Cutting Edge Approaches on Synthesis of Artificial Aggregates for Infrastructure Development

Abstract

The scarcity of natural aggregates generated by notable infrastructure projects led the world to seek alternatives to virgin aggregates. As per the latest statistics from the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN), it is estimated that the overall construction industry in India alone will require 5330 million tonnes of aggregate by 2022. The demand for aggregate in various infrastructure development projects supersedes the supply. This situation has prompted researchers to insight into multiple alternatives that could fully or partially replace the need for aggregates. Synthesized artificial aggregates are considered one of the viable solutions. Creating aggregates artificially from by-products of industries and waste materials would be an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective option. The synthesis of artificial aggregate involves producing aggregates using various materials and methods that mimic the characteristics of natural aggregates. Alternative materials (e.g., fly ash, steel slag, quarry dust, etc.), which are available abundantly in the local places, can be targeted for the synthesis of aggregate. These materials are generally fabricated using various synthesis methods, particularly cold bonding, sintering, and autoclaving, and these methods are rapidly advacing and show promising, satisfactory outcomes. In addition to these synthesis techniques, secondary techniques like pre-soaking, pre-heating, and surface coating can be used to improve the raw materials or aggregates further by altering them to achieve characteristics like increased strength, decreased water absorption, or improved chemical resistance. This study provides an overview of sustainable construction materials, including raw materials, manufacturing procedures, and the factors that influence their properties, and these materials have the potential to replace traditional aggregates. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.