In the quest for sustainable construction materials, researchers have turned to industrial by-products to create controlled low-strength materials (CLSM) that could revolutionize the energy sector and beyond. A recent study published in the *Journal of Materials Research and Technology* (or *Journal of Materials Science and Technology* in English) explores the potential of bottom ash (BA), calcium carbide residue (CR), and fly ash (FA) as binders for CLSM, offering a promising avenue for upcycling waste materials into valuable construction resources.
Led by Warayut Dokduea from the Research Laboratory for Sustainable Concrete and Construction Materials at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Bangkok, Thailand, the research delves into the properties of binary and ternary binders made from these industrial by-products. The study investigates flowability, density, hardening time, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and the microstructural characteristics of the resulting materials.
The findings reveal that incorporating fly ash into the CLSM mixture significantly enhances flowability, making the material easier to work with. “Increasing the replacement of BA with CR content led to longer hardening times and lower early-age strength, while replacing BA with FA reduced hardening time and increased both density and strength,” Dokduea explains. This balance of properties is crucial for applications requiring controlled strength and workability.
The study highlights the potential of a ternary binder composed of 55% BA, 15% CR, and 30% FA, which achieved a 28-day UCS of 13916 kPa, surpassing the highest-strength binary mixture by over 130%. This remarkable performance suggests that these industrial by-products can be effectively upcycled into high-performance construction materials.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. As industries strive to reduce waste and adopt more sustainable practices, the ability to transform by-products into valuable construction materials offers a dual benefit: environmental stewardship and economic efficiency. “The results suggest that these industrial by-products could be upcycled as raw materials to produce CLSM, contributing to a circular economy,” Dokduea notes.
The research not only provides a viable solution for waste management but also paves the way for innovative construction techniques that prioritize sustainability. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the integration of such materials could set new standards for eco-friendly and cost-effective building practices.
This study, published in the *Journal of Materials Research and Technology*, underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in driving forward sustainable development. By harnessing the potential of industrial by-products, the construction and energy sectors can move towards a more sustainable future, reducing waste and enhancing the performance of construction materials. The findings offer a glimpse into a future where waste is not just managed but transformed into valuable resources, shaping the next generation of construction technologies.