Eco-efficient symbio-pozzolanic hydrophobic cementitious binders for sustainable and durable infrastructure Joseph Gnanaraj S, Harisankar V, Abhishek Anil, Vasugi K Scientific Reports, 2026 This study presents the development of an internally hydrophobic cementitious binder through the incorporation of a Symbio-Pozzolanic Composite Hydrophobic Powder (SPCHP), synthesized from fly ash, silica fume, metakaolin, and zinc stearate. SPCHP was introduced as a partial cement replacement at levels ranging from 5% to 40%, and its effects were systematically evaluated in terms of fresh properties, mechanical performance, durability, microstructural behaviour, and cost efficiency. The mix containing 25 wt% SPCHP (HP25) exhibited the most balanced performance, achieving 73% of the compressive strength of the control mortar while imparting strong hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 114°) and reducing water absorption to 4.2%. Enhanced resistance against chloride ingress, sulphate and acid attack, along with improved ultrasonic pulse velocity, confirmed the role of SPCHP in densifying the microstructure and reducing transport properties. Life-cycle benefits were demonstrated through lower CO₂ emissions and favourable cost-to-strength ratios. These findings establish SPCHP as a sustainable material innovation for prolonging the service life of cement-based structures in aggressive environments, with potential for scalable engineering applications.
Eco-efficient symbio-pozzolanic hydrophobic cementitious binders for sustainable and durable infrastructure Joseph Gnanaraj S, Harisankar V, Abhishek Anil, Vasugi K Scientific Reports, 2026 This study presents the development of an internally hydrophobic cementitious binder through the incorporation of a Symbio-Pozzolanic Composite Hydrophobic Powder (SPCHP), synthesized from fly ash, silica fume, metakaolin, and zinc stearate. SPCHP was introduced as a partial cement replacement at levels ranging from 5% to 40%, and its effects were systematically evaluated in terms of fresh properties, mechanical performance, durability, microstructural behaviour, and cost efficiency. The mix containing 25 wt% SPCHP (HP25) exhibited the most balanced performance, achieving 73% of the compressive strength of the control mortar while imparting strong hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 114°) and reducing water absorption to 4.2%. Enhanced resistance against chloride ingress, sulphate and acid attack, along with improved ultrasonic pulse velocity, confirmed the role of SPCHP in densifying the microstructure and reducing transport properties. Life-cycle benefits were demonstrated through lower CO₂ emissions and favourable cost-to-strength ratios. These findings establish SPCHP as a sustainable material innovation for prolonging the service life of cement-based structures in aggressive environments, with potential for scalable engineering applications.
Ontological analysis and statistical modelling in construction workspace management: an integrated approach for enhanced efficiency and safety Alaka Sreedhar, K. Vasugi Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2026 Purpose Workspace management plays a major role in construction sites. However, existing methods remain conventional, addressing aspects in isolation, lacking flexibility and analytical depth. Hence, this study develops a holistic model that integrates path planning, equipment management, labour density, workspace parameters and safety. Design/methodology/approach Parameters influencing workspace management and efficiency were collected through a literature review. A quantitative research approach was adopted. Data were collected by circulating a questionnaire and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS–SEM) was applied to examine the structural relationships among the key workspace parameters. An ontological analysis examined the conceptual interdependencies between the identified parameters. Through statistical analysis, the Relative Importance Index (RII) was determined, and a regression model was developed and validated. Findings The identified parameters significantly impact workspace management and efficiency whereas, ontological analysis revealed interdependencies. PLS–SEM indicated that path planning, equipment hazards and site safety are key predictors, while labour density is a weak predictor. The final regression model achieved strong predictive performance, with path planning being the most influential factor. Practical implications The integrated framework, supported by regression and PLS–SEM, offers project managers a statistical decision-support tool to improve workspace planning, safety and operational efficiency under dynamic site conditions. Originality/value This study presents a novel, multidimensional, integrated data-driven framework that combines ontological analysis linking qualitative reasoning with quantitative validation and PLS–SEM to examine structural relationships among key workspace parameters. A predictive model for optimizing workspace management and enhancing safety is established, representing a methodological and conceptual advancement over existing fragmented approaches.
Development of eco-hydrophobic composite concrete: a multi-scale investigation of strength, durability, and sustainability metrics Joseph Gnanaraj S, Vasugi K Journal of Sustainable Cement Based Materials, 2026 Hydrophobic concretes using silane, siloxane, or fatty acid-based admixtures provide water repellency but often impair hydration efficiency and mechanical strength. Conversely, pozzolanic blends with SCMs enhance microstructural densification yet remain hydrophilic, creating a critical gap for multifunctional admixtures that deliver both hydrophobicity and pozzolanic reactivity. This study investigates M40 grade concrete incorporating Symbio-Pozzolanic Composite Hydrophobic Powder (SPCHP), synthesized from fly ash, silica fume, metakaolin, and zinc stearate, as a fine aggregate replacement (10–30%). The optimum mix (SPCHP20) achieved a 28-day compressive strength of 45.2 MPa, only 2.1% below control, while reducing water absorption and sorptivity by 75% and chloride permeability by 56.6%. Acid and sulfate resistance improved significantly. Microstructural analysis confirmed dense C–S–H gels (Ca/Si = 1.71) with a water contact angle of 116.3°. Life-cycle assessment showed 18.5% lower global warming and 21.3% lower acidification potential, validating SPCHP’s dual hydrophobic–pozzolanic functionality.
Multi-response optimisation of nano-micro-blended concrete using Taguchi–GRA-TOPSIS approach for enhancing carbonation resistance Namitha Raveendran, Vasugi K. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 2026 Carbonation-induced reinforcement corrosion remains a key durability concern in concrete structures. This study explores the use of nano-silica (NS) and metakaolin (MK) as nano-micro-blends to enhance carbonation resistance in concrete. Accelerated carbonation testing, combined with the Taguchi method and integrated GRA-TOPSIS analysis, is employed for multi-response optimisation of carbonation depth. The optimal mix is further utilised to predict the service life using Fick’s Law. The experimental findings revealed that the optimised mix, M5 (2 wt.% NS + 12.5 wt.% MK), achieved a carbonation depth of 2.1 mm at 70 days, reflecting a 63.8% improvement over the control mix (5.8 mm), and also outperformed all other modified mixes (M1 to M4, M6 to M9), which recorded higher depths ranging from 3.2 to 4.5 mm, thereby confirming its comparative advantage. Furthermore, the Taguchi prediction model showed high reliability, with R2 over 92% and errors below 5%. Moreover, the GRA and TOPSIS studies consistently identified the M5 mix as the superior performance. Results showed a 59% reduction in CD, enabling a 50-year service life and highlighting NMBC as a durable, corrosion-resistant solution for harsh environments. Eventually, this NMBC presents a viable strategy for carbonation resistance in concrete for demanding environments.
Sisal fiber as sustainable reinforcement in composite applications: a comprehensive review Vignesh Madasamy, Vasugi K Green Materials, 2026 The construction industry is increasingly seeking sustainable materials to mitigate environmental impacts. This review examines the potential of sisal fiber composites as reinforcement for building components. Valued for their low density (1.3–1.5 g/cm3), high tensile strength (10–700 MPa), and good thermal/acoustic insulation, sisal fibers are a promising alternative to synthetics. The review covers fiber origins, composition, and the critical role of surface treatments. Alkali treatment increases tensile strength by 10.8%, while silane treatment reduces moisture content from 12.8% to 1.7%. Acetylation boosts tensile strength by 30% and reduces fiber diameter by 20%. The suitability of various polymer and cement/concrete matrices is discussed, with microstructural analysis (scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) confirming improvements. Life cycle assessment shows a 20% lower global warming potential against glass fiber composites. Future focus on scalability, standardization, and enhanced functionalization is essential to realize sisal fiber-reinforced composites’ full potential as eco-friendly reinforcements.
Next-Generation Hybrid Machine Learning Model for Dual Property Prediction in Sustainable Concrete Christina Elangbam, M. Vignesh, Rabindra Kumar Singh, Vasugi K Applied Artificial Intelligence, 2026 Predicting concrete compressive strength (CS) and fire resistance (FR) is a crucial difficulty due to the high cost and time required for laboratory tests. This study introduces a hybrid machine learning system aimed at predicting these properties, utilizing nine models derived from 408 mix designs. The methodology utilized involved data cleaning, extensive feature engineering, k-fold cross-validation, and a separate test partition. An important advancement is the development of a dual-property prediction system that utilizes Explainable AI. The Stacking Ensemble and XGBoost algorithms exhibited remarkable accuracy, achieving R2 scores of 0.984 for CS and 0.985 for FR. The mean error recorded was 2.01 MPa for CS and 7.26 minutes for FR. The SHAP analysis clarified the results, identifying the water–cement ratio and cement content as the primary influential factors, consistent with principles of material science. A graphical user interface for a web application was developed to implement this predictive architecture for optimizing mixes in real time. This tool offers engineers prompt predictions, potentially decreasing design cycle times by 60–80% and minimizing dependence on physical testing, thereby promoting a data-driven approach in civil engineering.
Engineering performance and environmental assessment of sustainable concrete incorporating nano silica and metakaolin as cementitious materials Namitha Raveendran, Vasugi Krishnan Scientific Reports, 2025 Abstract The carbon footprint associated with cement production, coupled with depletion of natural resources and climate change, underscores the need for sustainable alternatives. This study explores the effect of metakaolin (MK) and nano-silica (NS) on concrete’s engineering performance and environmental impact. Initially, compressive, tensile, and flexural strength tests, along with durability assessments like water absorption, sorptivity, rapid chloride permeability, and resistance to acid and sulphate attacks, were conducted. Later, X-ray Diffraction spectroscopy and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy were employed for microstructural analysis. Subsequently, the environmental impact of micro and nano materials was assessed using embodied carbon emissions and eco-strength efficiency. The results revealed that the hybrid mixes of 12.50% MK and 2% NS (M7) showed superior performance, demonstrating significant strength enhancements and eco-efficiency, achieving 0.15 MPa/kg CO 2 /m 3 at 28th day. Meanwhile, the MK-only mix (M6) yielded the lowest embodied CO 2 emissions at 330 kg CO 2 /m 3 . MK and NS effectively reduce porosity and enhance durability against environmental factors while lowering clinker content, contributing to sustainability. Furthermore, the microstructural behaviour showed early hydration, dense microstructure and additional Calcium Silicate Hydrate formation, leading to improved properties. The outcomes reveal that the concrete configuration has altered at micro and nano levels by the inclusion of MK and NS, demonstrating their substantial contribution to producing environmentally friendly, effective, and beneficial concrete.
SolarSync - Smart Sun Tracking Technology A. L. Sreeman, S. Angalaeswari, K. Vasugi, Aravindkumar S International Conference on Electrical Energy Systems Icees, 2025
Advancing Construction Scheduling: Unravelling Challenges Through GERT International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering, 2024
Forecasting compressive strength of ambient cured GGBS based sustainable geopolymer concrete by ML technique Journal of Green Engineering, 2020
Ideal location of outrigger system and its efficiency for unsymmetrical tall buildings under lateral loadings International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 2020
Seismic performance of different bracing for steel frames International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 2019
Effect of bracing under different loading for conventional and pre engineering industrial structure International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 2019
Structural behaviour of high rise building using different hexagrid sizes for earthquake loading International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 2019
Structural performance of non-linear analysis of turbo generator building using seismic protection techniques International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering, 2019
Study of corrosion of steel bars in Ggbs based geopolymer concrete International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, 2019
Confinement of concrete by stainless steel tubular sections – A review International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 2019
Comparative study on crushing load of stainless steel tube infilled stub column Arpn Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2018
Wind load analysis for industrial building with different bracing patterns and its comparison with pre engineered building International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 2017
Numerical simulation of RC concrete wall element under accidental explosion by the chemical explosives International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 2017
Capacity Spectrum method on RCC and Composite frame structures International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 2017
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Next-Generation Hybrid Machine Learning Model for Dual Property Prediction in Sustainable Concrete C Elangbam, M Vignesh, RK Singh, V K Applied Artificial Intelligence 40 (1), 2630490 , 2026 2026
Multi-response optimisation of nano-micro-blended concrete using Taguchi–GRA-TOPSIS approach for enhancing carbonation resistance N Raveendran, V K European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering 30 (1), 1-21 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Ontological analysis and statistical modelling in construction workspace management: an integrated approach for enhanced efficiency and safety A Sreedhar, K Vasugi Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 1-31 , 2026 2026
Sisal fiber as sustainable reinforcement in composite applications: a comprehensive review V Madasamy, V K Green Materials, 1-32 , 2026 2026
Eco-efficient symbio-pozzolanic hydrophobic cementitious binders for sustainable and durable infrastructure A Anil Scientific Reports 16 (1), 9290 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Synergistic effects of RSM-driven chemical treatments and surface modification techniques on the thermo-physical and tensile properties of sustainable sisal fibers M Vignesh, K Vasugi Cellulose, 1-27 , 2026 2026
Computational modeling for strength prediction of nano silica-metakaolin blended concrete: a hybrid response surface methodology-machine learning approach N Raveendran, V K, V M Engineering Computations 43 (1), 229-262 , 2026 2026 Citations: 3
Tailored surface energetics and interfacial adhesion in hydrophobic cementitious composites: SHAP-based mechanistic insights into corrosion resistance S Joseph Gnanaraj, K Vasugi Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology 40 (1), 65-93 , 2026 2026 Citations: 6
EEG Signal-based Depression Diagnosis Using BiLSTM Network A Sekar, S Angalaeswari, K Vasugi 2025 IEEE 9th International Conference on Information and Communication … , 2025 2025
A multi-criteria decision-making approach for assessing the bond performance of nano-micro blended concrete under corrosive conditions: A sustainability-centric strategy N Raveendran, K Vasugi Structures 82, 110769 , 2025 2025
DAEENet: A novel Dual Attention based Edge Enhanced network for asphalt pavement deterioration detection and segmentation K Hemanth, K Vasugi Case Studies in Construction Materials, e05436 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Development of eco-hydrophobic composite concrete: a multi-scale investigation of strength, durability, and sustainability metrics J Gnanaraj, K Vasugi JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE CEMENT-BASED MATERIALS , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
SolarSync-Smart Sun Tracking Technology AL Sreeman, S Angalaeswari, K Vasugi 2025 11th International Conference on Electrical Energy Systems (ICEES), 109-113 , 2025 2025
Optimising symbio-pozzolanic composite hydrophobic powder for enhancing mechanical strength and corrosion resistance in cementitious matrix: a response surface methodology approach SJ Gnanaraj, K Vasugi Case Studies in Construction Materials 22, e04736 , 2025 2025 Citations: 14
Neutrosophic fuzzy-based graphical evaluation and review technique for construction scheduling for residential buildings K Pregina, K Vasugi, MR Kannan Intelligent Decision Technologies 19 (4), 2267-2294 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Machine learning optimization of KOH treatment parameters for enhanced tensile strength and cellulose content in sisal fibers: A synergistic approach M Vignesh, K Vasugi Materials Today Communications 45, 112307 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
A Comprehensive Review and Future Directions on Utilization of Agricultural Waste Ash in Geopolymer Concrete M Devadharshini, K Vasugi International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology 73 (9), 125-140 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Engineering performance and environmental assessment of sustainable concrete incorporating nano silica and metakaolin as cementitious materials VK Namitha Raveendran Scientific Reports 15 (1), 1482 , 2025 2025 Citations: 45
Synergistic effect of nano silica and metakaolin on mechanical and microstructural properties of concrete: An approach of response surface methodology N Raveendran, K Vasugi Case Studies in Construction Materials 20, e03196 , 2024 2024 Citations: 53
Evolution of concrete encased–CFST column: a comprehensive review on structural behavior and performance characteristics N Raveendran, K Vasugi Steel and Composite Structures 51 (6), 619 , 2024 2024 Citations: 17
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Synergistic effect of nano silica and metakaolin on mechanical and microstructural properties of concrete: An approach of response surface methodology N Raveendran, K Vasugi Case Studies in Construction Materials 20, e03196 , 2024 2024 Citations: 53
Engineering performance and environmental assessment of sustainable concrete incorporating nano silica and metakaolin as cementitious materials VK Namitha Raveendran Scientific Reports 15 (1), 1482 , 2025 2025 Citations: 45
Experimental testing on mechanical, durability, and adsorption dispersion properties of concrete with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and silica fumes NDKR Chukka, BS Reddy, K Vasugi, YBS Reddy, L Natrayan, ... Adsorption Science & Technology 2022, 4347753 , 2022 2022 Citations: 29
Strength behaviour of geopolymer concrete replacing fine aggregates by M- sand and E-waste BRVK Mahaboob Basha International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology 40 (7), 401-407 , 2016 2016 Citations: 29
Mechanical Behavior of Silica Fume Concrete Filled with Steel Tubular Composite Column LN Maganti Sandeep Kauthsa Sharma, K. Vasugi,S. Umadevi, Yerra Sai Sampath K ... Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 2021 (Article ID 3632991), 1-9 , 2021 2021 Citations: 27
A comprehensive review of hydrophobic concrete: surface and bulk modifications for enhancing corrosion resistance K Joseph Gnanaraj, S. , Vasugi Engineering Research Express 6 (3), 032101 , 2024 2024 Citations: 20
Evolution of concrete encased–CFST column: a comprehensive review on structural behavior and performance characteristics N Raveendran, K Vasugi Steel and Composite Structures 51 (6), 619 , 2024 2024 Citations: 17
Optimising symbio-pozzolanic composite hydrophobic powder for enhancing mechanical strength and corrosion resistance in cementitious matrix: a response surface methodology approach SJ Gnanaraj, K Vasugi Case Studies in Construction Materials 22, e04736 , 2025 2025 Citations: 14
Structural Performance of Non-Linear Analysis of Turbo Generator Building using Seismic Protection Techniques LN Sravya Madupalli, K.Vasugi, Rishikumar International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering 8 (1), 1091-1095 , 2019 2019 Citations: 13
WIND LOAD ANALYSIS FOR INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WITH DIFFERENT BRACING PATTERNS AND ITS COMPARISON WITH PRE ENGINEERED BUILDING VK Seena Somasekharan International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology 8 (4), 1074-1085 , 2017 2017 Citations: 12
Corrosion Resistance for Different Types of Steels Under, Alkaline Solution VS Nadh, K Vasugi INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED RESEARCH JOURNAL IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND … , 2014 2014 Citations: 10
Ideal Location Of Outrigger System And Its Efficiency For Unsymmetrical Tall Buildings Under Lateral Loadings MRS Vasugi.K , V. Swamy Nadh, B. Hema Sumanth INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH 9 (2), 2917-2920 , 2020 2020 Citations: 9
STUDY ON ENGINEERING AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF AMBIENT CURED GP CONCRETE PRODUCE FROM GGBS AND M-SAND DSE Vasugi.K Journal of Critical Reviews 7 (7), 499-506 , 2020 2020 Citations: 7
Tailored surface energetics and interfacial adhesion in hydrophobic cementitious composites: SHAP-based mechanistic insights into corrosion resistance S Joseph Gnanaraj, K Vasugi Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology 40 (1), 65-93 , 2026 2026 Citations: 6
Effect of Bracing under Different Loading for Conventional and Pre Engineering Industrial Structure ST Vasugi.K International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering 8 (1), 118-123 , 2019 2019 Citations: 6
Computational modeling for strength prediction of nano silica-metakaolin blended concrete: a hybrid response surface methodology-machine learning approach N Raveendran, V K, V M Engineering Computations 43 (1), 229-262 , 2026 2026 Citations: 3
Machine learning optimization of KOH treatment parameters for enhanced tensile strength and cellulose content in sisal fibers: A synergistic approach M Vignesh, K Vasugi Materials Today Communications 45, 112307 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Confinement of Concrete by Stainless Steel Tubular Sections –A Review DSE K.Vasugi International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology 8 (3), 468-472 , 2019 2019 Citations: 3
CAPACITY SPECTRUM METHOD ON RCC AND COMPOSITE FRAME STRUCTURES KV Ch. Bhupal Reddy International Journal of Civil Engineering & Technology (IJCIET) 8 (4) , 2017 2017 Citations: 3
