Sustainable Construction Materials from Industrial Waste: Utilization, Performance Evaluation and Case Studies from India

The rapid expansion of infrastructure and urbanization has significantly increased the demand for construction materials such as cement, aggregates, and bitumen. Simultaneously, industrial growth has resulted in the generation of large quantities of waste materials, leading to environmental degradation and disposal challenges. Sustainable construction practices promote the utilization of industrial waste as alternative construction materials to reduce environmental impact and conserve natural resources. This paper reviews the use of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume, rice husk ash, marble dust, steel slag, and waste plastic in construction. The mechanical properties, environmental benefits, economic feasibility, and real-life Indian case studies are discussed. The findings suggest that industrial waste-based construction materials provide improved durability, reduced carbon emissions, and cost efficiency, making them suitable for sustainable infrastructure development.