Production of Sustainable Construction Materials Using Agro-Wastes

Abstract

The construction sector, in modern times, is faced by a myriad of challenges primarily due to the increase in the urban population and dwindling natural resources that facilitate the production of construction materials. Furthermore, higher awareness on climate change is forcing companies to rethink their strategies in developing more sustainable construction materials. Diverse types of agro-waste ranging from rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), and bamboo leaves ash (BLA) among others have been identified as potent solutions in the development of sustainable construction materials. In this review paper, six different construction materials, made using agro-waste products, are examined. The materials include brick/masonry elements, green concrete, insulation materials for buildings, reinforcement materials for buildings, particleboards, and bio-based plastics. The main criterion adopted in selecting the materials regards their popularity and wide-scale use in modern construction applications. Additionally, as this research emphasizes identifying alternative approaches to develop sustainable construction materials, the focus is directed toward mainstream materials whose continued use has an adverse impact on the environment. The findings obtained from the review showed that the use of agro-waste to develop sustainable construction materials was effective, as the developed materials adhered to established building standards. Therefore, this indicates that agro-waste materials have the potential to replace conventional construction materials and hence achieve economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the long run.

Polish Transition towards Circular Economy: Materials Management and Implications for the Construction Sector

“…Circular economy solutions help to maintain the added value of products and eliminate waste. The possibility of the reuse of natural resources after the end of a product’s life cycle supports their effective maintenance in economic circulation and, hence, limits their negative environmental impact [ 43 , 44 , 45 ].…”

“…Many materials of mineral and organic origin, such as natural rubber, wood and paper return to production as secondary raw materials. Greater significance is also attributed to the reuse of waste from production and purchase due to environmental and economic reasons [ 43 , 44 , 45 ]. The period between 2015 and 2018 saw a significant increase in the acquisition of selected groups of waste by production and trading entities.…”

Greening by grain waste recycling in cereal industry

“…In Western Europe, solid fuels -fuel briquettes and pellets (granular fuel) -have become widespread [28][29][30][31][32]. The calorific value of such material made from vegetable waste is comparable to coal, and its relative cheapness allows it to be used as industrial energy sources and for domestic purposes [2,11,19].…”

Methodological review: Socio-cultural analysis criteria for BIM modeling and material passport tracking of agriwaste as a building construction raw material

“…[24][25][26] As a result, there are competing socio-economic criteria in the decision to classify banana peels as a "nonedible waste" that can be used as a raw material for building construction. [27][28][29] Future research can examine the types of data system design and user interfaces that would facilitate a short-term (3-6 months) resolution of the optimal use of banana peels as a building construction material.…”