Economic potential comparative of reusing different industrial solid wastes in cementitious composites: a case study in Brazil

The deposition of industrial wastes in landfills is a huge environmental menace that has resulted in detrimental environmental impacts all over the world including Brazil. The significant evolution of technology and more awareness about sustainability have yielded the development of various innovative utilization of these industrial wastes as components in cementitious composites. In this current study, the economic potential of reusing three different Brazilian solid industrial wastes as components in cementitious composites was valued. The three industrial wastes evaluated in this study are primary sludge from the paper industry, sludge from the processing of ornamental rocks and construction and demolition wastes. A comparative economic evaluation of mortar incorporating the wastes as 10% and 20% replacement of hydrated lime and sand, respectively, was made. Findings from this study showed that the replacement of the conventional lime used in cementitious materials with industrial solid wastes would yield about 250 million dollars in savings annually.