A REVIEW OF CEMENT AND ALTERNATIVE CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Abstract
The increasing environmental impact of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production, which accounts for a significant portion of global CO? emissions, has led to a growing interest in Alternative Cementitious Materials (ACMs) as sustainable alternatives. This literature review critically evaluates the properties, performance, and environmental benefits of ACMs, including fly ash, silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), metakaolin, and rice husk ash. A systematic search was conducted, sourcing 70 articles, of which 43 met the inclusion criteria. The review highlights the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of these materials, their impact on concrete durability, and their potential to reduce the carbon footprint of construction. Challenges such as inconsistent quality, lack of standardized mix designs, and regulatory barriers are discussed, along with recommendations for overcoming these obstacles through innovation and policy support. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of ACMs' role in advancing sustainable construction practices, offering insights into their practical applications and future research directions.
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