder. For this reason, a series of samples with variable densities was manufactured and subjected to conditioning in a climatic chamber at a constant temperature and different relative humidity settings. As soon as samples were stabilized, the guarded hot plate method was applied to determine their thermal conductivities. Before each measurement, great care was taken during sample preparation to ensure minimum moisture loss during long-lasting measurements. The results showed that an increase in sample density from 200 kg/m3 to 600 kg/m3 corresponded to up to a three-fold higher composite thermal conductivity. In the case of sample conditioning, a change in relative humidity from a very low value to 90% also resulted in almost 60% average higher thermal conductivity.
Rihards Gailitis, Beata Figiela, Kalvis Abelkalns, Andina Sprince, Genadijs Sahmenko, Marta Choinska, and Martin Duarte Guigou
MDPI AG
One way to prevent cement from ending up in landfills after its shelf life is to regain its activity and reuse it as a binder. As has been discovered, milling by planetary ball mill is not effective. Grinding by collision is considered a more efficient way to refine brittle material and, in the case of cement, to regain its activity. There has been considerable research regarding the partial replacement of cement using disintegrated cement in mortar or concrete in the past few decades. This article determines and compares the creep and shrinkage properties of cement mortar specimens made from old disintegrated, old non-disintegrated, and new non-disintegrated Portland cement. The tests show that the creep strains for old disintegrated and old non-disintegrated cement mortars are close, within a 2% margin of each other. However, the creep strains for new non-disintegrated cement mortar are 30% lower. Shrinkage for old disintegrated and non-disintegrated cement mortar is 20% lower than for new non-disintegrated cement mortar. The research shows that disintegration is a viable procedure to make old cement suitable for structural application from a long-term property standpoint. Additionally, it increases cement mortar compressive strength by 49% if the cement is disintegrated together with sand.
Donatas Sikarskas, Valentin Antonovič, Jurgita Malaiškienė, Renata Boris, Rimvydas Stonys, and Genadijs Šahmenko
MDPI AG
This study addresses the application of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers to improve the performance of lightweight cement composites with pozzolans. Blended cement mixes based on expanded glass granules were modified with PVA fibers (Type A: Ø40 µm, L = 8 mm and Type B: Ø200 µm, L = 12 mm). The following research methods were used to analyse the effect of the fibers on the structure of cement matrix and physical-mechanical properties of lightweight composite: SEM, XRD, DTG, calorimetry tests, and standard test methods of physical and mechanical properties. Results from the tests showed that a denser layer of hydrates was formed around the PVA fiber and the amounts of portlandite, CSH, and CASH formed in the specimens with PVA were found to be higher. PVA fibers of Type A accelerated hydration of the cement paste, slightly increased the compressive strength of the lightweight composite, but had no significant effect on the values of density, ultrasonic pulse velocity and flexural strength. The shrinkage of cement composite was significantly reduced using both types of PVA fiber and both types of PVA fibers increased the fracture energy of lightweight cement composite with expanded granules.
Modests Elemba, Videvuds-Arijs Lapsa, Genadijs Šahmenko, and Aleksandrs Korjakins
IOP Publishing
This work proposes an original and active method for non-destructive testing of concrete and can also be used for other building materials. The proposed method includes the successive steps of: drilling holes into samples of building material with use of rotation or percussion drilling machine and simultaneously determining the power consumption necessary for drilling; strength determination of building material by destructive failure of samples; obtaining a positive empiric correlation between the power consumption necessary for drilling and determined strength values of material; control during drilling the holes in structure material being tested and simultaneously determining the power consumption necessary for drilling; determining the actual strength of structure material being tested by use of correlation between power consumption and material strength values derived in testing process. The application of the method makes strength determination of building materials simpler and faster and also increases the accuracy of testing.
Elvija Namsone, Genadijs Sahmenko, and Aleksandrs Korjakins
Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Increasing energy consumption is forcing the building sector to seek and use building materials and products that would be environmentally friendly. As one such material should be noted magnesium based cements, which production requires much lower calcination temperature than the traditional Portland cement. During the experimental research part of this work, two types of magnesia cement were produced (using magnesium chloride and magnesium sulphate brine solutions) and physical, mechanical properties of obtained cement composites were determined.
G. Šahmenko, M. Sinka, Eva Namsone, A. Korjakins and D. Bajare
Abstract This work is devoted to developing an energy-efficient solution for the external wall and evaluating its environmental impact. Several types of innovative single-layer and sandwich-type wall solutions were analysed and compared. Different constructive and thermal insulation materials were used, including traditional wall materials such as AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) and normal concrete. Advanced materials, such as high-performance foamed concrete (HPFC) and natural biofibre composites, have been evaluated as an alternative solution. Ultra-light foam concrete was applied as an alternative for polymer-based insulation. The next development was sandwich three-layer wall constructions consisting of foam concrete and natural biofibre composites. A prototype of a wall panel was elaborated with outer layers of high-density bio-composite and a middle layer of high porosity hemp composite. Basic properties of sandwich blocks, such as density and thermal conductivity, were evaluated and compared. The environmental impact of the studied wall systems was analysed using a life-cycle assessment (LCA) to assess carbon dioxide emissions during the production phase of the material. The results show that replacing traditional insulation with bio-based materials has greatly reduced the negative environmental impact of the wall elements. A combination of natural fibre bio-composite and mineral insulating foam makes it possible to obtain an eco-friendly and sustainable sandwich-type wall system.
Elvija Namsone, Genadijs Sahmenko, and Aleksandrs Korjakins
Rezekne Academy of Technologies
Building sector is known as one of the biggest polluters, causing environmental pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, most of which are generated during the production process of building materials. Therefore, researchers and manufacturers have become increasingly interested in environmentally friendly materials with low energy consumption. Magnesium based cements are being studied as an alternative to a widespread material as Portland cement, thus reducing the temperature required for calcination. During this research, magnesium binder-based composites using two types of magnesium (local dolomite waste material and caustic magnesia) were produced. Within the framework of this study, several regimes of thermal treatment were used to produce low carbon dioxide and environmentally friendly magnesium binder composites. Physical, mechanical and thermal properties of obtained specimens were tested.
Eva Namsone, Genadijs Sahmenko, Elvija Namsone, and Aleksandrs Korjakins
Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Unlike traditional materials, the development of high-performance foamed concrete with a compressive strength of up to 20 MPa and a density of up to 1400 kg/m3 allows the use of foamed concrete as a constructive material with additional functions including good thermal insulation properties, sound insulation and capillary porosity needed to ensure hydrothermal conditions. Unlike autoclaved aerated concrete, foamed concrete can also be used in monolithic construction.The studies of high strength foamed concrete were performed by using mostly local mineral components and mixing technology by using planetary activator which provides a fundamentally new mixing mode that combines intensive mixing, foaming and activation of components. To realize the experimental part of the research, turbulence type foamed concrete mixer SPBU-LUKS was used.
Elvija Namsone, Genadijs Sahmenko, Irina Shvetsova, and Aleksandrs Korjakins
Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Because of low calcination temperature, magnesia binders are attributed as low-CO2 emission materials that can benefit the environment by reducing the energy consumption of building sector. Portland cement in different areas of construction can be replaced by magnesia binder which do not require autoclave treatment for hardening, it has low thermal conductivity and high strength properties. Magnesium-based materials are characterized by decorativeness and ecological compatibility.The experimental part of this research is based on the preparation of magnesia binders by adding raw materials and calcinated products and caustic magnesia. The aim of this study was to obtain low-CO2 emission and eco-friendly material using local dolomite waste materials, comparing physical, mechanical, thermal properties of magnesium binders.
Maris Sinka, Jelizaveta Zorica, Diana Bajare, Genadijs Sahmenko, and Aleksandrs Korjakins
MDPI AG
The construction industry is one of the largest emitters of CO2 because the production of traditional building materials is highly energy-intensive and uses considerable amounts of raw materials. This research aims to decrease the negative environmental impact of the construction industry by providing biocomposites with a low environmental impact due to their bio-based components and efficient use of the materials through 3D printing. Agricultural waste products—hemp shives—are used in these materials as a filler together with three different types of fast-setting binders—magnesium, calcium sulphoaluminate (CSA) and those that are gypsum-based. The study determines the setting time and compressive strength of these binders, as well as the formation of biocomposites of different densities for different applications; extrusion tests and preliminary life cycle assessment (LCA) are also performed. Results show that biocomposites with hemp shives and fast setting binders have a possible application in 3D printing due to their shape stability and buildability, as well as relatively high compressive strength, which allows for load-bearing use at high densities and thermal insulation use at low densities, although printability at low binder content remains a significant challenge. Preliminary LCA results show that CSA and gypsum binders have the lowest environmental impact from the binders considered.
GRANT DETAILS
Participation at the Latvian Council of Science funding project “Long-term properties of innovative cement composites in various stress-strain conditions” (No. lzp-2018/2-0249")
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Development production technology in paving brick plant, foam concrete plant. Work in testing laboratory.
SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, or ACADEMIC BENEFITS
2008. Member of Latvian Concrete Society (LCA), from 2017. chairman of the board of LCA. duties: the advancement of science in the concrete industry, development of recommendation for new specification, standards and lows in the field of concrete industry.
2016. Member of American Concrete Institute (ACI) Committee 523 – Cellular Concrete.