Sustainability Assessment of Lightweight Artificial Aggregates Made from Industrial Waste Using a Double-Step Cold Bonding Palletization Process

Abstract

The use of recycled resources in the construction industry, such as lightweight artificial aggregates, has recently gained more and more attention. In the present study, experimental procedures and multi-criteria model were applied to choose among the lightweight artificial aggregates. Mechanical, environmental, and economic factors were examined and integrated to identify the most sustainable lightweight artificial aggregate. Three mixtures containing cement and industrial waste were created for this purpose. While cement content (15%, 10%, 5%) and blast furnace slag (5%, 10%, 15%) changed in the mixtures, fly ash content (80%) was kept constant. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was put into place to assist in identifying preferred scenarios in relation to the three mixtures. The outcomes showed that aggregates with 80% of fly ash, 5% of blast furnace slag and 15% of cement are the best choice in terms of sustainability.