Applications of Recycled and Waste Materials in Infrastructure Projects

Abstract

More production equals to large quantities of wastes which are being generated worldwide from sources such as household, domestic, industrial, commercial and construction demolition activities, and these wastes often lead to environmental concerns of toxic threat. But, as it is said that the waste of plenty is the resource of scarcity, utilization of these wastes as building construction materials can be an economically viable solution to this problem. When these waste products are used in place of other conventional materials, energy and natural resources are preserved, air and water pollutants are reduced, greenhouse gases are lowered and harmful waste disposal is avoided which in turn minimizes the heavy burden on the nation’s landfills. The construction industry can start being aware of and take advantage of the benefits of using recycled and waste materials. The use of fly ash, bottom ash, quarry dust, wood ash, foundry sand, tyre shreds, silica fume, animal fat, cement kiln dust, roofing shingles, swine manure, steel slag, blast furnace slag, copper slag, crushed glass, plastic waste, electronic waste, paper waste, carpet, textile waste reclaimed asphalt pavement, spent fire bricks, recycled aggregates, rice husk ash, coconut shell, olive husk and bagasse ash amongst the endless list in construction is becoming increasingly popular due to the shortage and increasing cost of raw materials. This paper presents an overview of the possible applications of recycled and waste materials after reviewing the results of laboratory tests and important research findings, and the potential of using these wastes in building construction materials with a focus on sustainable development. Furthermore, it reviews some best waste-based materials that can be used as a small-scale alternative to the conventional materials, and also, the implementation of recycled and waste materials in construction applications and in real life projects.