In the last few years, intensive research has been done to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) using optimization techniques. In this paper, we present an extensive review of artificial neural networks (ANNs) based optimization algorithm techniques with some of the famous optimization techniques, e.g., genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), artificial bee colony (ABC), and backtracking search algorithm (BSA) and some modern developed techniques, e.g., the lightning search algorithm (LSA) and whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and many more. The entire set of such techniques is classified as algorithms based on a population where the initial population is randomly created. Input parameters are initialized within the specified range, and they can provide optimal solutions. This paper emphasizes enhancing the neural network via optimization algorithms by manipulating its tuned parameters or training parameters to obtain the best structure network pattern to dissolve the problems in the best way. This paper includes some results for improving the ANN performance by PSO, GA, ABC, and BSA optimization techniques, respectively, to search for optimal parameters, e.g., the number of neurons in the hidden layers and learning rate. The obtained neural net is used for solving energy management problems in the virtual power plant system.

The safe disposal of an enormous amount of waste glass (WG) in several countries has become a severe environmental issue. In contrast, concrete production consumes a large amount of natural resources and contributes to environmental greenhouse gas emissions. It is widely known that many kinds of waste may be utilized rather than raw materials in the field of construction materials. However, for the wide use of waste in building construction, it is necessary to ensure that the characteristics of the resulting building materials are appropriate. Recycled glass waste is one of the most attractive waste materials that can be used to create sustainable concrete compounds. Therefore, researchers focus on the production of concrete and cement mortar by utilizing waste glass as an aggregate or as a pozzolanic material. In this article, the literature discussing the use of recycled glass waste in concrete as a partial or complete replacement for aggregates has been reviewed by focusing on the effect of recycled glass waste on the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete.

Geopolymer (GP) concrete is a novel construction material that can be used in place of traditional Portland cement (PC) concrete to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and effectively manage industrial waste. Fly ash (FA) has long been utilized as a key constituent in GPs, and GP technology provides an environmentally benign alternative to FA utilization. As a result, a thorough examination of GP concrete manufactured using FA as a precursor (FA-GP concrete) and employed as a replacement for conventional concrete has become crucial. According to the findings of current investigations, FA-GP concrete has equal or superior mechanical and physical characteristics compared to PC concrete. This article reviews the clean production, mix design, compressive strength (CS), and microstructure (Ms) analyses of the FA-GP concrete to collect and publish the most recent information and data on FA-GP concrete. In addition, this paper shall attempt to develop a comprehensive database based on the previous research study that expounds on the impact of substantial aspects such as physio-chemical characteristics of precursors, mixes, curing, additives, and chemical activation on the CS of FA-GP concrete. The purpose of this work is to give viewers a greater knowledge of the consequences and uses of using FA as a precursor to making effective GP concrete.

The environmental concerns of global warming and energy consumption are among the most severe issues and challenges facing human beings worldwide. Due to the relatively higher predicted temperatures (150–180 °C), the latest research on pavement energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission assessment mentioned contributing to higher environmental burdens such as air pollution and global warming. However, warm-mix asphalt (WMA) was introduced by pavement researchers and the road construction industry instead of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) to reduce these environmental problems. This study aims to provide a comparative overview of WMA and HMA from environmental and economic perspectives in order to highlight the challenges, motivations, and research gaps in using WMA technology compared to HMA. It was discovered that the lower production temperature of WMA could significantly reduce the emissions of gases and fumes and thus reduce global warming. The lower production temperature also provides a healthy work environment and reduces exposure to fumes. Replacing HMA with WMA can reduce production costs because of the 20–75% lower energy consumption in WMA production. It was also released that the reduction in energy consumption is dependent on the fuel type, energy source, material heat capacity, moisture content, and production temperature. Other benefits of using WMA are enhanced asphalt mixture workability and compaction because the additives in WMA reduce asphalt binder viscosity. It also allows for the incorporation of more waste materials, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). However, future studies are recommended on the possibility of using renewable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective materials such as biomaterials as an alternative to conventional WMA-additives for more sustainable and green asphalt pavements.

The performance of bituminous materials is mainly affected by the prevailing maximum and minimum temperatures, and their mechanical properties can vary significantly with the magnitude of the temperature changes. The given effect can be observed from changes occurring in the bitumen or asphalt mixture stiffness and the materials’ serviceable life. Furthermore, when asphalt pavement layer are used, the temperature changes can be credited to climatic factors such as air temperature, solar radiation and wind. Thus in relevance to the discussed issue, the contents of this paper displays a comprehensive review of the collected existing 38 prediction models and broadly classifies them into their corresponding numerical, analytical and statistical models. These models further present different formulas based on the climate, environment, and methods of data collection and analyses. Corresponding to which, most models provide reasonable predictions for both minimum and maximum pavement temperatures. Some models can even predict the temperature of asphalt pavement layers on an hourly or daily basis using the provided statistical method. The analytical models can provide straight-forward solutions, but assumptions on boundary conditions should be simplified. Critical climatic and pavement factors influencing the accuracy of predicting temperature were examined. This paper recommends future studies involving coupled heat transfer model for the pavement and the environment, particularly consider to be made on the impact of surface water and temperature of pavements in urban areas.

The use of geopolymer in pavement constructions is strongly encouraged. Many studies have demonstrated the vast potential of using industrial-by-products-based geopolymers. This paper discusses the modification of asphalt binders with geopolymers, namely geopolymer-modified asphalt (GMA) and geopolymer-modified asphalt mixture (GMAM). In addition, curing geopolymer materials, engineering properties, production techniques, and prospective utilisation in the pavement construction, such as durability and sustainability, are also discussed. The literature review showed that many industrial by-products, including red mud, blast furnace slag, fly ash, and mine waste, are used to produce geopolymers because of the metal components such as silicon and aluminium in these materials. The geopolymers from these materials influence the rheological and physical properties of asphalt binders. Geopolymers can enhance asphalt mixture performance, such as stability, fatigue, rutting, and low-temperature cracking. The use of geopolymers in asphalt pavement has beneficial impacts on sustainability and economic and environmental benefits.