Revealing the Potential of Red Mud and Recycled Water: A Review of Geopolymer Concrete

Abstract

Red mud, a byproduct of the alumina industry, has the potential to be used as additional cementitious material in the creation of ecologically friendly concrete. The benefits and drawbacks of using red mud along with recycled water in the creation of concrete are covered in this article. Red mud, often referred to as bauxite residue, is a rich source of reactive oxides, such as iron oxide and silica, therefore using it to enhance the mechanical qualities of concrete may be an option. By utilizing recycled water and replacing cement with processed and activated red mud, concrete production may be done with fewer energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Red mud's high alkalinity and acidity, however, make it challenging to work with for concrete and might leach heavy metals. The usefulness of red mud in a range of construction projects, such as the production of pavement, structural elements, and precast components, is surveyed in this article along with case studies. By eliminating the problems associated with the use of red mud, the construction industry may migrate to a more circular and sustainable approach to materials, significantly reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.