This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to present and analyze the recent research on the effect of recycled glass (RG) on the durability of concrete applications in terms of transport properties, chemical attack, alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and freeze/thaw (FT). RG could be utilized in concrete as a replacement or addition in three forms, namely glass powder (GP), glass aggregate (GA), and glass fiber (GF). The methodology of this study was based on a criterion for the selection process of reviewed studies to assess and synthesize the knowledge of the durability of RG in concrete. The articles were assessed and screened, then 114 review articles were selected. The direction of utilization of RG in concrete depends on the type, particle size, and pozzolanic performance. The valorization of RG had a positive impact on the durability of concrete; however, the mutual synergy of multiple substitutions with glass also had better results. Nowadays, fine glass aggregate (FGA) could be promoted to be used as a partial substitute for sand due to the easiness of recycling. Furthermore, GF is strongly encouraged to be used in fiber concrete. An analytical framework that highlights the durability improvement of glass-modified concrete is presented. The results suggested that it is technically feasible to utilize glass as a part of concrete in the production of durable concrete. It provides a higher resistance to transport properties and chemical attacks by providing an extended lifespan. In addition, RG plays a great role in FT action in cold climates while it does not have a significant impact on ASR, provided refinement of glass results in the reduction of ASR and thus overcomes the expansion and cracks of concrete. However, up to 20% GP and up to 30% fine glass aggregate (FGA) could be replaced with cement and aggregate, respectively, to achieve a positive effect on durability based on the W/C ratio provided, not compromising the strength.

There is a tremendous increase in plastic waste that negatively impacts the environment due to various industrial activities. Furthermore, plastic waste has non-biodegradable properties that make it hard to reduce its accumulation around the globe. Hence, this study aims to investigate the possibility of incorporating Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste as a partial replacement material of sand to improve the thermal insulation properties of cement sand brick by looking at findings of low thermal conductivity value. The study uses a PET plastic bottle that has been cut into small flakes and grind using a granulator machine to produce PET waste granules whose size is not more than 5 mm, similar to the sand size. This waste was added to other raw materials, i.e., cement and sand. The percentages of PET waste vary from 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% by weight. This study produced two types of samples, i.e., control brick and PET waste cement sand brick. All samples undergo laboratory works involving geotechnical gradation, physical, mechanical, and thermal conductivity testing. Based on the results obtained, the optimum proportion of PET waste replacement in cement sand bricks making is 5% by its having the lowest thermal conductivity value of 0.581 W/mK and meeting the standard requirements of 3.90 MPa > 3.45 MPa (ASTM C129-11 for compressive strength), and 2,146 kg/m3 > 2,000 kg/m3 (ASTM C129-11 for normal weight non-loadbearing brick). Thus, PET plastic bottle waste can be a potential partial sand replacement material in cement sand bricks. Its potential to enhance the thermal conductivity of existing cement sand brick reduces sand consumption, solves plastic waste problems, and promotes a better environmentally-friendly construction industry.

Malaysia, like most other developing countries, is facing an increase in the generation of waste and accompanying problems with the disposal of this waste. A large number of biomass wastes were generated due to increased activity in the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors, which led to producing environmental hazards and waste management issues. On the other situation, the energy consumption to cool the indoor building environment is high due to the building being exposed directly to solar radiation throughout the daytime, which increases the temperature outside and inside the building. Most of the low-medium cost housing schemes were constructed using metal roof covering without providing a roof insulation layer which causes a rising in indoor temperature and creates uncomfortable surroundings. Moreover, existing materials for roof insulation in the market use inorganic synthetic materials that could harm human health. The study aims to investigate the potential use of agricultural wastes for the production of roof board insulation material that can provide economic value added to agricultural waste, reduce the environmental issue and provide eco-friendly, sustainable building material. In this study, these agricultural wastes are combined in different proportions of 50% individual fibres, such as sugarcane bagasse with coconut husk, empty fruit bunch with mesocarp fibre, coconut husk with empty fruit bunch, and sugarcane bagasse with mesocarp fibre. The sample was fabricated using the hot-press machine and went through various physical and mechanical testing, which involved thickness of swelling, modulus of rupture, and thermal conductivity. The finding showed that the mixed fibre of empty fruit bunch and mesocarp fibre achieved all the criteria such as density (427 <500kg/m3); thickness of swelling (19< 20%); modulus of rupture (514<800psi), thermal conductivity (0.0856<0.25 W/m.K) met with the standard requirement in every laboratory test conducted. The outcome of this study suggests that empty fruit bunch and mesocarp fibre are the potential materials for the production of roof board thermal insulation. However, modification of physical and mechanical properties of waste fibre is required to achieve superior performance and is ready to be provided in the market. This study is aligned with the government initiative for the growth of green building materials for sustainable development in the construction industry.

The release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the cement industry into the atmosphere and the increasing amount of oil palm waste from industrial plants lead to the problem of the greenhouse effect and environmental pollution. Studies on palm fuel ash (POFA) and metakaolin (MK) as a semi‐substitute for cement can reduce the problem of the greenhouse effect and environmental pollution, as well as increase and improve the level of strength of concrete. Using mechanical and transport test methods as well as assisted by comparative X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis can prove the use of pozzolanic material as a catalyst to the compressive strength of concrete. In this study, slump test, compressive strength test, and water absorption test were conducted on samples containing total cement substitution up to 40% of POFA and MK as cement substitutes. The partial replacement of cement with MK and POFA reduced the workability of the concrete. However, binary and ternary blended concrete containing MK and POFA provide better compressive strength compared to OPC concrete up to 9.5% after 28 days age. Moreover, it was found that, the compressive strength of concrete containing POFA was better than the concrete containing MK up to 4%.

In Malaysia, issue to attain durable concrete structures has risen due to shortage of skilled labours. Besides pollution due to construction activities, safety and health of the workers is also a major concern. Self-compacting concrete is able to overcome the problems through its execution. Moreover, properties of SCC can be further improved via incorporation with other materials. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the strengths and water absorption of SCC containing metakaolin (MK) and nylon fiber (NF) besides determining the effects of MK and NF in SCC. Four mixes (100%C, 95%C 5%MK, 100%C 0.5%NF, 95%C 5%MK 0.5%NF) were being carried out with w/c ratio 0.4 and 1.5% super-plasticizer (SP). Fresh concrete were tested with slump flow, T500 and segregation resistance test whereas hardened concrete were tested with compressive, tensile and flexural strength test. The results of fresh SCC were consistent as all mixes mostly falls in the same class for each respective test. Based on compressive strength test, all mix proportions were able to reach at least 80% of targeted strength, 50MPa. SCC (95%C 5%MK) had the highest compressive, split tensile and flexural strength. While SCC (95%C 5%MK0.5 %NF had better testing results compare to 100%C 0.5%NF.