LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE PRODUCTION BASED ON INDUSTRIAL WASTE

Аннотация

The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective construction materials has prompted the exploration of innovative alternatives to conventional concrete. This study investigates the production of high-performance lightweight concrete utilizing industrial waste such as crushed plastic, glass, and demolition debris. The research highlights the selection of materials, mix design, experimental procedures, and evaluates the mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance of the resulting concrete. Results indicate that incorporating industrial waste materials significantly reduces density and enhances thermal insulation while maintaining adequate compressive strength. The findings support the environmental and economic feasibility of waste-based lightweight concrete for modern construction applications. Keywords: Lightweight concrete, Industrial waste, Crushed plastic, Crushed glass, Demolition debris, Sustainable construction, Thermal insulation, Circular economy 1.Introduction The construction sector is one of the leading contributors to environmental degradation due to the extensive consumption of raw materials, energy, and the generation of construction and demolition waste. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global building and construction industry accounts for approximately 39% of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, a significant portion of which stems from the production and use of traditional concrete. The extraction of natural aggregates such as gravel and sand, and the manufacture of Portland cement, further contribute to land degradation, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel with rapid urban expansion and infrastructure development, especially in developing countries, the demand for sustainable and environmentally responsible construction materials has become critical. The adoption of eco-efficient materials that not only reduce environmental burdens but also offer cost advantages is gaining momentum globally. One promising solution is the development of lightweight concrete incorporating industrial waste, which addresses multiple sustainability challenges simultaneously: waste management, resource conservation, and climate change mitigation. https://scientific-jl.com/wsrj 3 3 8 Volume-40_Issue-1_June-2025 World scientific research journal Lightweight concrete, characterized by lower density compared to traditional concrete, provides advantages such as reduced structural loads, easier handling and transportation, and improved thermal insulation. These benefits make it especially suitable for high-rise buildings, partition walls, prefabricated elements, and renovation projects. When produced using recycled materials, lightweight concrete also serves as a platform for implementing circular economy strategies in construction, wherein waste products are reused and reintegrated into the value chain. This study focuses on producing lightweight concrete using readily available industrial waste materials such as crushed plastic from post-consumer PET bottles, crushed glass from bottle and industrial scraps, and demolition debris consisting of concrete and masonry fragments. These materials are abundant, non-biodegradable, and often disposed of in landfills, contributing to long-term environmental issues. By redirecting such waste streams into construction applications, it is possible to not only reduce the ecological footprint of building materials but also mitigate the solid waste crisis faced by many urban areas. The objective of this study is to evaluate the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of integrating these industrial wastes into lightweight concrete blocks for both structural and non-structural applications. The research explores material selection, mix design, production methodology, and performance analysis through laboratory testing. Key parameters such as compressive strength, density, thermal conductivity, water absorption, and fire resistance are examined. Additionally, the broader environmental and economic implications are assessed, contributing to the advancement of sustainable construction practices in line with global climate and development goals. 2. Materials and Methods Materials: This study used a combination of conventional and recycled materials to produce lightweight concrete. The primary binder was Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), while clean river sand served as the fine aggregate. The industrial waste materials included: Crushed plastic: Post-consumer PET bottles and containers. Crushed glass: Discarded glass bottles and industrial glass waste. Demolition debris: Recycled concrete and brick fragments from demolished buildings. The mix design was proportioned by weight as follows: Cement – 40% Industrial waste – 30% Sand – 20% Water and plasticizer – 10% This ratio was selected to achieve a balance between strength, weight reduction, and environmental benefit. https://scientific-jl.com/wsrj 3 3 9 Volume-4