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Article

Dry building mixes with secondary raw materials for building renovation: Comparative analysis of properties and efficiency

Khrystyna Sobol Andriy Melnyk Oleksandr Khita
Abstract

The aim of the study was to provide a theoretical assessment of the use of recycled construction and industrial waste in dry renovation mixes. The methodology covered a comprehensive approach to waste utilisation in the context of sustainable development and identifying prospects for Ukraine. It was found that partial replacement of cement with granulated blast-furnace slag (25-50%) reduces the carbon footprint by 30-40% without loss of strength and durability, while the addition of recycled aggregates (20-30% of natural sand) ensures a strength ≥10 MPa, provided that grading and cleanliness were properly controlled. The combination of glass and slag increases matrix density and reduces water absorption, but requires monitoring of alkali reactivity. Life-cycle analysis has shown a 20-40% reduction in CO2 emissions, when recycled raw materials are used, while substantial savings of primary resources decreases environmental pressure and waste volumes. The use of methods of mathematical experimental design made it possible to select optimum formulations more rapidly, reducing the number of experiments by a factor of 8-10. Field tests in Portugal, India and the Republic of South Africa confirmed the feasibility of using mixes with secondary materials in plastering and masonry works. In Ukraine, the potential for applying such technologies was considerable in view of post-war reconstruction needs and the availability of large volumes of construction and demolition waste. The most promising solutions for renovation mixes were granulated blast-furnace slag; classified fine fractions (which, after cleaning, can replace 20-30% of sand without loss of properties); combinations of granulated blast-furnace slag and glass powder; and formulations optimised using machine learning. In Ukraine, the main barriers were the insufficient level of quality control and a weak laboratory base; however, regional mix-manufacturing plants were able to ensure effective use of construction waste in reconstruction. The practical significance lies in the possibility of using the results by construction companies and material producers for environmentally friendly mixes and for restoration standards

Keywords

waste utilisation; alternative binders; mortar durability; laboratory tests; field tests; resistance to aggressive environments; resource efficiency

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Received 09.07.2025, Revised 31.10.2025, Accepted 19.12.2025

Retrieved from Vol. 11, No. 4, 2025

Suggested citation

Sobol, Kh., Melnyk, A., & Khita, O. (2025). Dry building mixes with secondary raw materials for building renovation: Comparative analysis of properties and efficiency. Architectural Studies, 11(4), 21-32. https://doi.org/10.56318/as/4.2025.21

https://doi.org/10.56318/as/4.2025.21

Pages 21-32

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ISSN 2411-801X e-ISSN 2786-7374  UDC 71;72
DOI: 10.56318/as