Alkali-activated materials made of construction and demolition waste as precursors : a review

Abstract

In recent years, researchers have expressed growing concern regarding the environmental impact of traditional binders such as lime and cement. This has led to an increased focus on finding alternative materials that not only meet the demands of modern construction but also align with international initiatives for eco-friendly building practices. In response to this need, alkali-activated materials have emerged as a promising substitute for conventional binders. However, the current production processes for alkali-activated materials involve substantial energy consumption and carbon emissions, presenting a global challenge in the quest for sustainable construction practices. This paper aims to present a novel proposition: utilizing construction and demolition waste as a potential precursor for manufacturing alkali-activated materials. Drawing upon a comprehensive survey and analysis of pertinent literature from diverse sources, this paper synthesizes a wealth of knowledge. The extensive review encompasses a thorough analysis of existing research findings, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the utilization of construction and demolition waste as a viable precursor in the manufacturing process of alkali-activated materials. Construction and demolition waste typically contains significant amounts of silica and alumina, making it an attractive and sustainable alternative for alkali-activated materials production. Moreover, this approach offers the additional benefit of mitigating the environmental repercussions associated with waste disposal. By providing an extensive overview of existing literature on the use of construction and demolition waste as a precursor for alkali-activated materials production, this paper also identifies crucial areas that warrant further research in this field.