Geography and Regional Planning

Geography and Regional Planning

Feasibility study of using recycled materials in the construction of non-structural walls and its impact on sustainability

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Mahmoud Firouzi
Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Department of Architectural Technology; Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jgeoq.2025.544569.4328
Abstract
The construction industry significantly impacts the environment through high resource consumption and substantial waste and greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the feasibility of using recycled materials (PET plastic, recycled concrete, and agricultural waste composites) in non-structural walls and their contribution to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research included laboratory tests (mechanical strength, thermal and acoustic insulation, fire resistance), life cycle assessment (LCA), and a case study. Findings revealed that agricultural composites and PET plastic outperform traditional materials (brick and plaster) in thermal and acoustic insulation, with a 35-60% reduction in carbon footprint and lower costs (11.6-13.6 USD/m²). Recycled concrete exhibited higher mechanical strength but incurred greater costs and carbon emissions. Social acceptance of these materials (68-70%) was promising, though fire resistance in PET and composites requires improvement. The study confirms that recycled materials are viable alternatives for non-structural walls, promoting sustainable construction, provided standardization and safety enhancements are addressed. These findings offer practical insights for engineers, policymakers, and construction stakeholders.
Keywords
Recycled materials
non-structural walls
sustainability
sustainable construction
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