USE OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW

Abstract

In the present day, Indian Economy is developing very fast paralleled to other countries in the world. Construction segment is the major contributor for this growth. It is one of the largest employers in India, employs 18 and 14 million people directly and indirectly respectively. In addition, migration from rural to urban areas in developing countries has increased significantly due to employment and other opportunities. Due to increasing urban population, the demand for housing has also increased exponentially. Building components such as foundation, floor, slab, columns, beams and masonry require a large amount of construction materials such as concrete, steel, bricks, mortar, etc. which directly or indirectly affects the environment and economy. This sector not only contributed in employment but also more than 250 industries such as cement, steel, wood and bricks and building materials are dependent on this sector. In construction sector, the use of cement is very extensive and it affects directly or indirectly on environment and economy. For every ton of cement production, about 900 kg of CO2 emits, which contributes to 5-7 % of total CO2 emission over the globe. Due to which, as an alternative solution, geo-polymer made from alkali activation of alumina silicates with lesser environmental impact and desired performance were investigated by researchers. These source materials are obtained from industrial wastes generated by agro industries, mine waste, construction and demolition waste, etc. Use of geo-polymer based construction materials has been increased significantly due to its high strength, eco-friendly and durable nature. Masonry is one of the important parts of building that consists of masonry unit, which is joined and finished by mortar. Application of geo-polymer mortar in masonry construction enhances the performance of the building as well it makes the masonry construction eco-friendly. Utilization of waste materials for partial or full replacement of cement in masonry mortar gives the sustainable solution. Use of sustainable materials derived from solid waste has been suggested through many studies. Human and industrial activities generate vast variety of solid waste. It becomes necessary to identify and characterize these waste which will create nuisance in environment, if left unattended. Keywords: construction materials, cement production, geo-polymer, sustainable materials, Co-firing