RECYCLING INDUSTRIAL WASTE FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Abstract
The construction industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation due to heavy reliance on conventional building materials, which lead to resource depletion and high carbon emissions. To address these challenges, extensive research has focused on incorporating various industrial waste products, such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume, marble dust, and e-wastes, into construction materials. This review synthesizes recent experimental investigations, highlighting the mechanical performance, durability aspects, microstructural properties, sustainability, economic feasibility, and practical applications of waste-enhanced construction composites. Results demonstrate notable improvements in strength, reduced permeability, enhanced resistance to chemical attacks, lower environmental footprints, and economic benefits. Nonetheless, variability in waste quality, lack of standardization, and limited long-term performance data remain key challenges. Future research directions include exploring underutilized waste materials, long-term durability assessments, integration with green certification frameworks, and adopting digital optimization tools. This comprehensive review underscores the substantial potential of industrial wastes as sustainable, economical, and technically viable construction materials.
