Construction and Building Materials, cilt.444, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Agriculture holds a significant place in human society throughout history, and its current importance as a crucial component of the global economy is undeniable. Nevertheless, the surge in agricultural production driven by growing demands has led to adverse environmental repercussions linked to waste generation. Agricultural waste, also known as agro-waste, makes up a substantial proportion of the global garbage produced. Improper management of this waste can lead to environmental pollution and create health hazards. Therefore, it is essential to develop innovative strategies that successfully reduce the negative effects of agricultural waste, requiring a more profound comprehension of agro-waste. Plant-based lightweight aggregate concretes (LWAC) offer a promising avenue for sustainable construction due to their eco-friendly nature. However, deficiencies such as high porosity, low mechanical strength, and inadequate durability of plant-based LWAC hinder their widespread adoption. This review explored and evaluated various pre-treatment techniques for agricultural lightweight aggregates (LWAs) in plant-based LWACs, addressing the need for effective methods to enhance their utilization in the concrete industry and contribute to sustainability goals. The review assessed the physical and mechanical properties of pre-treated plant-based LWAC, provided an overview of the significance of treating LWA, and outlined the different application techniques from the research studies that have been published in the literature. The pre-treatment of aggregates to improve their properties for integration into concrete not only offers a sustainable solution for agricultural waste but also serves as a proactive measure to protect the environment and ecosystem while concurrently reducing pollution.