A Comprehensive Review of Sustainable Concrete with Ceramic Waste: Performance, Challenges and Future Directions

Aggregate Substitution Life Cycle Assessment Mechanical Properties Structural Applications Thermal Performance

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The objective of this review is to evaluate the potential of ceramic waste as a sustainable alternative material in concrete, addressing environmental, technical, and economic considerations. The analysis synthesizes findings from experimental studies, microstructural investigations, and life cycle assessments to examine ceramic waste used as both aggregate and supplementary cementitious material. Key performance indicators such as compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, durability under aggressive conditions, thermal resistance, and workability are assessed. Advanced modeling tools, including finite element analysis and machine learning, are also reviewed for their role in predicting performance and optimizing mix design. Findings indicate that ceramic waste enhances strength and durability when used at optimal replacement levels (typically 10–20%), with improvements in resistance to chloride penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, and high-temperature exposure. Environmental and economic benefits include reduced carbon emissions, diversion of landfill waste, and material cost savings. However, variability in ceramic waste composition, reduced early-age strength, and lack of standardization remain significant barriers. This review improves on earlier studies by consolidating both technical and sustainability evidence, highlighting performance trends across different replacement levels, and emphasizing pathways for standardization and field-scale adoption.