Today, waste generation is increasing at an alarming rate with the rapid development of the industrial sectors and the complex lifestyles of the growing population. Some of the significant consequences of long-term industrial and municipal waste storage are the lack of suitable storage space, groundwater contamination due to leaching, air pollution with dust blow, landslides, and the cost and energy requirements of haulage and collection. The possible inclusion of waste resources in cement binders is a viable solution to overcome the adverse effects of waste generation. However, the successful utilization of such types of waste is yet to be perfected.

In this project, one-part alkali-activated cements (AACs) have been developed utilizing considerable amounts of waste resources such as coal ash, blast furnace slag and municipal waste glass, thereby contributing to the elimination of adverse environmental impacts. Ultimately, recycling these wastes in AACs produces cost- and emission-effective binders with lower energy consumption than Portland cement, leading to sustainable construction practices.