Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The construction industry is a significant contributor to environmental degradation due to its high consumption of natural resources and generation of waste. In response to this challenge, the utilization of recycled materials in concrete has emerged as a promising approach to promote sustainability in construction practices. This thesis aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating recycled materials, such as recycled aggregates and supplementary cementitious materials, in concrete production for sustainable construction practices. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms related to the utilization of recycled materials in concrete. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review on the utilization of recycled materials in concrete. The chapter explores previous studies, methodologies, findings, and recommendations related to the incorporation of recycled aggregates and supplementary cementitious materials in concrete production. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study. It discusses the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, experimental procedures, testing protocols, and data analysis techniques used to investigate the properties and performance of concrete mixes containing recycled materials. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the experimental investigation. The chapter analyzes the mechanical properties, durability performance, environmental impact, and cost implications of using recycled materials in concrete mixes for sustainable construction practices. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing the implications for sustainable construction practices, highlighting the contributions to the field of civil engineering, and providing recommendations for future research directions. The study concludes that the utilization of recycled materials in concrete shows great potential for reducing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable construction practices in the construction industry. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable construction practices by demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of incorporating recycled materials in concrete production. The findings of this study can inform policymakers, industry professionals, researchers, and other stakeholders in the construction sector on the importance of adopting sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impact and promote long-term sustainability in the built environment.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Utilization of Recycled Materials in Concrete for Sustainable Construction Practices" aims to explore the incorporation of recycled materials into concrete as a sustainable construction practice. Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials globally, but its production comes with significant environmental impacts due to the extraction of raw materials and high energy consumption. By integrating recycled materials into concrete production, the project seeks to mitigate these environmental consequences and promote sustainable construction practices. The research will focus on identifying suitable recycled materials that can be effectively used in concrete mixtures without compromising the structural integrity and durability of the concrete. Commonly investigated recycled materials include recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste, recycled glass, and recycled plastics. The project will evaluate the performance of concrete mixtures containing varying proportions of these recycled materials through laboratory testing and analysis. Key aspects of the research will include assessing the mechanical properties, durability, and long-term performance of concrete incorporating recycled materials. By understanding how these recycled materials interact with cementitious binders and other components of concrete, the project aims to provide insights into optimizing concrete mix designs for sustainable construction applications. Furthermore, the research will also consider the environmental implications of using recycled materials in concrete production, such as reduced carbon emissions and energy savings compared to conventional concrete mixes. Life cycle assessment methods will be employed to evaluate the environmental impact of incorporating recycled materials in concrete and compare it to traditional concrete production processes. Overall, the project on the "Utilization of Recycled Materials in Concrete for Sustainable Construction Practices" seeks to contribute to the advancement of sustainable construction practices by providing practical solutions for reducing the environmental footprint of concrete production. Through comprehensive research, testing, and analysis, the project aims to offer valuable insights and recommendations for industry professionals, policymakers, and researchers interested in promoting eco-friendly construction practices.