Selection Tool for Concrete Mixes, a Sustainability-Based Approach

  • Maya Ghataty The American University in Cairo, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
  • Malak Soliman The American University in Cairo, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
  • Tahany Abdelaziz The American University in Cairo, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
  • Kareem Shehab The American University in Cairo, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
  • Karim Omran The American University in Cairo, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
  • Mayer Farag The American University in Cairo, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
  • Reem Gamal The American University in Cairo, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
  • Yosra El Maghraby The British University in Egypt, Department of Civil Engineering, Elshorouk City, Egypt.
  • Tamer Breakah Ball State University, Department of Construction Management and Interior Design, 2000 W. University Avenue, Muncie, IN 47306, USA.
  • Mohamed Nagib Abou-Zeid The American University in Cairo, Department of Construction Engineering, AUC Avenue, New Cairo 11835, Egypt.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.34118/jbms.v13i1.4478
Keywords: Portland cement concrete, Sustainability, Sustainability Index, Geopolymer, Waste Materials

Abstract

Over the past decade, the global population has experienced significant growth, a trend that is anticipated to continue in the coming years. This increase has led to a surge in demand for concrete, driving greater reliance on Portland cement production. Manufacturing Portland cement is widely recognized as both energy-intensive and a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, which is the main global warming contributor. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches to improve concrete sustainability, while maintaining its functionality. This research aims to develop more sustainable concrete by integrating waste materials and adopting environmentally friendly binders. Various concrete mixes were designed and evaluated based on mechanical properties as well as environmental impact. Materials used include recycled glass waste, ethylene vinyl acetate, and geopolymer binders. These materials were selected for their potential to reduce reliance on traditional cement, minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The study’s results highlight the feasibility of achieving significant reductions in environmental impact without compromising the mechanical performance of concrete. A sustainability ranking tool tailored to assess the sustainability of the mix based on its constituents, properties, and project-specific factors such as location is introduced. This tool provides a framework for promoting sustainable decision-making in construction. The tool was used to rank the mixes developed in this study based on different countries. Ultimately, this study seeks to advance the adoption of eco-conscious practices within the construction industry.

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Published
2026-06-30
How to Cite
Ghataty, M., Soliman, M., Abdelaziz, T., Shehab, K., Omran, K., Farag, M., Gamal, R., El Maghraby, Y., Breakah, T., & Abou-Zeid, M. N. (2026). Selection Tool for Concrete Mixes, a Sustainability-Based Approach. Journal of Building Materials and Structures, 13(1), 24-34. https://doi.org/10.34118/jbms.v13i1.4478
Issue
Vol 13 No 1 (2026)
Section
Original Articles

Copyright (c) 2026 Maya Ghataty, Malak Soliman, Tahany Abdelaziz, Kareem Shehab, Karim Omran, Mayer Farag, Reem Gamal, Yosra El Maghraby, Tamer Breakah, Mohamed Nagib Abou-Zeid

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