Environmental Advancements in Building Science: Microbial Technologies, Composite Structures, and Resource-Efficient Materials

This review article examines recent advancements in durable construction technologies, focusing on three interconnected domains: microbial applications in construction materials, composite beam structures with post-tensioning, and advanced modeling techniques. The paper synthesizes findings from over 40 recent studies to provide a comprehensive overview of current research trends, methodological approaches, and practical applications. Key findings highlight the significant improvements in material properties achieved through microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), with strength increases of up to 80% reported in some studies. The enhanced structural performance of composite beams with external post-tensioning demonstrates load capacity increases of 40-55% for draped tendon configurations, while the degree of shear connection significantly influences overall performance. Advanced modeling techniques, including spatial grillage models and phase field approaches, offer increasingly accurate predictions of structural behavior across multiple scales. The integration of these technologies offers promising pathways toward more durable, durable, and efficient construction practices. This review identifies research gaps and suggests future directions for advancing durable construction technologies, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches that combine biological, structural, and computational innovations.