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Current Sustainable Trends of Using Waste Materials in Concrete—A Decade Review

Author

Listed:
  • Malindu Sandanayake

    (ISILC, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne VIC3011, Australia)

  • Yanni Bouras

    (ISILC, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne VIC3011, Australia)

  • Robert Haigh

    (ISILC, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne VIC3011, Australia)

  • Zora Vrcelj

    (ISILC, College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne VIC3011, Australia)

Abstract

Concrete is the most used construction material in the world. Consequently, the mass extraction of virgin materials required for concrete production causes major environmental impacts. With a focus on promoting sustainability, numerous research studies on incorporating waste materials to replace virgin substances in concrete were undertaken. Despite this vast volume of published literature, systematic research studies on these sustainable concrete mixes that inform various stakeholders on current research trends, future research directions, and marketability options products are seldom conducted. This paper presents a decade review on sustainable concrete with a focus on virgin materials being replaced with waste materials. It aims to inform researchers of current research trends and gaps in the research area of waste material use in concrete. The review also identifies key parameters that restrict the marketability of these sustainable concrete products. The three-step research methodology involves a bibliometric assessment, a key review of selected waste materials, and an interview with a panel of experts focusing on impediments towards the transition of sustainable concrete products into the industry market. Bibliometric assessment was based on 1465 research publications in which five key materials (plastic, glass, fly ash, slag) and construction and demolition waste were selected for the review. The interview was conducted with ten industry experts to discuss the industry limitations in the commercial establishment of materials. The review of existing knowledge and the findings on sustainable concrete presented in this paper provide directions for both research academics and industry stakeholders to systematically focus on sustainable concrete products that are market-ready.

Suggested Citation

  • Malindu Sandanayake & Yanni Bouras & Robert Haigh & Zora Vrcelj, 2020. "Current Sustainable Trends of Using Waste Materials in Concrete—A Decade Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-38, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:22:p:9622-:d:447157
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aria, Massimo & Cuccurullo, Corrado, 2017. "bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 11(4), pages 959-975.
    2. Ruth, Matthias, 1995. "Technology change in US iron and steel production : Implications for material and energy use, and CO2 emissions," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 21(3), pages 199-214, September.
    3. Berndt, M.L., 2015. "Influence of concrete mix design on CO2 emissions for large wind turbine foundations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 608-614.
    4. Yao, Zhitong & Ling, Tung-Chai & Sarker, P.K. & Su, Weiping & Liu, Jie & Wu, Weihong & Tang, Junhong, 2018. "Recycling difficult-to-treat e-waste cathode-ray-tube glass as construction and building materials: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 595-604.
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    Cited by:

    1. Noushin Islam & Malindu Sandanayake & Shobha Muthukumaran & Dimuth Navaratna, 2024. "Review on Sustainable Construction and Demolition Waste Management—Challenges and Research Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-30, April.
    2. Robert Haigh, 2023. "A Decade Review of Research Trends Using Waste Materials in the Building and Construction Industry: A Pathway towards a Circular Economy," Waste, MDPI, vol. 1(4), pages 1-25, November.
    3. Mahmut Durmaz & Murat Doğruyol, 2025. "Pistachio Shell Ash in Agro-Waste Cement Composites: A Pathway to Low-Carbon Binders," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-16, April.
    4. Jiawei Wu & Xunrong Ye & Huachun Cui, 2025. "Recycled Materials in Construction: Trends, Status, and Future of Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-38, March.
    5. Ebrahim Sharifi Teshnizi & Jafar Karimiazar & Jair Arrieta Baldovino, 2023. "Effect of Acid and Thermo-Mechanical Attacks on Compressive Strength of Geopolymer Mortar with Different Eco-Friendly Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-22, September.
    6. Wojciech Duliński, 2025. "An Assessment of Relation Between Sustainability and Architectural Representativeness of Passenger Airport Terminals in Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-26, January.
    7. Vincent Augiseau & Eunhye Kim, 2021. "Inflows and Outflows from Material Stocks of Buildings and Networks and their Space-Differentiated Drivers: The Case Study of the Paris Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-21, January.
    8. Ichiro Tsuchimoto & Yuya Kajikawa, 2022. "Recycling of Plastic Waste: A Systematic Review Using Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-39, December.

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