Search Results (485)

The use of vegetable fibers (VFs) in cement-based composites has increased in recent years owing to their minimal environmental impact and notable particular properties. VFs have aroused interest within the scientific community because of their potential as a sustainable alternative for construction. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of VFs in cement composites using data from the Scopus database and scientometric tools to explore publication trends, influential sources, and research directions. Key findings reveal a steady increase in publications, with Construction and Building Materials identified as a leading journal in the field and China and Brazil as prominent contributors in terms of publications and citations. The analysis highlights a strong focus on mechanical properties and durability, reflecting the interest of the scientific community in optimizing VF composites for construction. Furthermore, this study includes a revision of the most influential studies addressing VF classification, durability improvements, and advanced applications of VFs in building applications. Finally, future research opportunities are outlined, emphasizing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), industry integration, CO₂ absorption, and the application of machine learning techniques to advance the development of VF composites. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the field, suggesting future guidelines and promoting collaborative research. Full article

As investors increasingly incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their decision-making, sustainable Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have gained prominence in both investment portfolios and financial research. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Sustainable ETF research landscape by utilizing scientometric and bibliometric methods with tools such as VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace. Drawing from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, the study identifies key thematic areas, influential authors, and emerging trends. The findings highlight the conceptual evolution of Green ETFs, from early definitions focused on ESG-aligned investments to more complex instruments incorporating diversified screening criteria and advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence. Practical challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies, high implementation costs, and limited investor education are underscored as critical barriers to broader adoption. Future trends reveal the growing role of blockchain technology for ESG verification, crisis-specific ETF models, and the development of more inclusive screening strategies. Strategically, Green ETFs demonstrate resilience during market volatility and support sustainability-driven investment frameworks. The study provides valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing Green ETFs’ role in driving sustainable finance and offering actionable guidance for optimizing ESG investment strategies. Full article

Scientometric analysis using the Scopus database and VosViewer program identified the critical directions of development of this or that field to identify promising technologies and to understand how these achievements affect the practice of design and construction. According to the analytics, the average number of articles per year on the topic of structural fire resistance and flame retardants increased by 18% compared to the previous period, and according to preliminary data, the trend will continue in 2024. Among the most cited papers, studies on composite materials and polymers dominate. Among the most productive researchers in the field of flame retardancy of materials are Hu, Yuan (54 papers), Wang, WeiYong (47 papers), and Jiang, Jian (39 papers). According to Scopus, research papers on this topic have been published in 2175 sources. The leading journal in terms of the number of published papers is Fire Safety with 250 publications, but journals such as Fire and Buildings of MDPI Publishing are strongly increasing the pace. Chinese researchers are actively studying various aspects of fire resistance of materials and have published 40% of all papers. Keyword analysis revealed a lack of papers on calculation of fire resistance of structures with fire protection means, calculation of fire resistance of composite structures, and 3D-printed structures compared to the number of articles on the reliability (strength calculation) of building structures. Full article

Building information modeling (BIM) has been widely applied throughout the entire lifecycle of projects in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. The errors in BIM models can lead to significant losses in engineering projects, thus leading to BIM-based model checking (BMC) technology garnering an increasing amount of attention. Despite numerous documents detailing the BMC process, there is a lack of systematic analysis and visualization of existing research. This study employs a combined approach of scientometric analysis and a critical review to survey articles on BMC published from 2008 to 2024 in the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases. The scientific analysis objectively presents the status and evolution of this research field through quantitative data, including publications, authors, and references. Furthermore, the critical review is employed to analyze the content of the articles, summarizing the topics and challenges of current research. Finally, potential promising directions for future development are proposed. Full article

The construction industry builds infrastructure and strengthens the global economy, but it struggles with cost overruns. This systematic study used scientometrics and Social Network Analysis to examine the multifaceted factors causing construction project cost escalations. After reviewing 405 scholarly works, the research mapped and analyzed 66 interconnected cost overrun factors in 69 high-impact studies between 2000 and 2024. To uncover the patterns, the study used two main research methods. First, this study applied a scientometric analysis that reviewed trends and gaps from the previous studies. Second, this study used Social Network Analysis (SNA) to examine how different factors were connected and which factors had the strongest influence on cost overruns. The methodology comprised a systematic literature search, document selection, scientometric analysis, factor standardization, and an SNA application. Seven critical drivers with high network centrality were identified: planning and scheduling issues, project estimation inaccuracies, design inefficiencies, negative weather conditions, scope definition challenges, contractual ambiguities, and unforeseeable site conditions. By applying the SNA degree centrality (DC), the analysis quantified the significance of each factor within the network. With the use of this dual analysis, a novel mapping of the main causes of cost overruns was produced, leading to the discovery of seven core factors that significantly affected project outcomes, including planning and scheduling issues, project estimation problems, and design inefficiencies. The findings advance the knowledge of the dynamics of cost overruns and offer practical insights for enhancing cost management practices in the construction industry. Full article

The resilient city plays an increasingly important role in coping with the challenges raised by economic, social, and environmental risks. In this review, we examine approximately 27,094 papers published in the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) and perform extensive bibliometric and scientometric analyses to identify the research themes, evolutionary history, and potential research trends in the state of the art in resilient city studies. Seven main resilient city research themes are identified, with significant differences persisting across regions. Specifically, the research on resilient cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America reveals clear regional characteristics in macro development planning and strategies, technological methods, urban economic growth, urban water resource protection, and so on. The analysis also reveals the collaborative networks among different countries and regions in the study of resilient cities. The evolutionary history of resilient city research shows that it has gradually evolved from a single research field into a multidisciplinary field and further formed a unique discipline. Moreover, the urban ecological environment, urban economic development, urban sprawl, and urban mobility have become key research hot spots and trends in resilient city research. This study provides a systematic and data-driven analytical demonstration of resilient city research, which provides empirical support for policy formulation and practice. Full article

In hot and humid work environments, construction workers can experience heat stress and heat-related illnesses (HRIs). While several studies have investigated engineering and administrative control methods to prevent certain heat stress risk factors, a comprehensive understanding of all existing risk factors and their corresponding control strategies is still lacking. It is crucial to identify gaps in current control strategies and develop a safety management framework for effective heat stress control by implementing existing measures. In addition, the effectiveness of the most common control strategies must be rigorously evaluated to ensure their efficacy and to guide future research aimed at enhancing these strategies or developing more effective ones. This study employed a mixed literature review methodology to address this knowledge gap. A structured literature review investigated and synthesized heat stress risk factors and control methods to find the gaps in control options to address underestimated risk factors. Furthermore, a comprehensive systematic literature review, including trend analysis, scientometric analysis, and meta-analysis, determined research foci and evaluated the effectiveness of the heat stress control methods. The scientometric analysis identified 11 clusters, encompassing key research themes such as environmental risk factors (e.g., high-temperature environments, climate change), administrative controls (e.g., work–rest schedules, climate change risk assessment), and personal interventions (e.g., cooling vests and sleep-related strategies). These findings highlight that the most commonly studied control methods are cooling vests, work–rest schedules, and cooling interventions. According to these results and the availability of quantitative results, the meta-analysis evaluated nine datasets of reductions in core body temperature by using types of cooling vests and anti-heat-stress uniforms and established the significant effectiveness of this control strategy in mitigating heat stress with a medium effect size. Moreover, five potential research studies have been identified to address gaps in control strategies for certain underestimated risk factors, including leveraging sensor technologies, conducting control training, dynamic work–rest schedules, using cutting-edge PPE, and governmental initiatives. Insights gained from this study enhance decision making for resource allocation, selection of control options, and intervention prioritization within a heat-stress-control framework based on the safety management system. The findings also highlight the effectiveness of cooling vests and areas that need to be developed, and evaluate potential heat-stress-control methods in construction. Full article

This article serves as a review of the current challenges in bridge engineering, specifically addressing the transition effect and the utilization of recycled materials. It aims to identify research gaps and propose innovative approaches, paving the way for future experimental studies. As a review article, the authors critically analyze the existing literature on the transition effects in bridge construction, their causes, and their negative impacts. Integral bridges are discussed as a solution designed to work in conjunction with road or rail embankments to transfer loads, minimizing maintenance and construction costs while increasing durability. Particular attention is given to the potential use of modified plastic composites as an alternative material in integral bridge structures. This concept not only addresses the issue of plastic waste but also promotes the long-term use of recycled materials, a key consideration given recycling limitations. This article highlights the importance of the connection between the embankment and the abutment and provides examples of polymer applications in bridge engineering. By outlining the state of the art, this review identifies future development paths in this niche, but promising, field. Almost 240 literature items were analyzed in detail, and works containing 475 different key words contained in about 3500 individual works were used for scientometric analysis. The results of the analysis clearly indicate the novelty of the presented subject matter. Full article

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) offer significant improvements in safety, energy density, and cycle life over conventional lithium-ion batteries, with promising applications in electric vehicles and grid storage due to their non-flammable electrolytes and high-capacity lithium metal anodes. However, challenges such as interfacial resistance, low ionic conductivity, and manufacturing scalability hinder their commercial viability. This study conducts a comprehensive scientometric analysis, examining 131 peer-reviewed SSB research articles from IEEE Xplore and Web of Science databases to identify key thematic areas and bibliometric patterns driving SSB advancements. Through a detailed analysis of thematic keywords and publication trends, this study uniquely identifies innovations in high-ionic-conductivity solid electrolytes and advanced cathode materials, providing actionable insights into the persistent challenges of interfacial engineering and scalable production, which are critical to SSB commercialization. The findings offer a roadmap for targeted research and strategic investments by researchers and industry stakeholders, addressing gaps in long-term stability, scalable production, and high-performance interface optimization that are currently hindering widespread SSB adoption. The study reveals key advances in electrolyte interface stability and ion transport mechanisms, identifying how solid-state electrolyte modifications and cathode coating methods improve charge cycling and reduce dendrite formation, particularly for high-energy-density applications. By mapping publication growth and clustering research themes, this study highlights high-impact areas such as cycling stability and ionic conductivity. The insights from this analysis guide researchers toward impactful areas, such as electrolyte optimization and scalable production, and provide industry leaders with strategies for accelerating SSB commercialization to extend electric vehicle range, enhance grid storage, and improve overall energy efficiency. Full article

Conducting comprehensive analyses to predict concrete compressive strength is crucial for enhancing safety in field applications and optimizing work processes. There is an extensive body of research in the literature focusing on predicting the mechanical properties of concrete, such as compressive strength. Summarizing the key contributions of these studies will serve as a guide for future research. To this end, this study aims to conduct a scientometric analysis of contributions that utilize machine learning (ML) models for predicting concrete compressive strength, assess these models, and provide insights for developing optimal solutions. Additionally, it seeks to offer researchers comprehensive information on prominent research themes, trends, and gaps in the literature regarding concrete compressive strength prediction. For this purpose, 2319 articles addressing the prediction of concrete compressive strength, published between 2000 and 19 August 2024, were identified through the Scopus Database. Scientometric analyses were conducted using VOSviewer software. The evaluation of relevant studies demonstrates that ML models are frequently used to predict concrete compressive strength. The advantages and limitations of these models are examined, with a particular emphasis on key considerations when working with complex datasets. A comprehensive analysis of ML models and their practical contributions to field applications distinguishes this study from existing research. This study contributes significantly to the literature by examining leading institutions, countries, authors, and sources in the field, synthesizing data, and identifying research areas, gaps, and trends in concrete compressive strength prediction. It establishes a strong foundation for the design of ML-supported, reliable, sustainable, and optimized structural systems in civil engineering, building materials, and the concrete industry. Full article

The recent years have seen increasing support for open science in academic circles. However, the large number of scientometric databases calls into question the comparability of the search and analysis tools they provide. Using the subject area of regional resilience as an example, in this study, the aim was to analyze the capabilities of widely used databases to serve as alternatives to Scopus and Web of Science in solving research problems. As alternatives, in the present article, the following open, free scientometric databases were considered: AMiner, Wizdom.ai, the Lens, Dimensions, and OpenAlex. Their capabilities were demonstrated for the subject area under study, and the obtained results were compared. The study results showed that alternative databases provide essential data on trends in scientific development. It is noteworthy that they largely replicate the provided data, supplementing and expanding them by using different types of data sources. However, open databases do not guarantee a high quality of materials and exhibit a relatively low level of metadata. Thus, it is premature to abandon the use of Scopus and Web of Science in research activities. Since scientometric databases were developed in different contexts, they are characterized by structural and functional heterogeneity, which complicates their comparison. Therefore, a selective approach should be adopted for the choice of scientometric databases, taking into account financial and other constraints, as well as the specifics of research problems. Full article

This article presents a comprehensive scientometric analysis of mining waste valorization, focusing on tailings utilization in construction materials from 2010 to 2024. Through examination of 1096 Web of Science publications and utilizing CiteSpace mapping and network analyses, we analyze the intellectual structure of this field. Subject category analysis reveals materials science, construction technology, and environmental engineering as the dominant disciplines, interconnected through 168 links across 64 thematic nodes. Our co-citation analysis identifies 12 major research clusters, with materials science and environmental engineering serving as primary disciplinary pillars. Keyword co-occurrence analysis of 532 nodes connected by 1181 links highlights the field’s emphasis on fly ash, concrete applications, and mechanical properties. Recent citation bursts indicate growing research focus on thermal stability, heavy metal treatment, and innovative processing methods. Through synthesizing these scientometric indicators, this review provides strategic insights for advancing sustainable construction practices through mining waste utilization. Research gaps identified include long-term durability assessment, standardization needs, and scalability challenges. By synthesizing these diverse scientometric indicators, this review provides strategic insights for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers, contributing to the advancement of sustainable construction practices through mining waste utilization. Full article

The increasing demand for cement, which is being driven by global urbanization and infrastructure expansion, necessitates sustainable alternatives to be used as construction materials. Cement-based composites, a prevalent construction material, are known for their high carbon footprint. Consequently, exploring sustainable alternatives is urgently needed to curb the environmental impact of the construction sector by capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂). Thus, utilizing biochar (BC) in cement-based composites, either as additive or cement, and in aggregate replacement could be a green approach, by producing enhanced composites with the capabilities of CO₂ sequestration. This review investigates the BC-modified cement composites by performing a scientometric assessment of the Scopus database and a thorough manual review. A scientometric assessment of Scopus-indexed publications retrieved from 2010–2024 was conducted to highlight key research trends, including influential authors, frequently cited works, countries, and institutions. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation of BC research and applications in cement-based composites for sustainable construction. The assessment revealed that the Construction and Building Materials journal was the most prolific source of publications (n = 34), followed by Gupta, with S as the most prolific author (n = 11), and China as the leading country in the field (n = 56). It also highlights the emerging areas for the use of BC in the construction sector for sequestering CO₂ and potential future directions. Additionally, the review discusses BC sources and BC production technologies and characteristics. It also discusses the influence of BC inclusion on the fresh properties, its mechanical properties, durability characteristics, carbon capture capabilities, and the environmental impacts of modified cement-based composites. It has been noted that BC addition to cement-based composites from 1% to 2% can increase its mechanical performance, whereas, beyond a 5% to 6% replacement, they experienced a decline compared to non-modified composites. BC addition has reduced the flow characteristics of the modified composites due to its porous morphology and hydrophobic nature but has shown improved internal curing and reduced shrinkage. It also improved the microstructure of the cement-based composite through pore refinement, due to the filling ability of the BC particles attributed to its specific surface area and size. Additionally, the carbon sequestration potential of BC can be exploited in cement-based composites to create low carbon or carbon-negative building materials with improved mechanical and durability characteristics. The study also highlights the future directions for further studies and implementation strategies of BC as a sustainable construction material at a large scale. Full article

The construction industry’s environmental impact has become a growing concern, largely due to the energy-intensive production of conventional building materials. This paper explores the potential of wood–cement composites as a more sustainable alternative through a comprehensive literature review, including a bibliometric and scientometric analysis of research trends. Our analysis traces the evolution of wood–cement composites from early studies focused on mechanical properties, to recent investigations into their environmental benefits and practical applications. Key findings suggest that optimal performance can be achieved by treating wood with tetraethyl orthosilicate, incorporating additives like cellulose nanocrystals or wollastonite, and using wood from species such as Pinus. While partial cement replacement with wood waste and ash offers significant environmental advantages, precise formulations are needed to maintain structural integrity. This study also acknowledges certain methodological limitations, such as the reliance on keyword-based filtering, which may have excluded some relevant studies. Future research should address long-term durability, economic feasibility, and standardized testing methodologies to facilitate the adoption of wood–cement composites in the construction industry. These materials, particularly suitable for non-structural applications and insulation, hold promise as viable, eco-friendly building solutions capable of reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint. Full article

This study provides a scientometric analysis of research focused on energy theft detection and load profiling in smart grid networks. Data were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, covering publications from 2003 to April 2024. Using the Bibliometrix package and VOSviewer software, we analyzed trends in publications, author productivity, collaborative networks, and key journals. The study highlights significant growth in the research field, with China and the USA emerging as the most productive countries, with strong international collaboration. Nadeem Javaid is identified as a leading author, contributing to publications with a strong focus on the application of deep learning techniques for energy consumption analysis in smart grids. Key journals such as IEEE Access, Applied Energy, and Energies were found to be central to this research area. Our findings highlighted the importance of this area, as smart grid technologies continue to evolve, requiring advanced methodologies to detect non-technical losses and analyze consumption patterns. This research supports the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals related to sustainable energy and infrastructure development, by emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and collaboration in tackling energy theft. Full article