Advancing Sustainable Construction Materials: Wood and Rubber Geopolymer Masonry Mix Development

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Abstract
Recycling industrial waste into construction materials is becoming a fundamental strategy, offering a hopeful path toward sustainable construction practices. This study focuses on the innovative reuse of end-of-service wood and crumb rubber to develop environmentally favorable materials. Their high availability, lightweight properties, and high-energy absorption capacity make them highly suitable as additives in masonry unit production. Furthermore, using them with sustainable binding material, such as geopolymer, enhances the overall sustainability of the masonry, facilitating rapid strength development and enhancing durability while providing increased protection against fire and weathering. The study involved the development of an optimal mix design, which can potentially be used for the production of load-bearing and non-load-bearing masonry units. This was achieved by examining various proportions of wood, as well as combinations of wood and rubber, using a partial–factorial experimental design. The results show that wood-to-binder ratios ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 can potentially be used for the production of wood–geopolymer masonry units. Additionally, a ratio of 0.3 (with 50% wood and 50% rubber) was identified as potentially suitable for producing wood and rubber-based units.

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