{"title":"AI-based meta model for predicting the performance of low-carbon concrete, considering the effects of multiple waste materials","authors":"Mehran Aziminezhad , Mahdi Shadabfar , Ahmed Bediwy , Eltayeb Mohamedelhassan","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2025.100364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2025.100364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Low-carbon concrete incorporating waste materials offers significant environmental benefits while maintaining structural performance. However, designing an optimal mix of these waste materials is challenging due to their potential impact on the concrete properties. To address this challenge, this paper presents a novel meta model that introduces a non-deterministic mix design framework and simultaneously optimizes four performance metrics: environmental (global warming potential), durability (rapid chloride permeability and bulk electrical resistivity), mechanical (compressive strength and splitting tensile strength), and workability (air content and slump). The model is trained using a hybrid dataset combining literature data with response surface methodology (RSM) generated samples. To this end, a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network is trained to capture the effects of waste materials, including shredded rubber (SR), glass powder (GP), and biomass fly ash (BFA), on concrete performance and is further combined with Monte Carlo simulation to identify optimal mix designs based on specific performance targets. The results demonstrate the AI model’s accuracy in predicting concrete performance, as evidenced by statistical measures such as root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination (R<sup>2</sup>). This accuracy is further validated by comparing the AI predictions with laboratory concrete mix results. The results indicated that a 23.1% increase in compressive strength and an 83% decrease in chloride ion permeability were achieved by partially substituting 30% GP for cement. The incorporation of 15% BFA consistently reduced slump by 65% and increased air content by 49%. Moreover, the control mix had the highest GWP at 325 kg CO<sub>2</sub>-eq/m<sup>3</sup>. Using 30% GP, 15% BFA, and 15% SR reduced it to 135 kg CO<sub>2</sub>-eq/m<sup>3</sup>, a 41% decrease. Additionally, the back analysis provides optimized mix designs tailored to specific performance constraints. According to the specified target for designing low-carbon, chloride-resistant, and normal strength (45–55 MPa) concrete, a mixture of waste materials with SR = 3.2%, GP = 25.8%, and BFA = 7.4% is proposed by the developed meta model.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100364"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145739038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cleaner MaterialsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.clema.2026.100369
Antonio Gasós , Marco Mazzotti , Frank Winnefeld
{"title":"Utilization of products from aqueous mineral carbonation of industrial residues as supplementary cementitious materials","authors":"Antonio Gasós , Marco Mazzotti , Frank Winnefeld","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rising demand for low-carbon construction materials and the declining availability of traditional supplementary cementitious materials have driven interest in alternative substitutes. Alkaline industrial residues—such as incineration ashes, cement kiln dusts, and steel slags—are abundant but often unsuitable for direct use in cement due to unfavorable chemical and mineralogical compositions. This study investigates the CO<sub>2</sub> uptake and the potential of six such residues for partial cement replacement after treatment through aqueous mineral carbonation, using both direct carbonation in water and indirect carbonation in aqueous ammonium nitrate. Direct carbonation forms carbonates within the residues, while indirect carbonation produces two separate streams: a calcium-depleted leached residue and precipitated calcium carbonate. Mortars incorporating directly carbonated residues generally achieved higher compressive strength than those with fresh and leached residues, at 30 wt% cement replacement, likely due to calcite-induced nucleation and the pozzolanic reactivity of silica-rich gels. Although overall reactivity was limited—suggesting low to moderate clinker replacement potential—both aqueous carbonation routes removed or stabilized deleterious phases such as free lime, alkalis, and chlorides, expanding the potential use of these residues in construction, either as cement substitutes or fine fillers. Leaching tests revealed changes in hazardous element mobility, with implications for regulatory classification. Market analysis showed that while the cement sector could absorb suitable supplementary cementitious materials at moderate replacement levels, the limited demand for high-purity precipitated calcium carbonate constrains indirect carbonation to select feedstocks. This study provides a comparative framework for integrating mineral carbonation products into construction, which would enable CO<sub>2</sub> storage and resource circularity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100369"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cleaner MaterialsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.clema.2026.100366
Sarath Haridas Kaniyamparambil , Zainuddin Ziyan , Naser AlBlooshi , M-Haidar Ali Dali , Erlantz Lizundia , Srinivas Mettu , Ghanim Mabrook , Mohamed Hamid Salim , Blaise L. Tardy
{"title":"Biofabrication of mycelium-fabric biocomposites from textile residues","authors":"Sarath Haridas Kaniyamparambil , Zainuddin Ziyan , Naser AlBlooshi , M-Haidar Ali Dali , Erlantz Lizundia , Srinivas Mettu , Ghanim Mabrook , Mohamed Hamid Salim , Blaise L. Tardy","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100366","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100366","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The chitinous fibrous network of mycelium has recently been implemented as a sustainable packaging or leather alternative. Other endeavors are currently explored given the environmentally friendly biofabrication process, suitable mechanics, flame resistance, and insulative properties. In this proof-of-concept study, we explore the potential of mycelium (<em>Pleurotus ostreatus</em>) to form bio-blocks by propagating across cotton, polyester, and mixed shredded textile fabrics (MSTF). Biocomposites showed distinct colonization patterns as a function of inoculation condition and textile type. Cotton-based composites demonstrated good structural integrity, reaching a flexural strength of 82.5 kPa and a toughness of 3298 kJm<sup>−3</sup>. Polyester-based composites exhibited a similar flexural strength of 80.5 kPa but showed nearly half the toughness at 1414 kJ/m<sup>−3</sup>. Flammability tests revealed flame extinction after 30 s in cotton composites, with 40 % of the area burned, whereas polyester composites reduced the combustion rate by 76 %. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) focusing on environmental impacts shows a <em>cradle-to-gate</em> commercial-scale climate change potential of 0.05 and 4.28 kg-CO<sub>2</sub>-equiv per kilogram of biobrick considering renewable-based and fossil-based energy mix scenarios, respectively. Our findings establish mycelium as an effective binding agent for textiles towards the formation of materials with complex forms benefiting from the inherent attributes of textiles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100366"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cleaner MaterialsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.clema.2026.100374
Wenjie Gong , Peiliang Shen , Yanjie Tang , Fazhou Wang
{"title":"A review in calcium carbide slag utilization for carbonation: from methods to applications","authors":"Wenjie Gong , Peiliang Shen , Yanjie Tang , Fazhou Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100374","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100374","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Global CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, exceeding 40 billion tonnes annually, drive critical ecological challenges, necessitating effective mitigation strategies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). CO<sub>2</sub> mineralization, a promising CCUS pathway, utilizes alkali-rich industrial wastes such as carbide slag (CS) to form stable carbonate minerals, ensuring permanent CO<sub>2</sub> sequestration with minimal leakage risks. CS, primarily composed of Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>, offers high alkalinity and calcium content, making it an ideal precursor for CO<sub>2</sub> mineralization. Various carbonation methods, including direct, indirect and advanced techniques, could produce construction materials, high-value nano-calcium carbonates and energy storage solutions. Operational parameters such as temperature, concentration, humidity, and additives significantly influence carbonation efficiency and product properties. Direct carbonation yields CaCO<sub>3</sub> suitable for large-scale industrial uses, while indirect and advanced methods enhance product purity and functionality for specialized applications. This integration sequesters CO<sub>2</sub> while producing valuable by-products, thereby enhancing economic viability. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of CS carbonation mechanisms, methods, and applications, emphasizing the interplay between process parameters and product outcomes to optimize sustainable CO<sub>2</sub> management and material innovation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100374"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cleaner MaterialsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.clema.2026.100384
Qi Yang , Minda Ren , Yunhao Wu , Linhua Ma , Qinghao Han , Zian Pei , Ziyi He
{"title":"Modeling fracture evolution of crumb rubber asphalt concrete under long-term vapor exposure: A coupled moisture-mechanical approach","authors":"Qi Yang , Minda Ren , Yunhao Wu , Linhua Ma , Qinghao Han , Zian Pei , Ziyi He","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Crumb rubber asphalt mixture, recognized as a cleaner paving material due to its recycling of waste tires and carbon reduction potential, is widely used for its environmental benefits. However, the coupled effects of moisture and fracture significantly undermine the durability of crumb rubber asphalt concrete (CRAC), especially under long-term vapor exposure. Few studies have systematically addressed this coupling, which involves complex interactions between diffusion and cracking processes occurring at varying intensities and rates. To bridge this gap, this study proposes a sequentially coupled framework and develops a Moisture-Mechanical Evolution Model (MMEM) that expresses mechanical properties as a function of moisture content. The model was calibrated using moisture sorption tests (MST) and semi-circular bending (SCB) tests. Results indicate that prolonged vapor exposure accelerates micro-crack formation and widens macro-crack propagation paths under mechanical loading. Furthermore, over 30% reduction in functional performance is predicted for crumb rubber asphalt pavement after three years of service in moist environments. This study not only elucidates the coupled moisture-fracture mechanism in CRAC but also provides a practical modeling approach for assessing durability, thereby supporting the development of more sustainable and cleaner pavement materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100384"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cleaner MaterialsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.clema.2026.100379
Ayo Olasupo , David R. Corbin , Mark B. Shiflett
{"title":"Applications of ionic Liquids: Fate, Prospects, and Perspectives","authors":"Ayo Olasupo , David R. Corbin , Mark B. Shiflett","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100379","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The unique physicochemical properties and versatility of ionic liquids have earned them names like “green solvents, designer solvents, and solvents for the future”. Ionic liquids have been widely used as alternatives to traditional solvents for different applications. Ionic liquids are organic containing salts with melting points below 100 °C, comprised of tunable cations and anions that have found relevance in industrial applications such as separations, nanotechnology, electrochemistry, catalysis, and analytical chemistry, to name a few. However, despite the ubiquitous applications across various industries, there is a paucity of information about the toxicity, environmental impact, and potential impacts to public health. Hence, in this study, the various applications of ionic liquids at bench-, pilot-, and industrial-scales have been elucidated based on fate in the ecosystem and toxicity to plants, animals, and humans. The literature review has also included a life cycle assessment of ionic liquid processes. Limitations such as cost, synthesis, energy, and environmental impacts associated with using ionic liquids as alternative solvents for industrial applications were also identified; especially, the early generations of ionic liquids. Finally, this study has proposed strategies for synthesizing the next generation of ionic liquids with low toxicity, high biodegradability, low cost, and low environmental impact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100379"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cleaner MaterialsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.clema.2026.100375
Zhenqi Yu , Xin Liu , Hui Xie , Lijing Shao , Yi Zhang , Haochuan Wang , Wei Wang , Jinxiang Hong , Pan Feng
{"title":"Canaries nest-inspired assembly of organic-inorganic networks for shotcrete: A rapid setting and hardening strategy via biomimetic design","authors":"Zhenqi Yu , Xin Liu , Hui Xie , Lijing Shao , Yi Zhang , Haochuan Wang , Wei Wang , Jinxiang Hong , Pan Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100375","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100375","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shotcrete is a critical lining material for tunnel constructions. However, previous studies have struggled to simultaneously achieve excellent workability, rapid-setting, high early-strength and superior toughness. Inspired by nest-building behavior of canaries, this study integrates in-situ polymerization with the alkali-free accelerator (AC) to rapidly construct an organic–inorganic skeleton and optimize early-age performance. The results indicated that in-situ polymerization improved the workability of the mortar within 1 h. Hydration kinetic analysis demonstrated that AC promoted ettringite formation and released heat, triggering monomer polymerization. The polymerization process further enhanced cement hydration, generating a mutual activation effect. This synergy reduced the percolation threshold, significantly shortening the setting time. The accelerated hydration subsequently produced “mud-like” hydration products that filled the pore structure, resulting in a denser matrix. Consequently, the 6 h compressive strength reached 2.7 MPa, representing an 800 % increase compared with the Con, and the flexural strength exhibited remarkable improvements of 400 %, 84 %, and 22 % after 6 h, 1 d and 28 d of hydration, respectively. This study provides a novel strategy for designing high-performance shotcrete and promoting the high-quality development of tunnel constructions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100375"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"High speed carbon dioxide degenerative reaction in Electric/Microwave arc plasma with metal-induced carbon deposition: Onsite carbon capture","authors":"Kittikhun Khotmungkhun , Arkorn Chotiyasilp , Nutbongkot Srisukkho , Kittitat Subannajui","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In order to avoid the complicated process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) and embedding it underground, a fast CO<sub>2</sub> capture technique that allows for onsite elimination is required. This study investigates the potential of using electric/microwave arc plasma with metals to enhance CO<sub>2</sub> decomposition, which normally does not occur without ionization. The research explores the rapid interactions between various metals and CO<sub>2</sub> under atmospheric pressure. In the experimental setup, metals such as gold, copper, aluminum, magnesium, iron, zinc, titanium, and tungsten are exposed to microwaves to induce arc plasma in a controlled chamber. These interactions are analyzed using advanced characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Gas amount and content are monitored via gas chromatography (GC). The results show that microwave arc plasma effectively disintegrates CO<sub>2</sub>, converting it into carbon and carbide. With rapid CO<sub>2</sub> disintegration and metal-induced carbon separation, several metals can be used. While Titanium (Ti) exhibited the fastest reduction rate, Tungsten (W) was identified as the most durable candidate due to its superior thermal stability and resistance to degradation. These findings suggest that electric/microwave arc plasma technology presents a promising and efficient method for CO<sub>2</sub> reduction, with potential implications for climate change mitigation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100376"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cleaner MaterialsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-08DOI: 10.1016/j.clema.2026.100382
Amir Ramezani, Raymond Pepera, Behrouz Shafei
{"title":"Performance and life cycle assessment of fiber-reinforced concrete mixtures with polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, and alkali-resistant glass fibers","authors":"Amir Ramezani, Raymond Pepera, Behrouz Shafei","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100382","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100382","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the main mechanical, environmental, and economic characteristics of the fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) mixtures that contained polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and alkali-resistant glass (ARG) fibers in a range of dosages. The primary objective was to enhance performance attributes, while assessing each fiber’s impact on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Various FRC mixtures were designed, including individual and hybrid fiber alternatives, with fiber dosages from 0.125% to 0.500% (by volume). Mechanical properties were evaluated through compressive strength, flexural strength, and residual load-carrying capacity, while microstructural details were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In parallel, a holistic life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed, encompassing production, service life, and end-of-life phases. Economic evaluation then considered initial material costs and long-term maintenance needs under different deterioration scenarios. Based on the wealth of original results, four indices were utilized to integrate mechanical performance, environmental impact, and cost. They included the environmental sustainability index, flexural sustainability index, compressive sustainability index, and economic-mechanical performance index (EMP). The EMP, in particular, enabled a direct evaluation of strength requirements relative to long-term cost implications. Among the tested mixtures, the mixtures that exhibited the highest overall performance were identified, reflecting superior mechanical properties, durability-driven sustainability, and life-cycle cost efficiency. The findings revealed that careful selection of fiber contents (in terms of choice and dosage) can be instrumental in offering proper mixture designs, facilitating their use in applications where long-term performance and environmental considerations are critical.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100382"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cleaner MaterialsPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-08DOI: 10.1016/j.clema.2026.100383
Tianhua Wu , Yongtao Gao , Aibing Jin , Zancheng Chen , Changfu Huang , Maowei Ji , Hui Xu , Peng Li , Fei Yan , Yu Zhou
{"title":"Mechanical, damage, and fracture behavior of sustainable pavement composites from mining tailings and crushed stone waste: Effects of aggregate content under compression and splitting via AE, DIC, and CT","authors":"Tianhua Wu , Yongtao Gao , Aibing Jin , Zancheng Chen , Changfu Huang , Maowei Ji , Hui Xu , Peng Li , Fei Yan , Yu Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100383","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.clema.2026.100383","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With the objective of repurposing multisource mining solid waste as sustainable pavement composites, this study investigates the effects of crushed stone aggregate content (CSAC) on the mechanical, damage, and fracture behavior of cemented tailings-crushed stone composites (CTCSC). Eight sample groups with CSAC values ranging from 0% to 100% are tested using a uniaxial compression test (UCT) and a Brazilian splitting test (BST), combined with AE, DIC, and CT monitoring. The results reveal nonmonotonic variations in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), splitting tensile strength (STS), and the tensile-to-compressive strength ratio (T/C), which initially decrease, then increase, and finally decrease slightly at high CSAC levels. The elastic modulus reaches a maximum of 118.70 MPa at 90% CSAC. With increasing CSAC, the CTCSC exhibits a ductile-to-brittle transition in the UCT and a shift from concave deformation to near-linear prepeak deformation in the BST. AE activity remains low before the peak stress but increases sharply after failure, with tensile signals dominating the RA–AF characteristics. The global b-value peaks at 15% CSAC and then decreases, whereas the crack initiation stress reaches its maximum at 45% CSAC before declining. In the UCT, four failure modes are observed: shear (0%), tensile (15–30%), tensile–shear (45–60%), and shear–tensile (75–100%). The BST reveals three tensile failure patterns, namely, central (0%), deflected (15–60%), and stepped interface-induced (75–100%), with cracks initiating at the loading end. The crack opening displacement peaks at 1.860 mm before it decreases, whereas the crack tortuosity steadily increases. These findings elucidate the failure mechanisms of CTCSC and provide guidance for optimizing sustainable pavement composites using mining solid waste.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100254,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Materials","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100383"},"PeriodicalIF":9.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}