In the quest for sustainable construction practices, a groundbreaking study has emerged, offering a promising alternative to traditional materials. Researchers, led by Mohammed Rihan Maaze from the School of Engineering at NICMAR University, have delved into the potential of recycled concrete fine aggregates (RCFA) in rendering mortar, providing a compelling case for its environmental and economic benefits.
The study, published in the journal Discover Materials (which translates to “Discover Materials” in English), employs a comprehensive, multi-criteria approach to evaluate the sustainability of RCFA-based mortar mixes. By replacing natural river sand with RCFA, the research demonstrates significant improvements in environmental and economic efficiency, marking a potential shift in the construction industry’s approach to material sourcing.
At the heart of this research lies a life cycle assessment (LCA) using SimaPro software and the Ecoinvent V3 database. This assessment quantifies the environmental impact of different proportions of RCFA, employing the midpoint ReCiPe method to evaluate 18 environmental impact categories. The study’s innovative use of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) further determines the optimal RCFA content, considering mechanical, environmental, and economic factors.
“The findings reveal that substituting at least 25% of natural river sand with RCFA improves both environmental and economic efficiency by 20–47%,” Maaze explains. This substantial improvement is a testament to the potential of RCFA as a sustainable alternative to conventional sand in construction.
The environmental score (EnvScore) method used in the study highlights the advantages of RCFA over conventional river sand, particularly in resource depletion and energy consumption. These reductions are achieved while maintaining acceptable mechanical performance, making RCFA an advisable and sustainable choice for the construction industry.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. As the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices grows, the adoption of RCFA could significantly reduce the environmental footprint of building projects. This shift could lead to a more sustainable future, where construction materials are not only durable and cost-effective but also environmentally friendly.
Moreover, the study’s multi-criteria approach offers a robust framework for future research, encouraging the exploration of other alternative materials and their potential benefits. As Maaze notes, “This demonstrates RCFA’s potential as an advisable and sustainable alternative to conventional sand in construction.”
In conclusion, this research paves the way for a more sustainable future in the construction industry. By embracing innovative materials like RCFA, we can reduce our environmental impact, optimize economic efficiency, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world. The study’s findings, published in Discover Materials, serve as a call to action for the industry to adopt more sustainable practices and explore the potential of alternative materials.