Implementation of green materials as supplementary cement replacement in the construction industry

Abstract

Previous research has shown that supplementary cementations materials (SCM) can help reduce the usage of cement in concrete manufacture. However, despite the consensus among stakeholders on the urgent need to de-carbonize cement production and adopt green concrete for construction activities, current usage of supplementary cementations materials is still at a stagnant stage. The aim of this research is to study the effectiveness of implementation of green materials as supplementary cement replacement in the Malaysian construction industry. To achieve the research aim, questionnaires survey was distributed and interviews were conducted with industry players in multiple cement, precast and ready mix concrete companies. This research also conducted concurrent triangulation mixed method approach where the data was collected, coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24 and Microsoft Excel Software 2016. The method of analysis used was cross tabulation, exploratory factor analysis and mean score ranking for the quantitative data while content analysis was used in analyzing the qualitative data. The research findings indicated that there was moderate level of awareness but low level of compliance. This study also discovered multiple challenges hindering the application of SCM in the construction industry ranging from lack of knowledge and technical knowhow on quality and importance of SCM, the inactiveness of regulatory bodies in regulating and the enforcement of policies. Finally, this study also proposes key strategies such as training of industry players, enforcement of policies and increased awareness and enlightenment program to promote the application of green materials as supplementary cement replacement.