In a significant advancement for sustainable construction practices, researchers in Türkiye have explored the potential of one-part alkali-activated mortars (AAM) made from waste clay bricks, natural pozzolan, and marble powder. This innovative approach not only addresses the pressing issue of construction waste but also promises to enhance the efficiency and safety of construction processes.
Kübra Ekiz Barış, a lead researcher from Kocaeli University, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Department of Architecture, emphasizes the practical benefits of one-part AAM over traditional two-part systems. “One-part AAMs are simpler to use and require less handling, making them an excellent choice for commercial construction applications and on-site casting,” Barış noted. This is particularly relevant in an industry that often grapples with logistical challenges and safety concerns.
The study highlights the significant presence of waste clay bricks (WCB) in Türkiye’s construction and demolition waste landscape. While previous research primarily focused on two-part AAMs, this new investigation shifts the spotlight to one-part systems, which could revolutionize how construction materials are produced and utilized. By incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash to enhance the reactivity of WCB, the researchers have opened doors to more sustainable material solutions.
The findings reveal that substituting WCB with natural pozzolan at an optimal ratio of 50% markedly improves the mechanical properties of the mortars. The study reports impressive results, including a compressive strength of 21.58 MPa and a compressive wave speed of 3.70 km/s in samples containing 25% WCB and 75% marble powder. “The increase in mechanical properties, especially within the first 28 days of curing, indicates a promising path toward developing durable construction materials,” Barış explained.
This research not only addresses environmental concerns by repurposing waste materials but also holds commercial implications for the construction sector. As the industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, the development of one-part AAMs could lead to reduced material costs and improved project timelines, enhancing overall competitiveness.
Published in the ‘Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies’, this study sets the stage for future innovations in the field. The potential for integrating waste materials into high-performance construction solutions could inspire a new wave of sustainable practices, reshaping the landscape of construction as we know it.