The use of recycled materials in construction

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the stated challenges and future-work section and future work of the source papers, classified as general, spanning 3 journals.

Supporting evidence — 4 representative gaps

• Impact of Incorporating Recycled Fine Concrete Aggregate and Recycled Concrete Powder in Mortar: Technical and Environmental Impact Assessment (2026) · Circular Economy and Sustainability · doi

  The use of recycled materials in construction can be challenging due to variability and contamination. The development of sustainable construction materials and practices requires a multidisciplinary approach. There is a need to balance the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of using recycled materials in construction.

  generalstated challenges
  Keywords: use recycled materials construction challenging due variability contamination
• Impact of Incorporating Recycled Fine Concrete Aggregate and Recycled Concrete Powder in Mortar: Technical and Environmental Impact Assessment (2026) · Circular Economy and Sustainability · doi

  Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term durability of mortar containing fine recycled concrete aggregate and recycled concrete powder. Research is needed to investigate the economic feasibility of using these recycled materials in construction. Studies are required to develop new sustainable construction materials and practices using recycled materials.

  generalfuture-work section
  Keywords: further studies needed evaluate long-term durability mortar containing
• From Waste to Wall: Exploring the Architectural Potential of Recycled Plastic Bricks in Affordable Housing Design (2026) · African Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development · doi

  Despite promising results, the following research gaps remain and warrant investigation: 1. Long-term durability studies: Evaluate weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and load-bearing lifespan of recycled plastic bricks in real environments. 2. Standardized testing protocols: Establish internationally recognized standards for mix ratios, mechanical testing, and curing methods, allowing comparability across studies. 3. Hybrid reinforcement strategies: Explore fiber reinforcement, surface coatings, or hybrid polymer blends to improve high-temperature performance, tensile properties, and load-bearing capacity. 4. Life-cycle and environmental assessment: Quantify embodied energy, carbon footprint, and sustainability benefits relative to traditional masonry units. 5. Scalability and industrial adoption: Study large-scale production, cost-effectiveness, and supply chain feasibility for recycled plastic-based construction materials in urban and low-resource contexts. REFRENCES Abdalla, Y., Ahmed, K., & Osman, A. (2025). Mechanical properties of LLDPE–quarry dust composite blocks for load bearing masonry. Journal of Building Engineering, 74, 106–215. Abduljabbar, N., Al-Busaltan, S., Dulaimi, A., Al-Yasari, R., Sadique, M., & Nageim, H. (2022). The effect of waste low-density polyethylene on the mechanical properties of thin asphalt overlay. Construction and Building Materials. Alim, A., Baharum, A., Shirajuddin, S., & Anuar, F. (2023). Blending of Low-Density Polyethylene and Poly(Butylene Succinate) (recycled plastic/PBS) with Polyethylene–Graft–Maleic Anhydride (PE–g–MA) as a compatibilizer on the phase morphology, mechanical and thermal properties. Polymers, 15 Debele, A., Demeke, S., Bekele, T., & Malimo, M. (2024). Recycling and reusing potential of disposable low-density polyethylene plastic waste for flexible paver tile construction for outdoor application. Heliyon, 10. Dolores, M. C., Dizon, J. R., & Santos, L. (2020). Use of recycled plastic pellets as fine aggregate replacement in concrete hollow blocks. International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering and Technology, 11(2), 45–54. Gencel, O., Erdugmus, E., Sutcu, M., & Oren, O. (2020). Effects of concrete waste on characteristics of structural fired clay bricks. Construction and Building Materials, 255, 119362. Haba, B., Djellali, S., Abdelouahed, Y., Boudjelida, S., Faleschini, F., & Carraro, M. (2025). Transforming plastic waste into value: A review of management strategies and innovative applications in sustainable construction. Polymers. 72 African Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development | ISSN: 3027-2718 Vol. 4, Issue 2 (2026) | https://doi.org/10.46654/agbcqa65 Iftikhar, Y., Khan, M., & Ali, S. (2023). Performance of recycled plastic sand paver bl

  generalfuture workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: plastic construction recycled mechanical properties waste polyethylene load bearing materials journal building density sustainable bricks
• EVALUATION OF GEOSYNTHETIC-REINFORCED C&D WASTE FOR FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT APPLICATIONS – A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH (2026) · Research Digest on Engineering Management and Social Innovations · doi

  Further research should focus on full replacement of natural aggregates and sand with construction and demolition waste. Long-term field performance monitoring and life-cycle cost analysis are needed. Studies on climatic adaptability and fatigue behavior under repeated traffic loads will strengthen confidence in adopting recycled materials for large-scale infrastructure projects.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: further research focus full replacement natural aggregates sand

Questions about this gap