ABSTRACT This paper outlines a hybrid experimental and computational model to assess and optimize the mechanical behavior of sustainable concrete with silica fume (SF), waste glass powder (WGP), and crumb rubber (CR). Compared to current research, which mainly concentrates on individual or binary systems, this paper explores a ternary blended system and characterizes the intricate interactions among mix parameters with advanced machine learning methods. To establish compressive, flexural and tensile strengths of 7, 28 and 56 days, experimental investigations were carried out. The findings suggest that SF and WGP increase strength because of pozzolanic reactivity and refinement of microstructure, and CR decreases strength because of the weaker interfacial bonding. Several machine learning models, such as Random Forest, XGBoost, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, and Ensemble, were built on the basis of strength prediction with the highest level of accuracy being XGBoost and Ensemble (R2 > 0.88). Moreover, optimization with the help of Genetic Algorithms was used to determine the optimal mix proportions leading to the increase in compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths by 34%, 37%, and 46%, respectively. The proposed framework offers a sound and data-driven methodology of designing high-performance and environmentally friendly concrete mixtures.

Biodegradability and cost comparison of polyhydroxyalkanoates-based composites with industrial waste and by-products under mesophilic anaerobic digestion.

Sustainable stabilization of marine soft clay using low-carbon binder with high-volume industrial waste: Performance, microstructure, and explainable ML prediction

Valorization of agricultural and industrial wastes in geopolymer foam concrete, a ternary binder approach using corncob ash, red mud, and fly ash

Synergy of steel-FRP composite bars and Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) in ultra-lightweight slabs with high strength and ductility

Boosting the energy transition in the transport sector through the use of sustainable alcohol–diesel blends

To promote ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) as an advanced material with greater economic and environmental benefits, this study combined recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and red mud (RM) to further reduce the proportions of mineral material. Compared to natural coarse aggregates (NCA), the introduction of RCA can lead to the formation of numerous weaker interfacial transition zones (ITZs) between RCA and the new cement matrix due to the presence of old adhered mortar, resulting in insufficient mechanical properties of RCA-UHPC. Herein, the addition of 10 wt% RM did not improve the mechanical properties of NCA-UHPC, but significantly narrowed the strength gap between RCA-UHPC and NCA-UHPC, reducing the difference in compressive and splitting tensile strength at 28 d from 32.6 MPa and 4.7 MPa to 2.9 MPa and 1.1 MPa, respectively. Microscopic results indicate that ultrafine RM particles can fill the ITZs between RCA and new cement mortar, reducing their width to an almost invisible level. In detail, RM particles can serve as fillers and nucleation sites to promote the formation of high-crystallinity CaCO 3 crystals that can fill micropores and improve the microstructure between the old adhered mortar and the RM layer. Additionally, the bonds between the RM layer and the new cement mortar can be slightly enhanced by the hydration reactions induced by RM’s pozzolanic activity. The increase in hydration products from the continuous pozzolanic reaction of RM contributes to improved bonding strength, as reflected in the higher mechanical properties observed at 56 days compared to the reference group without RM. In this study, the combination of 20 wt% RCA and 10 wt% RM in the UHPC matrix under standard curing achieves a trade-off, offering a promising strategy for the combined reuse of construction and solid waste in the construction industry.

From lab to field: Transforming immunoassays for rapid microcystin-LR monitoring in Lough Neagh.

Activation mechanism and performance of full solid-waste cementitious materials using modified concrete waste slurry as an activator

Carbonation resistance and freeze thaw cycle performance of composite limestone powder tailings mixed sand concrete

This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing finely ground Recycled Auto Tire Rubber (RATR) as a circular economy additive to enhance the filtration performance of water based drilling fluids. The reuse of end of life tire rubber represents a green materials strategy that supports waste valorization, reduces industrial waste, and promotes sustainable resource utilization within energy-related engineering systems.RATR was incorporated into drilling fluids at concentrations ranging from 1.75 to 10.5 lb/bbl (5 to 30 kg/m3) to evaluate its impact on rheological behavior and filtration characteristics. Rheological properties were measured using a conventional rotary viscometer, while filtration performance was assessed under both low pressure low temperature and high pressure high temperature conditions. Ceramic filter discs with mean pore throat sizes ranging from 10 to 250 μmwere employed to simulate highly permeable formations encountered during drilling operations.The results demonstrated that RATR significantly improved filtration control, achieving fluid loss reductions of up to 19.7% under low pressure low temperature conditions and up to 65% under high pressure high temperature conditions compared to conventional synthetic graphite. The drilling fluid rheological properties remained within acceptable operational ranges according to the literature, confirming compatibility with standard drilling practices.Beyond technical performance, the incorporation of RATR contributes to green and sustainable engineering by reducing reliance on energy intensive synthetic additives, diverting waste tires from landfills, and lowering the environmental footprint associated with drilling fluid materials. These findings highlight the potential of waste derived rubber as a viable low carbon alternative that supports circular economy principles and advances environmentally responsible industrial practices.

Valorisation of canning industry wastes for microbial lipid production by solid-state fermentation using Aspergillus oryzae CECT 2094.

Tracking the current situation and key paths of phosphogypsum harmlessness.

Thermodynamic analysis of a copper-chlorine cycle integrated with carbon capture and methanol synthesis for industrial waste heat recovery and power generation

Industrial waste salt resource utilization: construction and performance optimization of molten salt-ceramic composite thermal storage materials

Acetogens beyond gas fermentation: Enhancing bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass.

Recovery of glass fiber from retired wind turbine blades based on low-temperature plasma assisted flotation.

Development of Legal and Practical Framework for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) Management.

Fly ash (FA) is a heterogeneous industrial byproduct composed of several valuable, lightweight microspherical components, including cenospheres. The continued extraction of these components, particularly cenospheres for tailored applications, has raised concerns about the potential depletion in quality of the residue fly ash (RFA). This may affect the microstructural, physico-mechanical and durability properties of the resulting concrete, thereby increasing the likelihood of the RFA being entirely abandoned as waste, increasing environmental pollution and industrial waste management cost. To evaluate the potential variations, this study investigated the pre- and post-cenosphere extraction performances of four fly ash samples from Malaysian power plants, with focus on microstructure, physical, mechanical and durability performance. A range of cement pastes and concrete mixes was examined, each case incorporating FA and RFA in proportions ranging from 0 to 40% with cement. The durability of the concrete in a chloride-exposed environment was assessed using a simulation-based approach. The findings indicated a moderate enhancement in early compressive strength development in the RFA concrete at 7 and 14 days, which is attributed to the enhanced surface area and reduced setting time. Overall, an increase of about 8-37% in surface area was observed, with a corresponding 10-33% reduction in workability, a 4% -12% decrease in compressive strength at 28days, and a 13-15% reduction in flexural strength. Furthermore, only slight variations were observed in the initial corrosion ingress, concrete deterioration propagation and overall durability performance. These findings demonstrate that despite the reduced workability, strength, and setting time, the RFA concrete retains its durability in chloride environments, suggesting its viability as a sustainable cementitious material in concrete production with minor modification.

Full-material upcycling of carbon Fiber/Epoxy waste into cytocompatible Multi-functional aerogels for thermal and acoustic Insulation, and oil spill cleaning.