Decision-making framework for sustainable concrete incorporating multiple waste-derived material replacements: an MCDM approach

Abstract

Sustainable alternatives that comprise lowering the consumption of resources without sacrificing structural performance. With the production of normal concrete, the environmental burden is increasing day by day. Sustainable M30-grade concrete can be developed by using various waste materials from industry, agriculture, and plastics. In this study, methodical experimental investigations are conducted on partial replacement of cement fine aggregate and coarse aggregate using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool. MCDM is integrated for the simultaneous evaluation of compressive strength for the optimisation of the concrete mixes. Eight sustainable concrete models (M1 to M8) were developed in addition to a traditional control mix (M0). For the development of eight sustainable concrete models, a logical framework for material selection based on correlation analysis and the Best-Worst Method (BWM) for weightage determination has been used. Compressive strength testing has been used to evaluate the suggested mixes after 28 days, and unit weight and material cost were compared. The findings show that replacement systems based on minerals performed better than dominant mixes based on polymers and biomaterials. The Model M1 achieved the highest compressive strength, 41.48 N/mm², followed by M2 with 40.92 N/mm² and M3 with 39.43 N/mm²compressive strength. The models M1, M2, and M3 outperformed the control mix in compressive strength, weight reduction, and cost effectiveness. While Models M6-M8 demonstrated relatively lower strength and higher weight due to the extensive use of lightweight aggregates, Models M4 and M5 demonstrated intermediate performance because of the inclusion of polymeric and elastomeric materials. Models M1 to M3 are determined to be the most structurally and financially ideal sustainable mixes through a multi-criteria trade-off analysis that integrated strength, weight, and cost.