Utilisation of Waste Materials in the Construction Industry – A Critical Review

Abstract

With a significant increase in both commercial and residential waste, as well as industrial byproducts such as fly ash, silica fume, and ground granulated blast furnace slag, there is a growing recommendation for utilising these materials in concrete construction. This not only helps reduce pollution but also enhances the characteristics of concrete. The global trend of utilising waste materials in civil structures construction is gaining momentum, aiming to decrease the consumption of natural building materials per unit volume of concrete. Moreover, substituting a portion of cement with waste products can potentially reduce the energy consumption associated with concrete production. Incorporating mineral admixtures in concrete mixes has improved compressive strength, pore structure, permeability, and construction costs. This article comprehensively reviews recent studies on using waste materials in the construction industry.