Incorporation of plasterboard waste into construction materials: a literature review

Hasni, Ahmed

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/35429

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Authors

Hasni, Ahmed

Advisor(s)

Ferreira, Débora

Khezami, Issam Eddine

Abstract(s)

Plasterboard (or gypsum board) is now an indispensable building material globally due to its lightweight, low-cost, fire resistance, acoustic insulation, and ease of use. However, this extensive use has raised critical sustainability issues. Plasterboard disposal plays a major role in landfills due to waste disposal, and gypsum decomposed in anaerobic conditions produces hazardous hydrogen sulfide emissions, threatening human health, air quality, soil health, and groundwater. With global construction waste projected to rise considerably over the next several decades, the ecological burden of plasterboard production and disposal is, therefore, urgent. To begin, this thesis will conduct a dedicated systematic literature review to consolidate this fragmented knowledge base regarding plasterboard's lifecycle implications, particularly in terms of raw material extraction, mechanical and functional performance, waste build-up, and second use. This thesis focuses on synthesizing peer-reviewed studies, grey literature produced by manufacturers, industry collection, and international case studies, to assess environmental challenges, policy impediments, and technological developments. This review will synthesise the synthetic knowledge on recycling gypsum, as manufacturing closed-loop internal plasterboard, producing hybrid composites containing ceramic residues, reusing in the agricultural supply chain or in geotechnical applications, can save 70% energy in producing greenhouse gases, reduce energy consumption by more than 40%, and divert a considerable volume of waste streams from landfill. However, there are significant barriers to large-scale adoption in waste management, particularly in developing countries with limited waste solution features around this material usage. Using a demanding comparative study of the case studies conducted internationally, the proposed research determines the best practices in circular economic integration, with a strong emphasis on the importance of specific regulatory frameworks, public-privately working together, and eco-innovation in transforming plasterboard into a sustainable construction material, rather than a linear consumption product. The study argues that the alignment between technological advances and policy implementation and industrial responsibility is indispensable in balancing the growth of the construction industry and the conservation of the environment. The results therefore contribute to the academic literature as well as providing practical information to engineers, policy makers and industry leaders to reduce the environmental effects of construction materials in Europe and the rest of the world.