Innovative approaches to construction using eco-friendly materials for the construction of industrial infrastructure facilities

Abstract

The paper presented the results of an experimental study of the use of ecological materials for the construction of industrial infrastructure facilities, conducted during 2022-2024. Based on a series of standardised tests, a comparative analysis of the physical and mechanical characteristics of conventional and environmental materials (steel/recycled steel, ordinary/geopolymer concrete, mineral wool/flax and hemp shives, ceramic tiles/bamboo panels) was carried out. It was established that ecological materials reach 85-95% of the strength indicators of conventional analogues while reducing the weight of structures by 30-40%. The reduction of energy consumption of buildings by 25-35% and reduction of CO2 emissions during production by 40-60% was confirmed. The study of physical and mechanical properties showed that recycled steel shows a decrease in tensile strength by only 5-8% with a reduction in the weight of structures by 3%, and geopolymer concrete shows a decrease in compressive strength by 10% compared to concrete. Thermal insulation materials based on flax and hemp shives showed an increase in thermal conductivity by 10% with a significant decrease in density by 60%. Durability tests had shown a 25% reduction in frost resistance and 20-25% reduction in fire resistance, which requires the development of additional technical solutions. Technical and economic analysis of the life cycle had shown that despite the higher initial cost of environmental materials by 15-20%, their use reduces operating costs by 30-40%. The most significant reduction in heating and cooling costs was by 35-40%. The possibility of recycling 85-90% of materials has been confirmed, which reduces recycling costs by 50-60%. Based on the results of accelerated ageing tests, it was found that the service life of structures made of eco-friendly materials reaches 20-25 years while maintaining the main operational characteristics. Increased resistance of geopolymer concretes to aggressive media was revealed – maintaining up to 90% strength after prolonged exposure to chemically active substances. Practical recommendations on the ion and use of ecological materials were developed, considering the specifics of the operation of industrial facilities, and a methodology for comprehensive assessment of their effectiveness was proposed.