Potential of water sediments in construction materials: Current approaches and critical consideration of future challenges

Abstract

Human activities result in sediment accumulation, so the reservoirs gradually lose their functionality, impacting their ability to manage large flood inflows, supply water, and generate hydroelectric power. Therefore, periodic removal of sediments from water reservoirs is essential to maintain functionality. Notwithstanding, the management of dredged sediments is a multifaceted process that involves careful consideration of environmental, regulatory, and economic factors to ensure their responsibility and sustainable handling. In this regard, the search for synergies represents an important development factor in the current industrial world, which can bring several benefits, especially in the construction industry. By reusing sediments, the environmental externalities typically associated with building materials production can be reduced by transforming sediments from waste material into valuable resources. The consolidated knowledge in this review emphasizes the advances in the upcycling of dredged sediments into building materials in various ways, including aggregate production, brick manufacturing, traditional binder replacement, and alkaline activation. The provided summary of benefits, disadvantages, challenges, and future potential of freshwater dredged sediments (FDS) use can stimulate the rationalization of material flows, reduce the dependence on primary raw materials in the construction industry, and at the same time contribute to maintaining the functionality of water reservoirs.

Keywords

• Dredged sediment
• Valorization
• Building material
• Replacement
• Reuse
• Aggregate