Lightweight concrete from a perspective of sustainable reuse of waste byproducts

Traditional waste management schemes raise various environmental, social, and economic concerns; thus, require productive replacements. A large amount of natural resource is utilized to meet the demand of concrete production, which causes environmental issues; also, enriched properties of concrete with low density are demanded. Consequently, the idea of lightweight concrete (LWC) has gained popularity. Practically, there is a vast potential of using waste byproducts of the various sectors in LWC; thus, it could also be taken as a sustainable waste management solution. Extensive studies have been carried out on the use of various waste byproducts in LWC as an aggregate, cementing agent, admixture, and their combinations. The current paper reviews the research status, gaps, challenges and solutions of the use of waste byproducts of various sectors in LWC. Various governing factors are identified to use waste byproducts in different roles in LWC, i.e., material, admixture, or combination of both; based on which, the suitability of the use of any waste material in LWC can be assessed. Despite a large number of conducted studies, characterization of more waste material for use in LWC, assessment, and mitigation of hazardous impacts of waste byproducts in LWC, durability, and life cycle assessment of waste-based LWC are identified as the research dimensions to be further focused. The current paper aims to benefit the associated researchers and practitioners working in the fields of construction, waste management, sustainable development, resources conservations, and recycling.

Automated summary

Traditional waste management schemes have various environmental, social, and economic concerns, leading to the need for productive replacements. Lightweight concrete (LWC) has gained popularity due to its low density and environmental properties. There is vast potential in utilizing various waste byproducts in LWC, which requires further research and focus in this field.