Utilization of waste for building materials – a review

Abstract

Since ancient times naturally available materials are being used for the purpose of construction. Due to overutilization of these resources leads to its unavailability or depletion of these materials. On the other hand, lots of industrial wastes, municipal solid wastes are generated which are sent to landfill. The produced industrial and municipal wastes are not disposed properly. If they are not disposed safely or properly it will pose threats to the human community and also to the environment. These wastes need to be managed properly for safe disposal or alternate ways need to be identified for its utilization. This paper reviews the various types of waste that are used in construction and their usage as building material, its various application and the extent they can be used in building materials are discussed. Sugarcane bagasse ash, municipal solid waste incinerator ash, paper pulp, ground granulated blast furnace slag, copper slag are the wastes reviewed in this study. Many past researches have been identified for utilizing these industrial wastes sustainably in construction sector for manufacturing of bricks, concrete, special concrete etc. The general conclusion from the studies were that GGBS is a good alternative pozzolanic material for cement while the copper slag can be used in many forms as a replacement material in concrete. The MSWI ash is most suitable for use in cement and clay bricks whereas the sugarcane bagasse ash can be ideally used both in cement and clay bricks.