Comparative Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) between a Geopolymeric Mortar Derived from Mining Waste and Conventional Mortar

Abstract

The life cycle analysis (LCA) is a methodology that allows us to contemplate the environmental impact of a material during the different stages of the life cycle. The impact categories were used to measure the repercussions caused to the planet due to the high demand generated by construction materials. This study addressed the stages of a life cycle analysis, according to the ISO 14044 [1] standard, with the aim of evaluating, quantifying and comparing the environmental impacts associated with the manufacture of mortar with similar mechanical behavior: A conventional mortar and a geopolymeric mortar, the latter developed from a geopolymerization process of waste from the Peruvian mining industry [2,3]. The scope of the work sought to evaluate the main environmental impacts of both mortars, focusing on a "cradle to door" life cycle analysis. The application of LCA allowed optimizing the manufacturing process, reducing adverse environmental impacts. The results showed that the environmental impacts of the geopolymeric mortar presented better performance in the medium impact categories: Environmental impact and water consumption. On the other hand, the conventional mortar presented better performance in the stratospheric ozone depletion impact category.