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From Waste to Resource: Evaluation of the Technical and Environmental Performance of Concrete Blocks Made from Iron Ore Tailings

Author

Listed:
  • Luciana Chaves Weba

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Morro do Cruzeiro University Campus, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil)

  • Júlia Maria Medalha Resende Oliveira

    (Department of Urban Engineering, Morro do Cruzeiro University Campus, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil)

  • Alberto José Corrêa de Souza

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Morro do Cruzeiro University Campus, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil)

  • Ludimila Gomes Antunes

    (Department of Architecture and Urbanism, Morro do Cruzeiro University Campus, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil)

  • José Maria Franco de Carvalho

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil)

  • Wanna Carvalho Fontes

    (Department of Urban Engineering, Morro do Cruzeiro University Campus, Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP), Ouro Preto 35400-000, Brazil)

Abstract

This study investigates the use of iron ore tailings (IOTs) as recycled aggregates in segmental blocks, focusing on technical performance, CO 2 emissions, and embodied energy using the cradle-to-gate approach. IOTs replaced fine aggregates in concrete at 25%, 50%, and 75% by volume, achieving compressive strengths of 16.23 MPa, 10.02 MPa, and 3.93 MPa, respectively. Raw material production accounted for 98% of CO 2 emissions and 86% of embodied energy. Producing blocks at mining sites offered limited environmental benefits due to longer transport distances. Despite this, the results showed a 6% reduction in CO 2 emissions and a 35% improvement in mechanical–environmental performance (CO 2 emissions weighted by compressive strength) compared to traditional concrete. These findings underscore the potential of IOT-based concrete for segmental block production.

Suggested Citation

  • Luciana Chaves Weba & Júlia Maria Medalha Resende Oliveira & Alberto José Corrêa de Souza & Ludimila Gomes Antunes & José Maria Franco de Carvalho & Wanna Carvalho Fontes, 2025. "From Waste to Resource: Evaluation of the Technical and Environmental Performance of Concrete Blocks Made from Iron Ore Tailings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:552-:d:1565579
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vilaça, A.S.I. & Simão, L. & Montedo, O.R.K. & Novaes de Oliveira, A.P. & Raupp-Pereira, F., 2022. "Waste valorization of iron ore tailings in Brazil: Assessment metrics from a circular economy perspective," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    2. Röck, Martin & Saade, Marcella Ruschi Mendes & Balouktsi, Maria & Rasmussen, Freja Nygaard & Birgisdottir, Harpa & Frischknecht, Rolf & Habert, Guillaume & Lützkendorf, Thomas & Passer, Alexander, 2020. "Embodied GHG emissions of buildings – The hidden challenge for effective climate change mitigation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
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