Sustainable concrete development through the utilization of ceramic tile waste

초록

India's rapid development has led to an increased demand for construction materials such as cement, sand, and aggregates, all of which are derived from non-renewable and costly natural resources. To address environmental concerns and resource scarcity, alternative materials, especially waste from other industries, should be utilised. The construction industry generates significant construction and demolition (C&D) waste, with unofficial estimates suggesting it could be three to five times higher than reported. Among many C&D wastes ceramic industry waste, accounting for about 100 million tons annually, includes 15-30% of waste from total production, primarily disposed of in landfills due to inadequate recycling knowledge and practices. This study explores the use of ceramic waste as a replacement for fine aggregates in concrete. The ceramic waste was processed to produce aggregates conforming to Indian standards, with a specific gravity of 2.29, classifying them as lightweight aggregates. Concrete produced with 100% ceramic waste replacement exhibited a 45% increase in workability (slump value) and similar hardened properties compared to conventional M-sand concrete. From these findings it can be highlighted that ceramic waste is a viable alternative to natural sand, addressing both environmental concerns and landfill disposal issues. Utilizing ceramic waste in concrete not only makes the material more economical but also promotes sustainable development by transforming waste management practices in the construction industry. © 2026 Author(s).

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