Physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of a sustainably engineered composite (ECC) based on demolition waste, waste marble powder, pumice powder and superabsorbent polymer

Concrete is widely used as the primary building material in modern construction. However, the production of cement, the main component of concrete, results in significant environmental impacts such as high carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Additionally, the disposal of waste materials generated from the demolition of existing building stocks poses a serious environmental problem. Therefore, there is a need to develop a green, eco-friendly, smart, and sustainable building material to reduce environmental impacts. In this study, the aim is to develop an eco-friendly, sustainable, and smart building material. To achieve this goal, waste materials such as marble dust, recycled aggregate powder, and pumice powder, which are easier to obtain and use, will be utilized. Additionally, special components such as mineral additives and superabsorbent polymers will be used to give the building material smart properties. Superabsorbent polymers will control the hydration process of the material, optimizing its engineering properties, and facilitating internal curing by absorbing water initially and then slowly releasing it. Fiber reinforcement will enhance the material's durability and provide higher engineering properties. The developed building material is intended to be sustainable, green, and smart, with plans to patent it and move it into production in the future. By promoting the use of this material in existing building stocks, the aim is to reduce environmental impacts and create a building stock that is suitable for recycling. According to the results of the first stage, Samples 35, 49, and 60 were identified as the top three samples. Subsequently, in the second stage, these samples were validated, and Sample 35 yielded the best results when considering both previous and subsequent concrete wastes, with a compressive strength of 56.66 MPa. This indicates that the best sustainable ECC mixture (Sample 35) has aspects open to improvement in various engineering domains. This project aims to contribute to the goals set forth in the "Presidency of Türkiye Century Vision." It is particularly aligned with initiatives such as the "Zero Waste Project" and the "Green Transformation Project" in supporting their realization.