Sustainable Building Materials Research Articles

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS ON SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE BUILDING METHODS

Renewable-sourced EWPs offer enhanced dimensional stability, durability, and mechanical properties, facilitating larger and more complex structural elements, and contributing to faster construction times and better energy performance. The research investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) as sustainable building materials in the construction sector by a comparison of their cost, performance, and environmental impact against conventional concrete. The research emphasises the importance of innovative design, recycling, and waste reduction in fostering sustainable construction methods that satisfy the demands of present and future generations while conserving energy. However, there are negative environmental impacts linked to the production of concrete, such as habitat destruction, atmospheric emissions, and waste generation. The research adopted a web-based survey to gather quantitative data from construction experts. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was adopted to analyze the respondents' perceptions of the benefits of EWP and concrete negative effects. The results of the research reflect respondents' significant preference for EWPs and are consistent with their outstanding environmental qualities. In conclusion, this paper argues that EWPs possess the potential to effectively revolutionise the construction industry by minimising its carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable construction practices that are required for addressing the expectations of both the present and the future.

Influence of Physical–Mechanical Strength and Water Absorption Capacity on Sawdust–Waste Paper–Recycled Plastic Hybrid Composite for Ceiling Tile Application

In recent times, there has been a notable surge in the interest in promoting environmentally conscious products, particularly within the building industry where the focus has shifted towards sustainable materials. In this study, as a sustainable building material, ceiling tiles have been fabricated as a composite board containing waste materials, namely waste paper, sawdust, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and epoxy resin, and characterized comprehensively through physical and mechanical tests, density, thickness swelling (TS), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and flexural strength (FS) for product stability. A total of nine composites were fabricated with different ratios through molding techniques, and the characterization results were compared to determine the optimized stable ratio of composite composition. The composition of 25% waste paper, 15% sawdust, 10% recycled PET, and 50% epoxy resin presented the maximum FS compared to the other composite ratios. Water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling were evaluated after immersion durations of 1–24 h. The findings revealed that as the density increased, the sawdust content within the matrix decreased from 25–35%. Concurrently, an increase in recycled PET content resulted in decreased water absorption and thickness swelling. Significantly, the MOE, MOR, and FS demonstrated optimal values at 864.256 N/mm2, 12.786 N/mm2, and 4.64 MPa, respectively. These observations represent the excellent qualities of this hybrid composite board, particularly in terms of sustainability, stability, and water absorption capacity. Moreover, its lightweight nature and ability to support ceiling loads further enhance its appeal for construction applications. This study not only advances the discourse on sustainable construction materials but also fosters opportunities for broader acceptance and innovation within the industry.

Construction of durable, multifunctional superhydrophobic wood surface via ɛ-polylysine/PDMS/wax treatment

In addressing the limitations of wood's susceptibility to water and moisture, this study explored the development of a durable, superhydrophobic surface through a novel ɛ-polylysine/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/wax composite system. Leveraging the layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly, the incorporation of cationic ɛ-polylysine not only improved the adherence of PDMS and wax to the wood surface through electrostatic attraction but also facilitated a more uniform distribution, achieving optimal hydrophobicity at a ɛ-polylysine concentration of 2 g/L. The synergistic effect of the wood's natural rough structure and the deposition of these hydrophobic substances endowed the treated wood with superhydrophobic properties, showcasing exceptional self-cleaning capabilities by efficiently repelling a variety of liquid contaminants. Durability assessments through sandpaper abrasion, chemical exposure, and accelerated weathering tests confirmed the enhanced long-term stability of the treated wood surfaces. Furthermore, the incorporation of ε-polylysine provided nice antimicrobial properties, showing a substantial reduction in bacterial adhesion. The ε-polylysine/PDMS/wax composite system represents a significant advancement in the development of multifunctional wood surfaces, promising broader applications in sustainable building materials, furniture, and packaging solutions.

Initial Characteristics of Alkali–Silica Reaction Products in Mortar Containing Low-Purity Calcined Clay

An alkali–silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical process that leads to the formation of an expansive gel, potentially causing durability issues in concrete structures. This article investigates the properties and behaviour of ASR products in mortar with the addition of low-purity calcined clay as an additional material. This study includes an evaluation of the expansion and microstructural characteristics of the mortar, as well as an analysis of the formation and behaviour of ASR products with different contents of calcined clay. Expansion tests of the mortar beam specimens were conducted according to ASTM C1567, and a detailed microscopic analysis of the reaction products was performed. Additionally, their mechanical properties were determined using nanoindentation. This study reveals that with an increasing calcined clay content, the amount of the crystalline form of the ASR gel decreases, while the nanohardness increases. The Young’s modulus of the amorphous ASR products ranged from 5 to 12 GPa, while the nanohardness ranged from 0.41 to 0.67 GPa. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of how the incorporation of low-purity calcined clay influences the ASR in mortar, providing valuable insights into developing sustainable and durable building materials for the construction industry.

Pozzolanic potential of sustainable precursors for engineered geopolymer composites (EGC)

Confirming the pozzolanic activity is crucial to ensure their compatibility and performance in geopolymer composite (GC) applications, as it improves the geopolymerization process and optimizes the strength characteristics of GCs. This work evaluates the pozzolanic properties of Fly ash (FA), Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag, and Iron Ore Tailings (IOT) for their potential use in the development of Engineered Geopolymer Composites (EGC). IOT partially substitutes fine aggregate, while FA and BOF slag are the major precursors. Pozzolanic properties of the aforementioned materials were assessed through the Frattini, saturated lime test (SLT), and strength activity index (SAI). The Frattini test values recorded were 90, 47, and 30% of CaO removal, denoting their degree of pozzolanicity respectively for BOF Slag, FA, and IOT. In the SLT, the formation of stable calcium silicate hydrates and aluminates are verified by the reaction of the test pozzolans with lime, thereby conforming their pozzolanicity. The results from the Frattini and SAI tests showed a significant correlation, indicating an effective pozzolanicity measure of the test materials. However, the results from the SLT did not align with the outcomes from the Frattini and SAI tests. This contradiction suggests that the SLT is ineffective compared to the other two test methods in measuring the pozzolanic activity of the test materials. The research findings provide valuable insights into the potential usage of these materials (pozzolans) as sustainable building materials in the construction industry.

Waste Glass Upcycling Supported by Alkali Activation: An Overview.

Alkali-activated materials are gaining much interest due to their outstanding performance, including their great resistance to chemical corrosion, good thermal characteristics, and ability to valorise industrial waste materials. Reusing waste glasses in creating alkali-activated materials appears to be a viable option for more effective solid waste utilisation and lower-cost products. However, very little research has been conducted on the suitability of waste glass as a prime precursor for alkali activation. This study examines the reuse of seven different types of waste glasses in the creation of geopolymeric and cementitious concretes as sustainable building materials, focusing in particular on how using waste glasses as the raw material in alkali-activated materials affects the durability, microstructures, hydration products, and fresh and hardened properties in comparison with using traditional raw materials. The impacts of several vital parameters, including the employment of a chemical activator, gel formation, post-fabrication curing procedures, and the distribution of source materials, are carefully considered. This review will offer insight into an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing and performance in promising applications of alkali-activated waste glass in light of future uses. The current study aims to provide a contemporary review of the chemical and structural properties of glasses and the state of research on the utilisation of waste glasses in the creation of alkali-activated materials.

A review on suitable eco-friendly earth sustainable construction building material

This paper summarizes research on environmentally friendly and low embodied energy construction materials. Embedded electricity is defined and addressed in terms of building running power, and its significance is increasing as a result the Energy Buildings Performance Directive (EBPD) adoption in the European continent, for instance. The problems of calculating Energy that is embodied through comparison of current data are examined, along with a concrete instance of a novel approach presented in different literature. The link between embodied energy and embodied CO2, also known as carbon footprint, is illustrated. The literature discusses a wide range of low-carbon materials, including concrete and cement, as well as hardwood, stones, rammed earth, and even brickwork. The study focuses on prior research efforts to create new substances with lower contained power. To conclude, the research investigates the effects of material substitution on a building’s internal energy.

Enhancing concrete sustainability using crushed peanut shells: An analysis of thermophysical properties, durability, and application potential in construction

This study explored the integration of crushed peanut shells (PS) into concrete with an emphasis on sustainable construction. Uniquely, it examines the impact of PS morphologies at low incorporation rates (0–6%) on the thermophysical properties and durability of concrete through rigorous experimental analysis and computational simulations. Our findings reveal that PS significantly enhances insulation properties and reduces thermal metrics and density while maintaining structural viability despite a slight increase in water absorption and a reduction in compressive strength with higher PS content. This investigation not only highlights the potential of PS-concrete to improve the thermal efficiency of building envelopes but also introduces it as an innovative approach to using agricultural by-products in eco-friendly construction. The results indicate significant advancement in the development of sustainable building materials, contributing to enhanced construction practices with environmental benefits.

Effectiveness of areca fiber and cement on the engineering characteristics of compressed stabilized earth blocks

This study investigates the potential of integrating areca fiber as a reinforcement agent in Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs), used in combination with cement. Traditional earth-based construction methods, once prevalent, have seen a decline in industrialized nations with the advent of modern building materials. However, there is a growing resurgence in the use of earth-based materials, motivated by their economic, social, and environmental sustainability benefits. This renewed interest in CSEBs is primarily due to their superior energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions, especially when compared to conventional materials like fired clay bricks or concrete blocks. Areca catechu, widely recognized as the areca palm, thrives in the tropical regions of the Pacific, Asia, and East Africa. The fibers derived from areca nutshells, often regarded as agricultural waste, present an intriguing material for study. While the application of areca fiber in soil reinforcement has been previously acknowledged in scholarly literature, its specific role in enhancing the engineering properties of CSEBs represents a novel area of exploration, which this research aims to address comprehensively. In this research endeavor, CSEBs were manufactured with varying proportions of areca fibers, spanning from 0 % to 3 %, based on the dry mass of soil. Subsequently, these blocks underwent comprehensive testing to assess their strength and durability characteristics. Strength properties were evaluated through unconfined compression, split tensile strength, and flexural strength tests, while durability was meticulously examined using wet strength, water absorption, submersion, and efflorescence tests. Here, CSEBs displayed increases in compressive strength (107.04–436.38 %), split tensile strength (208.66–358.08 %), and flexural strength (16.49–82.47 %). Durability tests revealed enhanced wet compressive strength (up to 100.42 % increase) and optimized water absorption rates. A notable finding is identifying 2 % areca fiber content as optimal, yielding significant improvements in strength and durability parameters. Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) further confirmed the benefits of 2 % fiber content, showing a compact and cohesive internal structure with reduced voids and fissures. This microstructural integrity underlines the enhanced bonding and stability imparted by the areca fibers. Another essential aspect of the study was evaluating the compliance of CSEBs with various international standards on earthen construction. The fiber-reinforced blocks met or exceeded several standards, demonstrating their suitability for broader construction applications. Finally, this study underscores the promise of areca fiber as a valuable reinforcement material in CSEBs stabilized with cement. This innovative approach offers a sustainable and eco-friendly building material option, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmentally conscious construction practices.

Bond strength between recycled aggregate concrete and rebar: Interpretable machine learning modeling approach for performance estimation and engineering design

Recycled aggregate concrete has a large potential for application as a sustainable building material. To assist in guiding the engineering design of this low-carbon material, the complex relationship between its bond strength to the rebar and various design parameters was modeled. Comparative studies of multiple machine learning methods have shown that the extreme random tree model demonstrates outstanding performance with root mean square error of 1.982, mean absolute error of 1.202 and coefficient of determination of 0.954. To determine the role of design parameters in performance prediction, importance analysis and sensitivity analyses for parameters were used to explore the complex relationship in the model. The results indicated that rebar type, water-cement ratio, anchorage length, and compressive strength are crucial factors affecting the bond strength between recycled aggregate concrete and rebar. In addition, to further demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of machine learning models, explicit models in some specifications were used for comparative analysis. Due to variability in influencing factors, limited test data, and variability in material properties, the explicit models have limited accuracy for bond strength between recycled aggregate concrete and rebar. Therefore, the interpretable modeling approach can provide an accurate estimate of the bond strength between recycled concrete aggregates and rebar and guide the engineering design of this structure.

Valorisation of metallurgical residues via carbothermal reduction: A circular economy approach in the cement and iron and steel industry.

The decarbonisation of the steel and cement industry is of utmost importance in tackling climate change. Hence, steel production in modern integrated steel mills will be shifted towards electric arc furnaces in the future, in turn causing dwindling supplies of blast furnace slag, which is used as a supplementary cementitious material inter alia to reduce the CO2 emissions of cement production. Achieving a sustainable circular steel and building material economy requires the valorisation of currently landfilled steel slags and investigating utilisation options for electric arc furnace slag, which is increasingly being generated. For this purpose, different metallurgical residues and by-products were treated by carbothermal reduction in an inductively heated graphite crucible and then rapidly cooled by wet granulation, yielding a slag fraction similar to granulated blast furnace slag and a metal fraction valuable as a secondary raw material. A spreadsheet-based model was developed to calculate residue combinations to accomplish target compositions of the slag and metal fractions to fulfil previously identified requirements of the targeted cementitious and ferrous products. The results demonstrate the high accuracy of the model in predicting the properties (e.g. main oxide composition) of the generated slag and metal fraction, which fulfil the needed requirements for their use as (i) a supplementary cementitious material and (ii) a secondary raw material in steel production.

Incorporation of clay brick wastes and calcium hydroxide into geopolymers: Compressive strength, microstructure, and efflorescence

This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of clay brick waste (CBW) into geopolymers for the production of sustainable building materials. Eight mixtures were prepared with and without the incorporation of calcium hydroxide (CH) and with 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % of the mass of metakaolin (MK) replaced by CBW. Physical-mechanical tests evaluated the macrostructural properties and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses evaluated the microstructure. The results showed that the incorporation of CH significantly improved the physic-mechanical properties of the produced geopolymers due to the formation of C-A-S-H gel in the geopolymer matrix. Thus, CH produced an increase in compressive strength of 357.8 %, 157.6 %, and 95.2 % at 7, 28, and 91 days in the mixture with high CBW content. SEM/EDS analysis showed that Fe3+ partially replaced Al3+ in the geopolymer matrix with the incorporation of CBW. In addition, the partial replacement of Al3+ by Fe3+ from CBW in the N-A-S-H gel contributed to the mitigation of efflorescence with increasing CBW content. Therefore, the results showed that CH contributes to the production of CBW-based geopolymers with satisfactory compressive strength for use as construction materials.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Date Palm Powder on the Thermal and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Gypsum Mortars

Date palm leaves have been diachronically applied in building materials in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, so as to enhance specific properties, such as volume stability and strength. This research work concerns an experimental study on the impact of date palm leaflet powder (DPLP) on the thermal and physico-mechanical properties of gypsum mortars. A series of mortar compositions were prepared with different proportions of DPLP (0, 1, 3, and 5% w/w of binder) and variant particle size (0.5, 1, and 1.5 mm). The results showed that the mortars containing DPLP exhibited significant changes in their properties due to variations in DPLP concentration and particle size. Increased DPLP led to lower density, higher porosity, and water absorption rate, whereas mechanical strength and thermal conductivity were decreased according to the DPLP proportion and size. This research provides valuable insights into the use of sustainable and renewable building materials, highlighting the benefits of exploiting agricultural waste in the constructional sector. The findings lay the groundwork for future research and innovation in environmentally friendly construction technologies.

Chemical-free thermal-acoustic panels from agricultural waste for sustainable building materials

To address the pressing need for sustainable building materials, this study introduced an innovative and eco-friendly approach to manufacturing thermal-acoustic panels, utilizing agricultural waste with rice straw as the primary material. Paper pulp (PP) and Persea kurzii (PK) were used as non-chemical binders at ratios of 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, and 80:20. After mixing, all the samples were subjected to heat-free hydraulic compression at 5 bars to evaluate their physical, mechanical, thermal, and acoustic properties. Increasing the proportion of the binder directly impacted panel density and flexural strength while also inversely affecting porosity. The PK binder had a low thermal conductivity value of 0.040 W/mK, proving it was a good thermal insulator with a high sound absorption coefficient, especially at higher frequencies. The RSPP-4 panel had the highest noise reduction coefficient (0.51) and absorbed low frequencies, suggesting its potential for noise reduction. Microscopic analysis provided further insight into panel surface characteristics. PP exhibited a smooth surface with a continuous fiber weave that did not obscure the pores, while PK consisted of particles. The correlation between surface characteristics and acoustic performance, especially at high frequencies, underscored the intricate balance between material properties. Research results can be applied in the construction industry to develop sustainable building materials that offer superior thermal and acoustic properties. These thermal-acoustic panels can effectively utilize agricultural waste and show potential as environmentally friendly construction materials to enhance indoor comfort and acoustics in various building environments.

Durability of slag-based alkali-activated materials: A critical review

AbstractAs the world becomes increasingly aware of the devastating effects of climate change, the need for sustainable building materials that are both durable and environmentally friendly increases. Geopolymer and alkali-activated materials formed by a chemical reaction between an alkaline activator solution and an aluminosilicate source have gained popularity in recent years. The alkaline activator solution dissolves the aluminosilicate source, which then undergoes a polycondensation reaction to form a three-dimensional geopolymeric gel network. The development of this network ensures the strength and durability of the material. Today, this phenomenon of durability has been studied in detail to enable the development of superior construction materials, taking into account degradation mechanisms such as carbonation, leaching, shrinkage, fire, freezing and thawing, and exposure to aggressive environments (chlorides, acids, and sulphates). Although there are many unsolved problems in their engineering applications, slag-based alkali-activated materials appear to be more advantageous and are promising as alternative materials to ordinary Portland cement. First of all, it should not be ignored that the cure sensitivity is high in these systems due to compressive strength losses of up to 69%. Loss of strength of alkali-activated materials is considered an important indicator of degradation. In binary precursors, the presence of fly ash in slag can result in an improvement of over 10% in compressive strength of the binary-based alkali-activated materials after undergoing carbonation. The binary systems can provide superior resistance to many degradation mechanisms, especially exposure to high-temperature. The partial presence of class F fly ash in the slag-based precursor can overcome the poor ability of alkali-activated materials to withstand high temperatures. Due to the desired pore structure, alkali-activated materials may not be damaged even after 300 freeze–thaw cycles. Their superior permeability compared to cementitious counterparts can extend service life against chloride corrosion by more than 20 times. While traditional (ordinary Portland cement-based) concrete remains the most widely used material in construction, geopolymer concrete’s superior performance makes it an increasingly emerging option for sustainable and long-lasting infrastructure.

Review on Bio- Bricks

This paper reviews the utilization of Agricultural waste for making Bio Bricks and other construction materials to reduce burning and disposal problems of Agricultural waste due to increasing Air Pollution and make economic and environment efficient construction material. Agricultural waste burning is a significant source of pollution in India, especially after the harvesting season. Bio-bricks was developed as an alternative and sustainable building material that is made up of agricultural waste. And at the same time will also lead to the reduction of air pollution and create new jobs at the grassroots level. The use of Agricultural waste in construction materials is one of new way to deal with disposal and burning of Agricultural waste. India is home to some of the most polluted cities of the world in terms of its air quality. Data shows that around 20 out of the 30 most polluted cities of the world are in India. So the study provides green building material through Agricultural waste for sustainable development of Bio Bricks. Some additional work in this project can be done which will help environment with decreasing Air pollution by reducing of Agricultural waste. Bio-bricks can be developed as a carbon- negative, sustainable and economically viable material for construction. With the right kind of product development and incentives, it can diversify into numerous products satisfying the needs of an ecologically sensitive future

An Assessment of Residential Building Materials Impact on Environment Using BIM through a Case Study Approach

Abstract: Building construction can result in carbon emissions that have a substantial negative influence on the environment. Studies show that 40% of global Co2 emissions each year are caused by the built environment and Cement is a widely utilized building ingredient in the construction industry, an essential part of the concrete mix. Approximately 7 % of the carbon emissions in the world are caused by cement. By substituting low-emission and sustainable building materials for those with higher carbon emissions, the building's carbon emissions can be decreased. Using materials that are long-lasting and have low embodied carbon when are sourced ethically. Reduced carbon emissions from construction materials can be achieved in large part by early decision making in AEC phases. In this paper an assessment of residential building materials impact on environment is carried by using BIM and LCA tools and difference in embodied energy is observed by optimizing the building plan

Replacement of Fine Aggregates in Fine-Grained Concrete by Waste Material from Cetris Boards Production

Given the increasing amount of waste in the world, it is essential not only to reduce waste generation but also to explore potential uses for the waste produced. This includes waste generated in the production of building materials. The construction industry is a significant contributor to global waste and carbon dioxide emissions, making it crucial to address these issues for sustainable development. During the production of CETRIS boards, approximately 7 600 tons of waste are generated annually. One of the waste materials obtained during the board processing is a fine powder. This waste material can potentially be reused in two ways: it can be incorporated back into the process of producing CETRIS boards or utilized in the production of building materials. This research project focuses on examining the possibility of using this waste material as a substitute for fine aggregate in fine-grained concrete. To investigate its viability, the waste material underwent testing for dry density and absorbency. Subsequently, a reference mixture and concretes with different replacement rates (50%, and 100%) of natural fine aggregate were produced to create self-healing concrete mixtures. The study examined the density, and compressive strength of these concrete samples 28 days after concreting. The findings indicated that as the amount of waste material in the concrete increased, the measured properties decreased. However, despite the decrease, the compressive strengths of the concrete remained very high, leading to the classification as high-strength concrete. Further exploration and optimization of the replacement rates could lead to the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable building materials.

Review Paper on Experimental Investigation on Self Sustainable Building Material Used for Low-Cost Housing

The global challenge of providing adequate hous- ing for burgeoning populations, especially in eco- nomically disadvantaged regions, necessitates in- novative approaches to construction. This study presents an experimental investigation into the feasibility and effectiveness of self-sustainable materials for low-cost housing solutions. By lev- eraging sustainable materials, this research aims to address the dual challenges of affordability and environmental impact in housing construction. The study employs a combination of quantitative analysis and qualitative assessment to evaluate the performance of various self-sustainable mate- rials in the context of low-cost housing. These ma- terials encompass a range of options including re- cycled materials, locally sourced natural re- sources, and innovative composites designed for affordability, durability, and eco-friendliness. Key parameters examined include structural in- tegrity, thermal insulation properties, moisture re- sistance, and overall environmental footprint.Experimental methodologies include laboratory testing, field trials, and computational modelling to comprehensively assess the suitability of the se- lected materials for low-cost housing applica- tions. Findings from this investigation contribute valuable insights into the viability of self-sustain- able materials for addressing housing challenges in resource-constrained communities. The results not only inform the development of cost-effective housing solutions but also underscore the im- portance of sustainable practices in mitigating en- vironmental impacts associated with construction activities. Ultimately, this research endeavours to bridge the gap between sustainable materials innovation and practical implementation, offering tangible path- ways towards the realization of affordable, eco- friendly housing solutions for communities worldwide. Keyword: sustainable material , low-cost hous- ing, eco-friendly,

Combine use of 100% thermoactivated recycled cement and recycled aggregate for fully recycled mortar: Properties evaluation and modification

The large-scale recycling of concrete waste and its high-value utilization are key research topic in the field of sustainable building materials. This paper investigated the properties of fully recycled mortar made with thermoactivated recycled cement and recycled fine aggregate (RFA) up to 100%. The 600 °C thermoactivated recycled cement contained active compounds such as C2S and CaO. Substituting recycled cement for ordinary Portland cement reduced the hydration reaction and enlarged the pore structure of paste, but mixing active admixture could improve the micro-structure of recycled cement paste. Incorporating recycled cement and RFA decreased the mechanical strength of mortar, as well as elevated the drying shrinkage and transport properties. The detrimental impact of incorporating recycled cement on the performance degradation was more prominent than that of RFA incorporation. Nevertheless, the properties of fully recycled mortar with both 100% recycled cement and RFA still achieved a relatively satisfactory level. Besides, recycled mortar made with recycled cement derived from cement paste waste exhibited superior performance to that made with recycled cement from concrete waste. Substituting active admixture for 10% recycled cement could obviously improve the strength and permeability resistance of fully recycled mortar. Therefore, optimizing the replacement rate of recycled cement, RFA and active admixture is expected to prepare the fully recycled mortar with good performance. The maximal utilization of concrete waste could be achieved through preparing fully recycled mortar with the use of recycled cement and RFA completely instead of natural sand and ordinary Portland cement. This approach resulted in lower CO2 emissions and provided superior environmental benefits.