<p>The construction sector in Iraq is swiftly growing, driven by growing demands for housing, infrastructure, and urban development. However, the heavy reliance on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in concrete production contributes significantly to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and environmental degradation. A viable sustainable substitute with better durability and less of an adverse effect on the environment is geopolymer concrete (GPC). This study evaluates the feasibility of adopting GPC in Iraq’s construction industry by surveying 185 professionals, including civil engineers and academic researchers, to assess awareness, perceived benefits, material usage, and barriers to implementation. The findings reveal that although awareness of GPC is growing, significant gaps remain in training, equipment availability, and regulatory support. While 69.2% of respondents anticipate moderate to significant growth of GPC in the future, only 25.5% have received formal training on the technology. Iraq’s abundant raw materials—such as metakaolin, fly ash, GGBFS, attapulgite, and bentonite—offer a strategic advantage for localized and cost-effective GPC production. Key obstacles identified include inconsistent precursor supply, lack of national standards, and limited technical infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the study highlights strong interest among professionals in adopting GPC, especially due to its superior performance in hot climates and its potential to reduce up to 80% of CO₂ emissions compared to OPC. By aligning local resources with targeted policy support, education, and pilot projects, Iraq can transition toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient construction model. This research provides essential insights to guide future strategies and foster green innovation in the Iraqi construction sector.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Feasibility of using geopolymer concrete to enhance sustainability in iraqi construction sector: a survey questionnaire

  • Mohanad Y. Abdulwahid,
  • Isaac Galobardes,
  • Osires M. Melo Neto

摘要

The construction sector in Iraq is swiftly growing, driven by growing demands for housing, infrastructure, and urban development. However, the heavy reliance on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in concrete production contributes significantly to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and environmental degradation. A viable sustainable substitute with better durability and less of an adverse effect on the environment is geopolymer concrete (GPC). This study evaluates the feasibility of adopting GPC in Iraq’s construction industry by surveying 185 professionals, including civil engineers and academic researchers, to assess awareness, perceived benefits, material usage, and barriers to implementation. The findings reveal that although awareness of GPC is growing, significant gaps remain in training, equipment availability, and regulatory support. While 69.2% of respondents anticipate moderate to significant growth of GPC in the future, only 25.5% have received formal training on the technology. Iraq’s abundant raw materials—such as metakaolin, fly ash, GGBFS, attapulgite, and bentonite—offer a strategic advantage for localized and cost-effective GPC production. Key obstacles identified include inconsistent precursor supply, lack of national standards, and limited technical infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the study highlights strong interest among professionals in adopting GPC, especially due to its superior performance in hot climates and its potential to reduce up to 80% of CO₂ emissions compared to OPC. By aligning local resources with targeted policy support, education, and pilot projects, Iraq can transition toward a more sustainable, climate-resilient construction model. This research provides essential insights to guide future strategies and foster green innovation in the Iraqi construction sector.