Development of Concrete using different Industrial Waste Materials

The traditional production of concrete contributes significantly to environmental degradation, primarily due to cement manufacturing, which accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions and overuse of natural aggregates. At the same time, the construction industry continues to produce massive industrial wastes posing a two-fold sustainability problem. Sustainable construction of concrete entails utilizing industrial waste products as additional cementitious materials (SCMs)and aggregate substitutes. This paper critically reviews the applications of fly ash, coal bottom ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume, rice husk ash, metakaolin, recycled concrete aggregate, steel slag, copper slag, quarry dust and waste foundry sand in the development of concrete. The scope of this study encompasses mechanical performance durability characteristic environmental benefits and economic feasibility. The results of the literature show that the ternary SCM with optimized compositions (7.5% fly ash, 7.5% silica fume, and 7.5% GGBS) can attain compressive strengths of more than 85 MPa with high durability, as shown by the value of chloride permeability. The replacement of coal bottom ash by 20 % results in similar strength and high chloride resistance. Rice husk ash is found to increase strength and cut down on water uptake whereas the recycled concrete aggregates to a 50% replacement will still be able to provide structural capability that is below-average in mixes mixed with SCM. Life cycle assessment embodied carbon savings of as much as 19% and massive economic savings. In spite of these benefits, there are still problems associated with material variability, standardization, and long-term performance. This review suggests applying the circular economy’s tenets to concrete technology.