Use of waste in the production of concrete structures

The article describes the possibilities of managing and neutralizing industrial and municipal waste in concrete production, recycling, and forming processes. These possibilities relate to the immobilization of contaminants by creating durable systems using hydraulic binders. This is achievable by converting soluble compounds into insoluble forms through the precipitation of salts, oxides, and toxic metals into sparingly soluble hydroxides, sulfides, or phosphates. A classification of concretes according to their potential areas of structural application has been presented. The strength of this material has been defined based on adopted standards, and potential environmental risks associated with its production have been identified. The processes of leaching heavy metals into the environment have also been addressed. Concrete itself may exhibit varying levels of radioactivity. However, appropriate modification of concrete allows for effective containment of hazardous radioactive waste. By using fine-grained, inorganic additives such as silica fume, fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag or metakaolinite it is possible to improve certain properties of concrete or even obtain special properties. Possible types of municipal waste have been defined, and potential methods of utilizing industrial and municipal waste in concrete production have been presented. The share of recycled substances used during concrete formation has been analysed. Agricultural waste represents a separate waste category with considerable potential for utilization in concrete and cement mortars.