Production of Sustainable Construction Materials Using Agro-Wastes.

Chrysanthos Maraveas

doi:10.3390/ma13020262

Abstract

The construction sector, in modern times, is faced by a myriad of challenges primarily due to the increase in the urban population and dwindling natural resources that facilitate the production of construction materials. Furthermore, higher awareness on climate change is forcing companies to rethink their strategies in developing more sustainable construction materials. Diverse types of agro-waste ranging from rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), and bamboo leaves ash (BLA) among others have been identified as potent solutions in the development of sustainable construction materials. In this review paper, six different construction materials, made using agro-waste products, are examined. The materials include brick/masonry elements, green concrete, insulation materials for buildings, reinforcement materials for buildings, particleboards, and bio-based plastics. The main criterion adopted in selecting the materials regards their popularity and wide-scale use in modern construction applications. Additionally, as this research emphasizes identifying alternative approaches to develop sustainable construction materials, the focus is directed toward mainstream materials whose continued use has an adverse impact on the environment. The findings obtained from the review showed that the use of agro-waste to develop sustainable construction materials was effective, as the developed materials adhered to established building standards. Therefore, this indicates that agro-waste materials have the potential to replace conventional construction materials and hence achieve economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the long run.

Highlights

A brief analysis of world population statistics highlights a steady increase in the human population, rising from 6.8 billion in 2009 to the current 7.7 billion in 2019 and an estimated 9.7 billion by 2050 [1].On the one hand, the population increase directly indicates that health and mortality rates are improving over time, thereby leading to population growth
The findings showed that where 5% of empty fruit bunch (EFB) was added, the bricks adhered to the minimum requirements of the BS392:1985 in terms of water absorption and compressive strength as well as the ASTM C517 thermal conductivity standard
The findings showed that composites composites developed developed using using natural industrial wastes, suchsuch as red flyand ash, fly attained properties natural fiber fiberoror industrial wastes, asmud red and mud ash, superior attained mechanical superior mechanical and were to fire, abrasive wear, chemical attack, and water absorption compared to properties andresistant were resistant to fire, abrasive wear, chemical attack, and waterasabsorption as conventional products such as wood, particleboards, and medium density fiber (MDF)

Summary

Introduction

A brief analysis of world population statistics highlights a steady increase in the human population, rising from 6.8 billion in 2009 to the current 7.7 billion in 2019 and an estimated 9.7 billion by 2050 [1].On the one hand, the population increase directly indicates that health and mortality rates are improving over time, thereby leading to population growth. As the demand for housing increases exponentially, this further strains the construction industry as well as the production of conventional materials such as cement, steel, aluminum, and wood, among others [2]. Have further argued that the production of the conventional construction materials such as cement utilizes significant thermal and electrical energy and, as a result, translates into higher building costs. Such production processes account for a higher carbon footprint, polluting air, land, and water. Shafigh et al [6] have argued that currently, the construction industry is not sustainable These findings imply a need for more scientific research to Materials 2020, 13, 262; doi:10.3390/ma13020262 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials

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Conclusion