TRIPI: A global dataset and codebase of the total resources in physical infrastructure encompassing road, rail, and parking.

Construction materials are associated with significant environmental and resource impacts. The circular use of materials already in use as stocks may provide an opportunity to reduce these impacts. We provide a dataset describing the potential global urban mine consisting of transportation infrastructure in an open database based on geospatial data from OpenStreetMaps. We reveal the significant opportunities of the embedded materials in this huge stock. With this Total Resources in Physical Infrastructure, or TRIPI, the database we provide easy access to a global dataset covering 175 countries and sub-regions, allowing researchers to select an area of study, and find the location as well as the material composition of the physical infrastructure. Material stocks are reported on a national level and commonly used regional aggregations. Material stocks are reported per kg, kg per capita, and kg per area; and for the physical type of infrastructure that is available in kilometres and area (km2). This dataset can be used in various research applications such as Material Flow Analysis, Material stock inventories, Country-level comparisons of infrastructure density, and others, and inform policy on harnessing the opportunities of the urban mine.

Improvements in Hydrolytic Stability of Alkali-Activated Mine Tailings via Addition of Sodium Silicate Activator.

Over 14 billion tons of mine tailings are produced throughout the world each year, and this type of waste is generally stored onsite indefinitely. Alkali activation is a promising strategy for the reuse of mine tailings to produce construction materials, converting this waste stream into a value-added product. One major problem with alkali-activated mine tailings is their low durability in water (i.e., low hydrolytic stability). In this article, the influence of a mixed sodium hydroxide/sodium silicate alkali activator on the compressive strength, hydrolytic stability, and microstructure of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) were systematically investigated. XRD, FTIR, NMR, and NAD were used to investigate microstructural changes, and a water immersion test was used to show improvements in hydrolytic stability. For gold mine tailings activated with pure sodium hydroxide, the compressive strength was 15 MPa and a seven-day water immersion test caused a strength loss of 70%. With an addition of 1 M sodium silicate in the activator, the AAMs achieved a compressive strength of over 30 MPa and strength loss of only 45%. This paper proposes a mechanism explaining why the strength and hydrolytic stability of AAMs are dependent on the dosage of soluble silicate. A high dosage of sodium silicate inhibits the depolymerization of the source material, which results in a sample with less amorphous aluminosilicate gel and, therefore, lower hydrolytic stability.

Optimizing the Mechanical Properties of Cement Composite Boards Reinforced with Cellulose Pulp and Bamboo Fibers for Building Applications in Low-Cost Housing Estates.

Africa is the third-richest continent in the world in terms of bamboo species. Despite these laudable natural resources, most African countries still use asbestos cement board as one of their major building materials. This is chiefly due to the high cost of equipment and technologies associated with non-asbestos-fiber cement board production. The current research seeks to underscore the possibility of utilizing these massive continent resources for non-asbestos-fiber cement board production by employing the existing production process in the asbestos cement industries via an innovatively developed laboratory-simulated Hatschek process. Non-asbestos-fiber cement boards incorporating kraft and bamboo fibers were successfully produced in the laboratory using this innovative method based on Hatschek technology, with natural fibre addition in the range of 2-6 wt.%. Experimental results revealed that the Flexural strength and deflection of the board improved significantly, producing optimum values of 10.41 MPa and 2.0 mm, respectively for composite board reinforced with 10 wt.% and 6 wt.% of kraft pulp and bamboo fibers, respectively. The SEM morphology of the fractured surfaces revealed the mode of composite fracture as well as good interaction at the fiber-matrix interface. Overall, the mechanical properties of the developed composite boards satisfy the minimum requirements of relevant standards based on fiber cement flat sheets and can be employed for internal building applications in low-cost housing estates in developing countries. The outcome of this research indicates that the current industrial production process based on Hatschek technology can be employed for non-asbestos-fiber cement board production using the studied natural fiber.

Assessment of the radionuclide remediation potential of novel miscanthus hybrids.

There are few studies related to the radionuclide remediation options, which comply to the demands of the environmentally non-destructive physical remediation methods. So far, most of the research was conducted on the phytoremediation capacity of different energy crops, as well as the established miscanthus hybrids which involved metal and heavy metal contaminants. Hence, the objective of this research was the radioecological characterization of the examined agroecosystem, including the initial source of the radionuclides (soil) as well as different miscanthus hybrids grown on the same soil. The results have shown that the radioactive content of soil was similar to the global averages. All measurements of the activity concentration of 137Cs in miscanthus samples were below the detection limits. There is also an indication that 210Pb is leaching into the lower layers (or is being taken up by miscanthus plant from the upper layers). Moreover, transfer factors (TFs) for radionuclides, as a more precise parameter for evaluating the phytoremediation potential, were calculated; the TFs were found to be very low for 226Ra (≤0.07), TFs for 40K (≤0.39) and for 232Th (≤0.21) were in the lower limits, whereas the TFs for 238U were found to be the highest (≤0.92). For 210Pb, the TFs were not calculated, since the expectation was that a significant part of the measured quantity came from the air, and not through the soil. Having in mind the sustainability and the circularity aspect of the radionuclide phytoremediation system, the appropriate management method should be applied for the disposal and utilization of the biomass contaminated with radionuclides. This research has shown that the radiological content in miscanthus is high enough and the ash content is low enough that miscanthus ash could be considered as a NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material), and it can be further used for the construction industry (i.e. concrete, tiles), in mixtures with other materials with certain limitations, similar to the utilization of ash from other sources such as coal or wood.

Advancements in Cellulose-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogels: Sustainable Solutions across Industries.

The development of superabsorbent hydrogels is experiencing a transformative era across industries. While traditional synthetic hydrogels have found broad utility, their non-biodegradable nature has raised environmental concerns, driving the search for eco-friendlier alternatives. Cellulose-based superabsorbents, derived from sustainable sources, are gaining prominence. Innovations include biodegradable polymer hydrogels, natural cellulose-chitosan variants, and cassava starch-based alternatives. These materials are reshaping agriculture by enhancing soil fertility and water retention, serving as potent hemostatic agents in medicine, contributing to pollution control, and providing eco-friendly construction materials. Cellulose-based hydrogels also offer promise in drug delivery and hygiene products. Advanced characterization techniques aid in optimizing their properties, while the shift towards circular economy practices further highlights sustainability. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of these advancements, highlighting their diverse applications and environmental benefits.

Development of TiO2-CaCO3 Based Composites as an Affordable Building Material for the Photocatalytic Abatement of Hazardous NOx from the Environment.

This study explores the depollution activity of a photocatalytic cementitious composite comprising various compositions of n-TiO2 and CaCO3. The photocatalytic activity of the CaCO3-TiO2 composite material is assessed for the aqueous photodegradation efficiency of MB dye solution and NOx under UV light exposure. The catalyst CaCO3-TiO2 exhibits the importance of an optimal balance between CaCO3 and n-TiO2 for the highest NOx removal of 60% and MB dye removal of 74.6%. The observed trends in the photodegradation of NOx removal efficiencies suggest a complex interplay between CaCO3 and TiO2 content in the CaCO3-n-TiO2 composite catalysts. This pollutant removal efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effect between CaCO3 and n-TiO2, where a higher percentage of n-TiO2 appeared to enhance the photocatalytic activity. It is recommended that CaCO3-TiO2 photocatalysts are effectiveness in water and air purification, as well as for being cost-effective construction materials.

Recycling facemasks into civil construction material to manage waste generated during COVID-19.

Growing plastic pollution in the context of COVID-19 has caused significant challenges, exacerbating this already out-of-control issue. The pandemic has considerably boosted the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as facemasks and gloves, all over the globe, and mismanaging this growing plastic pollution has harmed the environment and wildlife significantly. To mitigate negative environmental impacts, it is necessary to develop and implement effective waste management strategies. This present study estimated the daily facemask generation throughout the pandemic in Iran based on the distribution of urban and rural populations and, likewise, the daily generation of hand gloves in the COVID-19 era and the amount of medical waste generated by COVID-19 patients were calculated. In the next step, the quantities of discarded facemasks dumped into the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman from the coastal cities were determined. Finally, the innovative alternatives for repurposing discarded facemasks in civil construction materials such as concrete, pavement, and partition wall panel were discussed.

A holistic framework of biochar-augmented cementitious products and general applications: Technical, environmental, and economic evaluation.

In the context of the circular economy, the development of innovative and low-carbon concrete that incorporates different kinds of waste materials is gaining attention among the research community, regulatory agencies, and policymakers. These materials can be incorporated into concrete mixtures as aggregates or as fillers for improvement of product properties. This study aims to identify reliable designs for biochar-augmented cementitious products and general applications through technical, environmental, and economic assessments. The outcomes demonstrate that 5 wt% biochar addition could enhance the compressive strength of the final products. Using biochar, together with other recycled materials, can enormously reduce the environmental impacts, especially for global warming, enabling biochar-augmented cementitious products and general application as carbon-negative resources. The highest GWP reduction reached -720 kg CO2/tonne, equal to a 200% saving. A high quantity of biochar could be included in several specific applications (up to 60 wt%). The economic assessment highlights that the proposed designs are cost-effective and carbon tax can be significantly reduced. Carbon credits can also be earned for some carbon-negative designs. These findings can serve to mitigate GHG emissions and provide decision-makers with a reliable and holistic framework towards the goal of carbon neutrality.

Replacement of Concrete Aggregates with Coal-Derived Flash Graphene.

Each year, the growth of cities across developing economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America drives demand for concrete to house and serve their burgeoning populations. Since 1950, the number of people living in urban areas has quadrupled to 4.2 billion, with another predicted 2.5 billion expected to join them in the next three decades. The largest component of concrete by volume is aggregates, such as sand and rocks, with sand as the most mined material in the world. However, the extraction rate of sand currently exceeds its natural replenishment rate, meaning that a global concrete-suitable sand shortage is extremely likely. As such, replacements for fine aggregates, such as sand, are in demand. Here, flash Joule heating (FJH) is used to convert coal-derived metallurgical coke (MC) into flash graphene aggregate (FGA), a blend of MC-derived flash graphene (MCFG), which mimics a natural aggregate (NA) in size. While graphene and graphene oxide have previously been used as reinforcing additives to concrete, in this contribution, FGA is used as a total aggregate replacement for NA, resulting in 25% lighter concrete with increases in toughness, peak strain, and specific compressive strength of 32, 33, and 21%, respectively, with a small reduction in specific Young's modulus of 11%. FJH can potentially enable the replacement of fine NA with FGA, resulting in lighter, stronger concrete.

Towards Understanding Aerogels' Effect on Construction Materials: A Principal Component Analysis Approach.

This study investigates the applicability of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for distinguishing construction materials. The approach enhances data presentation, revealing distinct clusters and variable impacts on materials. This perspective provides valuable insights into concrete materials, guiding materials science and engineering practices. Our findings show the capacity of PCA to show a clear distinction between concrete and non-concrete composites. Compressive strength significantly affects certain composites, being influenced by aerogel loading. The peculiar role of aerogel density among the other factors is attributed to their possession of the smallest thermal conductivity. To address moderate total variance of PCA, segregation into concrete (C) and non-concrete (NC) categories is explored, offering a more robust distinction and higher clustering. Concrete materials show higher variance, emphasizing the effectiveness of the segregation approach. PCA highlights aerogel density's influence on thermal conductivity on concrete materials. For non-concrete materials, a moderately higher variance is noted, emphasizing the critical role of aerogel-related properties (size and density). These findings underscore the importance of aerogel characteristics in shaping material behaviour.

Development of Eco-Mortars with the Incorporation of Municipal Solid Wastes Incineration Ash.

The cement sector is the second largest contributor to anthropogenic CO2 emissions, and several efforts have been made to reduce its environmental impact. One alternative that has gained interest in recent years involves the use of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash (BA) as clinker/cement replacement. This paper studies the application of MSWI BA in three different ways: (i) aggregate (0 to 100 v/v %), (ii) partial binder substitute (0 to 30 v/v %), and (iii) filler (5 v/v %). It stands out for its approach in characterizing seven distinct BA particle sizes and for the development and analysis of eco-cement mortars with only mechanically pre-treated BA. Hardened state properties showed that the use of BA as aggregate leads to deterioration and efflorescence formation on the surface of the mortars, making this application unfeasible. The replacement of 15 v/v % of OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) by BA and the use of finer (<63 µm) BA as filler caused a decrease in the compressive strength of the mortar, from 15.8 to 9.3 and 11.0, respectively. However, these materials are suitable for use in walls where the minimum required mechanical resistance is 5 MPa. Furthermore, these mortars demonstrated resilience against freeze-thaw cycles and even exhibited increased compressive strength after 25 cycles. Thus, this work showed that MSWI BA can be used as an OPC substitute (up to 15 v/v %) and as a filler, promoting circular economy principles and reducing CO2 emissions related to the construction industry.

Evaluation of potential radiological hazards of unfired construction materials containing fly ash in Vietnam.

In this study, the specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the unfired construction materials (solid card bricks, 4-hole bricks, pavement bricks) containing fly ash and bottom ash from a coal-fired thermal power plant in Vietnam were measured using the low-level gamma-ray spectrometer with HPGe detector. Also, the 222Rn concentrations in these materials were analyzed using RAD7 radon monitor and then radon mass exhalation rate and emanation fraction of these materials were calculated. The potential radiological hazards for residents living in the model room made of these materials were evaluated. The average specific activity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found as 67.7, 79.3 and 703.5 Bq kg-1, respectively. The total annual effective dose (due to external gamma exposure and internal radon exposure for resident living in the CEN model room made of the unfired brick samples) was found as 0.9 mSv y-1 which is lower than the worldwide average dose of 2.4 mSv y-1. Calculations from ResRad-Build code showed that the doses due to radon exposure account for from 62.3% (at the first year) to 98.8% (at the next 30 years) of the total gamma and radon dose. Under low air exchange to the outside environment, from the 6th year onwards, the total dose may exceed the average dose value from natural radiation exposure sources.

Study of the Relationship between Changes in the Structural, Optical, and Strength Properties of AlN Ceramics Subjected to Irradiation with Heavy Xe23+ Ions.

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the influence of different fluences of irradiation with Xe23+ heavy ions on alterations in the structural, optical, and strength properties of AlN ceramics and to establish a connection between structural distortions and alterations in the optical and mechanical properties of the ceramics. X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis and Raman spectroscopy, and indentation and single-compression methods were used as research methods. During the study, it was demonstrated that at low irradiation fluences, the main role in the changes in the properties of the AlN ceramics is played by effects related to changes in their optical properties and a fundamental absorption edge shift, which characterizes changes in the electronic properties of the ceramics (changes in the distribution of electron density). A study of the variations in the optical properties of the examined samples in relation to the irradiation fluence showed that when the fluence surpasses 5 × 1011 ion/cm2, an extra-spectral absorption band emerges within the range of 3.38-3.40 eV. This band is distinctive for the creation of vacancy ON-VAl complexes within the damaged layer's structure. The presence of these complexes signifies structural deformations and the accumulation of defective inclusions within the damaged layer. An analysis of changes in the parameters of the crystal lattice showed that structural distortions in the damaged layer are due to the accumulation of tensile residual mechanical stresses, an increase in the concentration of which leads to the swelling and destruction of the damaged layer. Some correlations between the mechanical properties of ceramics and the irradiation fluence indicate the ceramics' remarkable resistance to radiation-induced brittleness and weakening. These effects become apparent only when structural damage accumulates, resulting in the swelling of the crystal lattice exceeding 2.5-3%.

Analysis of the Influence of External Wall Material Type on the Thermal Bridge at the Window-to-Wall Interface.

BACKGROUND: Although many works focus on increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, there are still a number of problems that need to be solved, such as reducing heat losses at the window-to-wall interface, especially since the requirements for saving energy used for heating/cooling rooms are constantly increasing. This paper analyses the impact of the material parameters of the external wall and the window installation in the insulation layer on the size of thermal bridges around the window. PURPOSE: The aim of the work is to demonstrate the benefits resulting from the correct installation of the window, the appropriate location of the window in relation to the face of the external wall, as well as the correct selection of construction materials. METHODOLOGY: In order to show the improvement in the energy efficiency of buildings, an analysis of the heating/cooling energy consumption was carried out for the selected buildings. The thermal and humidity analyses were carried out using TRISCO program, while the economic analysis was performed using the Audytor OZC program. RESULTS: It was found that the proposed system of window installation in the thermal insulation layer reduced the annual heating demand by at least 10% on average. CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that the method of window installation and the type of the wall structural materials are interrelated and therefore should be considered simultaneously. Their proper selection allows for a reduction in the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling buildings, and thus a reduction of heating/cooling costs, as well as limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Material inventory dataset for residential buildings in Finland.

This dataset contains the material volumes, masses, and intensities for a total of 45 residential building cohorts in Finland from the 1940s to the 2010s. The specific building types included are one dwelling houses and blocks of flats. The data were drawn from representative case buildings and their derivatives. The data are primarily based on construction drawings, complemented by other documents such as bills of materials. The source material was mainly obtained from the archives of the building inspection authority of the city of Vantaa, Finland. Material volumes were derived from the construction drawings either directly from annotations or, when needed, by further measurements made based on the same material. For minor lacks of information in the original documents, documents of similar buildings and literature were consulted. A total of 26 buildings were inventoried directly. For each included combination of building type, construction decade, and bearing material these were the ones with the most common façade material. In addition, 19 buildings with the second most common façade material were formed based on these to represent the 45 cohorts. Material masses, and by extension intensities, were calculated based on the recorded volumes and typical densities of construction materials used in Finland. The material volumes, masses, and intensities per material and in total are presented as three spreadsheet tables, along with a description sheet, on three corresponding hierarchical levels of aggregation: per representative building, per vertical building level (foundations, basement, first storey, etc.), and per building part (floor, exterior walls, interior walls, etc.). Furthermore, they are distinguished between the building structure and complementary building components (windows and doors). The data can be used in academic, policy related, and practical investigations of the building stock, such as in evaluating the material consumption consequences of different spatial planning strategies on various levels or estimating the materials embedded in the built environment and their potential for capitalisation in the circular economy.

Influence of the Addition of Recycled Aggregates and Polymer Fibers on the Properties of Pervious Concrete.

The aim of the study was to check the possibility of reusing aggregate from recycled concrete waste and rubber granules from car tires as partial substitution of natural aggregate. The main objective was to investigate the effects of recycled waste aggregate modified with polymer fibers on the compressive and flexural strength, modulus of elasticity and permeability of pervious concrete. Fibers with a multifilament structure and length of 54 mm were deliberately used to strengthen the joints among grains (max size 31.5 mm). Eight batches of designed mixes were used in the production of pervious concrete at fixed water/binder ratio of 0.34 with cement content of 350 kg/m3. Results showed that the use of recycled concrete aggregate (8/31.5 mm) with replacement ratio of 50% (by weight of aggregate) improved the mechanical properties of pervious concrete in all analyzed cases. Whereas the replacement of 10% rubber waste aggregate (2/5 mm) by volume of aggregate reduced the compressive strength by a maximum of 11.4%. Addition of 2 kg/m3 of polymer fibers proved the strengthening effect of concrete structure, enhancing the compressive and tensile strengths by a maximum of 23.4% and 25.0%, respectively. The obtained test results demonstrate the possibility of using the recycled waste aggregates in decarbonization process of pervious concrete production, but further laboratory and field performance tests are needed.

Facile and Simple Post Treatment Ball Milling Strategy for the Production of Low-Cost TiO2 Composites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance and Applicability to Construction Materials.

A facile and cost-effective approach assisted by ball milling (BM) of commercial titanium dioxide (TiO2), has been utilized to develop cheaper and efficient construction materials. At least three of the commercial and cheaper TiO2 samples (BA01-01, BA01-01+ and R996, designated as A1, A4 and R1, respectively) were selected and subjected to BM treatment to enhance their photocatalytic efficiencies, if possible. It was noted, that the samples A1, A4 and R1 were typical composites of TiO2 and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and contained varying proportions of anatase, and rutile phases of TiO2 and CaCO3. Two of the highly efficient commercial TiO2 samples, Degussa P25 (simply designated as P25) and ST01 (Ishihara Ind.) were selected for making benchmark comparisons of photocatalytic efficiencies. The BM treated TiO2 samples (designated as TiO2-BM with respect to A1, A4 and R1) were evaluated for photocatalytic efficiencies both in both aqueous (methylene blue (MB)) and gaseous (NOx) photodegradation reactions. Based on detailed comparative investigations, it was observed that A1-BM photocatalyst exhibited superior photocatalytic performances over A4-BM and R1-BM, towards both MB and NOx photodegradation reactions. The difference of NOx photodegradation efficiency between the mortar mixed with A1-BM and that mixed with ST01, and P-25 at 15% were 16.6%, and 32.4%, respectively. Even though the mortar mixed with A1-BM at 15% composition exhibited a slightly lower NOx photodegradation efficiency as compared to mortar mixed with the expensive ST01 and P-25 photocatalysts, the present work promises an economic application in the eco-friendly construction materials for air purification considering the far lower cost of A1. The reasons for the superior performance of A1-BM were deduced through characterization of optical properties, surface characteristics, phase composition, morphology, microstructure and particle size distribution between pristine and BM treated A1 using characterization techniques such as diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis.

A state-of-the-art review of the structure and properties of laterite-based sustainable geopolymer cement.

Portland cement is the primary material in the field of construction. Despite its importance, its production remains an energy-consuming and polluting operation. Research on alternatives to Portland cement has become an international concern, and these alternatives include geopolymers. With the evolution of the research on geopolymers during the last decade, it is necessary to work on raw materials that are abundant in nature and less expensive and provide sustainable construction materials. The present paper reviews the research on the use of laterites as a precursor in synthesizing sustainable geopolymers. The effect of the nature of activators, the calcination temperature of laterites, and the effect of additives on the properties of laterite-based geopolymers are also examined. The characterization results of laterite-based geopolymers show that laterite is a promising precursor for synthesizing sustainable geopolymers with high physical-mechanical characteristics. Finally, perspectives and recommendations for advancing laterite-based geopolymers are discussed at the end of the paper.

A review of spatial characteristics influencing circular economy in the built environment.

Industrialization, population growth, and urbanization are all trends driving the explosive growth of the construction industry. Creating buildings to house people and operate industry, together with building infrastructure to provide public services, requires prodigious quantities of energy and materials. Most of these virgin materials are non-renewable, and resource shortages caused by the development of the built environment are becoming increasingly inevitable. The gradually evolved circular economy (CE) is considered a way to ease the depletion of resources by extending service life, increasing efficiency, and converting waste into resources. However, the circularity of construction materials shows heavy regional distinctness due to the difference in spatial contexts in the geographical sense, resulting in the same CE business models (CEBMs) not being adapted to all regions. To optimize resource loops and formulate effective CEBMs, it is essential to understand the relationship between space and CE in the built environment. This paper reviews existing publications to summarize the research trends, examine how spatial features are reflected in the circularity of materials, and identify connections between spatial and CE clues. We found that the majority of contributors in this interdisciplinary field are from countries with middle to high levels of urbanization. Further, the case analysis details the material dynamics in different spatial contexts and links space and material cycles. The results indicate that the spatial characteristics can indeed influence the circularity of materials through varying resource cycling patterns. By utilizing spatial information wisely can help design locally adapted CEBMs and maximize the value chain of construction materials.

Optimising the Performance of CO2-Cured Alkali-Activated Aluminosilicate Industrial By-Products as Precursors.

Three industrial aluminosilicate wastes were studied as precursors to produce alkali-activated concrete: (i) electric arc furnace slag, (ii) municipal solid waste incineration bottom ashes, and (iii) waste glass rejects. These were characterized via X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, laser particle size distribution, thermogravimetric, and Fourier-transform infrared analyses. Distinctive combinations of anhydrous sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution were tried by varying the Na2O/binder ratio (8%, 10%, 12%, 14%) and SiO2/Na2O ratio (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5) to find the optimum solution for maximized mechanical performance. Specimens were produced and subjected to a three-step curing process: (1) 24 h thermal curing (70 °C), (2) followed by 21 days of dry curing in a climatic chamber (~21 °C, 65% RH), and (3) ending with a 7-day carbonation curing stage (5 ± 0.2% CO2; 65 ± 10% RH). Compressive and flexural strength tests were performed, to ascertain the mix with the best mechanical performance. The precursors showed reasonable bonding capabilities, thus suggesting some reactivity when alkali-activated due to the presence of amorphous phases. Mixes with slag and glass showed compressive strengths of almost 40 MPa. Most mixes required a higher Na2O/binder ratio for maximized performance, even though, contrary to expectations, the opposite was observed for the SiO2/Na2O ratio.