Geopolymer Paver Block Using
Construction and Demolition
Waste
Utkarsh Awasthi (211CV159)
Venkatesh (211CV157)
S.P Chandana (211CV144)
Guided By : Bibhuti Bhusan Das Sir
[Link]
Introduction
1 Construction Industry 2 CDW Challenges
Impact
Construction and demolition
The construction industry waste (CDW) poses a major
plays a vital role in economic environmental concern,
development but often leading to landfill
results in significant overcrowding, pollution, and
environmental challenges. harmful emissions.
3 Geopolymer Solution
Geopolymer technology offers a promising solution for sustainable
construction by providing an environmentally friendly alternative to
traditional binders.
[Link]
The Construction Industry: A Double-Edged Sword
Economic Engine Environmental Impact Hidden Costs
The construction industry is a key driver of Construction is a major contributor to The environmental impact of construction
economic growth, fueling urbanization and environmental degradation. The industry construction practices is often overlooked.
infrastructure development. The global industry consumes vast amounts of overlooked. Landfills overflow with debris,
construction market is expected to reach resources and generates significant waste. debris, hazardous chemicals contaminate
$10 trillion by 2025, with growth driven by waste. Over 2 billion tons of construction contaminate ecosystems, and cement
increasing urbanization and infrastructure construction and demolition waste (CDW) production contributes significantly to
investments. (CDW) are generated globally each year, greenhouse gas emissions.
year, enough to fill more than 800,000
Olympic-sized swimming pools.
[Link]
Importance of Recycling Construction and Demolition
Demolition Waste (CDW)
Environmental Benefits Economic Benefits Sustainability Goals
Recycling CDW diverts waste from CDW recycling offers cost-effective Recycling CDW supports global
landfills, reducing soil and water waste management and provides an initiatives like the UN Sustainable
contamination. It also conserves alternative source for construction Development Goals, promoting
natural resources by lowering the materials. responsible consumption and climate
demand for virgin materials. action.
[Link]
Motivation: The Urgent Need for
Sustainable Construction
1 Global Construction Waste 2 Environmental Impact of
Statistics Conventional Materials
The construction and demolition Cement production, responsible for
industry generates over 2 billion tons 8% of global CO₂ emissions, and the
of waste annually, contributing to extraction of natural aggregates like
soil degradation, pollution, and sand and gravel lead to significant
biodiversity loss. environmental damage.
3 Need for Sustainable Alternatives
Geopolymer technology offers a promising solution to repurpose construction and
demolition waste (CDW) while reducing carbon emissions and producing durable
construction materials.
[Link]
Project Objectives
1 Sustainable Paver Block Development
The primary objective is to create eco-friendly geopolymer
paver blocks using recycled CDW materials.
2 Material Replacement
We aim to replace traditional aggregates and cement with
recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), recycled fine aggregates
(RFA), and geopolymer materials.
3 Performance Evaluation
Assess the compressive strength, water absorption, acid
resistance, and long-term performance of the geopolymer
paver blocks.
[Link]
Geopolymer Paver Blocks: A
Sustainable Alternative
Geopolymer paver blocks represent a breakthrough in sustainable construction
materials. By replacing traditional cement with industrial byproducts like fly
ash and GGBS, these blocks drastically reduce carbon emissions while
delivering superior strength and durability. Unlike conventional paving
solutions, geopolymer blocks transform construction waste into high-
performance materials. Their applications span across roads, pathways, and
parking areas, offering a greener and more cost-effective alternative for
modern infrastructure needs.
[Link]
What Are Paver Blocks and Geopolymer Paver Blocks?
Paver Blocks Geopolymer Paver Blocks
Paver blocks are precast concrete blocks, commonly used for Geopolymer paver blocks are a sustainable innovation that
paving roads, walkways, parking areas, and other surfaces. replaces traditional cement with geopolymer technology. This
These durable blocks offer strength, longevity, and easy involves utilizing recycled materials like fly ash, ground
installation. They are widely used in urban and landscape granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and recycled aggregates.
design projects. Geopolymerization utilizes alkaline solutions to bind the
materials together, resulting in blocks that are strong,
durable, and environmentally friendly.
[Link]
Benefits Over Traditional Cement-Based Concrete
Concrete
1 Reduced Environmental 2 High Strength 3 Economic Advantages
Impact
Geopolymer paver blocks exhibit The utilization of recycled and
Geopolymer technology high strength and durability. They waste materials reduces
significantly reduces carbon are resistant to chemical dependency on expensive virgin
emissions compared to traditional degradation and thermal changes, resources. This lower material
cement production. The making them ideal for urban and cost translates to long-term
utilization of recycled waste industrial applications like roads, economic savings, minimizing
materials and byproducts walkways, and parking areas, where maintenance needs and extending
minimizes landfill reliance and they can withstand regular wear and the lifespan of the paving.
promotes resource circularity. environmental exposure.
[Link]
Replacing Coarse Aggregates
with CDW
Waste Diversion Resource Conservation
Utilizing CDW as coarse aggregates Replacing natural aggregates with
reduces landfill burden by recycled materials helps preserve
repurposing construction waste finite resources like gravel and
into valuable materials. stone, promoting sustainable
construction.
[Link]
Replacing Fine Aggregates with
CDW
1 Sustainability
Using CDW as fine aggregates minimizes environmental
impact by reducing dependency on natural sand and
promoting circular economy practices.
2 Challenges
Recycled fine aggregates often have higher water absorption
and variability in quality, requiring careful processing and mix
optimization.
3 Benefits
Incorporating CDW as fine aggregates lowers material costs,
diverts waste from landfills, and aligns with sustainable
construction goals. [Link]
Replacing Cement with
Geopolymer Binders
Reduced Emissions
Geopolymer binders eliminate the need for cement, cutting CO₂
emissions by up to 90%.
Enhanced Durability
Geopolymer binders offer superior resistance to chemical attacks,
shrinkage, and thermal changes.
Cost and Availability
Utilizing industrial byproducts like fly ash and GGBS makes
geopolymer binders cost-effective and widely accessible.
[Link]
Key Findings on Replacing Coarse Aggregates with CDW
with CDW
Replacing natural aggregates with recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) from construction and demolition waste (CDW) offers an
eco-friendly solution by transforming waste materials into valuable resources, reducing environmental strain, and fostering
sustainable construction practices.
Optimal Replacement Ratios :
1. Studies identify 30-50% replacement as the best balance between strength, durability, and eco-efficiency.
2. At 30-50% replacement Compressive and flexural strength are comparable to conventional concrete paver blocks.
3. Suitable for non-structural applications such as pavements, sidewalks, and barriers.
• Replacement above 75% leads to significant reductions in strength, limiting structural applications.
[Link]
Mean of the 24 h water absorption and Compressive strength of cores
saturated surface-dry density of RA removed from the slab
Challenges Identified:
• Variability in RCA Quality: Impurities and inconsistent properties affect strength and durability.
• Reduced Applicability for Load-Bearing Structures: RCA performance declines at high replacement ratios
• Limited Long-Term Data: Most studies focus on short-term performance; further research is needed for real-
world durability.
[Link]
Replacing Fine Aggregates with Construction and
Demolition Waste (CDW)
Fine aggregate replacement with construction and demolition waste (CDW) is an important strategy for promoting sustainable construction
practices. Replacing fine aggregates with recycled construction and demolition waste offers several benefits. First, it helps divert large amounts of
construction waste from landfills, reducing environmental pollution and waste disposal costs.
[Link]
Replacement of fine aggregates by Construction and demolition
waste for establishing sustainable concrete
This study focused on evaluating the feasibility of using building
demolition waste (BDW) as a replacement for fine aggregates in
concrete.
The research aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating
BDW in varying percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and up to
50%) as fine aggregate replacement on the fresh and hardened
properties of M25-grade concrete.
The study explored both the mechanical properties, such as
compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days, and the workability of
the concrete mixes
The results indicated that concrete mixes with up to 50% BDW
as a fine aggregate replacement showed comparable
compressive strength to conventional concrete, particularly at
28 days of curing.
[Link]
Implications for Practical Applications
• Recycled Fine Aggregates (RFA) sourced from Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) present significant opportunities for
practical applications in the construction industry.
• Effective adoption of RFA requires understanding their properties, optimal ratios, and applications to enhance construction
sustainability.
Practical Applications of Recycled Fine Aggregates
1. Non-Structural Applications :
• RFA has shown promise in non-structural applications such as pavements, sidewalks, and barriers, which benefit from the
moderate compressive strength and durability offered by RFA-concrete mixes.
• Replacing 30-50% of natural fine aggregates with RFA provides sufficient strength and durability for low-stress applications like
pedestrian pathways.
2. Low-Rise Construction and Masonry :
• In low-rise buildings and masonry units, where loads are relatively low, RFA can be effectively used in mortar mixes. The rough
texture of RFA enhances the bond strength between mortar and masonry units, which is beneficial for stability and durability.
[Link]
Decorative and Precast Elements :
• Precast elements such as garden furniture, tiles, and decorative concrete products are ideal for incorporating RFA. These
products often prioritize aesthetic appeal and moderate strength requirements, areas where RFA-concrete performs well.
• The environmental benefits of RFA, coupled with its ability to reduce production costs, make it an attractive option for
manufacturers of precast elements.
Environmental Sustainability Impacts :
• Reduction in Natural Resource Depletion
• Lower Carbon Footprint
• Waste Management and Landfill Reduction
• Cost Efficiency
[Link]
Key Findings on Partial Replacement for Cement
Using industrial byproducts like fly ash and GGBS as partial replacements for cement reduces reliance on energy-intensive
cement production, cutting carbon emissions significantly. These materials enhance concrete’s environmental profile while
maintaining strength and durability. This approach also supports waste management by repurposing byproducts that would
otherwise contribute to landfill waste, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable construction practices.
Dolomitic Limestone Powder as Cement Substitute :
1. Replacing up to 16% of cement with dolomitic limestone powder achieved a compressive strength of 25.86 MPa.
2. Increasing the replacement beyond 16% led to a dilution effect, resulting in a decrease in compressive strength due to
a reduction in the active binder content within the mix.
3. Dolomitic limestone powder was employed as a partial replacement for cement, finely ground to enhance packing
density and reduce water demand.
[Link]
Utilization of Bottom Ash Medical Waste (BAMW) as a Cement Replacement :
1. BAMW is rich in silica (SiO₂) and calcium oxide (CaO), making it suitable as a supplementary cementitious material.
2. Replacing up to 8% of cement with BAMW enhanced the compressive strength of the paving blocks, achieving a peak
strength of 28.38 Mpa.
3. BAMW content beyond 8% adversely affected strength due to the presence of heavy metals and organic residues,
which disrupted the hydration process and weakened the matrix.
Utilization of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in Alkali-Activated Concrete Paver Blocks :
1. RAP, an abundant byproduct of road maintenance, was combined with industrial byproducts such as fly ash and
ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as binders.
2. RAP could replace up to 75% of natural aggregates while maintaining satisfactory compressive strength and abrasion
resistance for non-motorized and pedestrian applications.
3. 50% RAP mix emerged as the optimal composition, achieving a compressive strength of 21.5 Mpa. Additionally, this
mix reduced production costs by 25.8%.
[Link]
Geopolymer Paver Blocks Incorporating Copper Slag and Coal Bottom Ash :
1. Copper slag, rich in iron and silica, and coal bottom ash, a byproduct of thermal power plants. Coal bottom ash,
obtained from thermal power plants, served as a supplementary binder material.
2. The optimal mix, consisting of 30% copper slag and 20% coal bottom ash, achieved a compressive strength of 27.5
Mpa.
3. Suitable for light to medium-duty applications such as pedestrian pathways and parking areas. The blocks also
demonstrated good abrasion resistance and durability under environmental stresses.
Utilization of Fly Ash and Marble Waste as Sustainable Cement Replacements :
1. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, contains reactive silica and alumina also marble waste, a byproduct of the
marble processing industry which is rich in calcium carbonate.
2. 20% fly ash and 20% marble waste replacing the cement content—delivering the optimal results , achieving 32 MPa at
56 days, surpassing the compressive strength of conventional concrete mixes.
3. It helps conserve natural resources, reduces environmental pollution, and minimizes the carbon footprint of cement
production.
[Link]
Compiled Conclusion of Cement Replacement
1. Compressive Strength : Studies achieved compressive strengths ranging from 21.5 MPa to 32 MPa, suitable for light to high-
load [Link] mix designs enhanced the mechanical properties, surpassing structural requirements for paving
blocks and concrete.
2. Environmental Impact : Replacement materials (e.g., BAMW, RAP, fly ash, copper slag, marble waste) reduced cement
dependency, resulting in significant carbon footprint [Link] of industrial waste (e.g., bottom ash, slag, RAP)
mitigated disposal issues and promoted circular economy principles.
3. Economic Benefits : Utilizing industrial byproducts (e.g., RAP reduced costs by 25.8%).Innovations reduced reliance on virgin
materials, lowering production [Link] and SustainabilityImproved chemical resistance, reduced water demand,
and enhanced long-term [Link] demonstrated excellent resistance to wear, environmental stressors, and
abrasion.
[Link]
[Link]
Challenges & Future Scope
Variability in CDW Quality
Requires advanced sorting, cleaning, and processing to ensure uniform
material properties.
Water Absorption Issues
Pre-saturated aggregates and chemical admixtures help mitigate water
absorption.
Scalability Challenges
Investment in infrastructure, equipment, and awareness campaigns are
crucial for widespread adoption.
Future Research & Development
Optimizing mix designs, exploring advanced admixtures, and conducting
long-term studies are essential.
[Link]
Conclusion
1 Environmental Sustainability 2 Performance Excellence
Geopolymer paver blocks provide a sustainable alternative by The blocks exhibit high compressive strength, durability, and
significantly reducing carbon emissions, repurposing resistance to chemical and thermal changes, suitable for
construction and demolition waste, and promoting a circular urban applications. Their longevity minimizes maintenance
economy. They contribute to conserving natural resources requirements, making them cost-effective. Additionally, their
while addressing critical waste management challenges in the adaptability ensures use in pathways, parking areas, and
construction industry. other projects.
3 Economic Viability 4 Future Outlook
Utilizing recycled materials lowers costs, minimizes landfill Further research on material optimization and scalability can
dependency, and offers long-term savings in infrastructure enhance the adoption of geopolymer technology in
development. It also enhances resource efficiency, construction. Advancements in production techniques and
contributing to a more sustainable construction industry. long-term performance studies will pave the way for
widespread implementation.
[Link]
Thank You
[Link]
