Generative inverse design of sustainable concrete via global waste glass recycling

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Jie Yu - , Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Tongji University (First author)
  • Sizhe Xue - , City University of Hong Kong (Author)
  • Junhong Ye - , Southwest Jiaotong University (Author)
  • Fei Teng - , Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Minxin Yang - , Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Jiangtao Yu - , Tongji University (Author)
  • Zhenjun Yang - , Wuhan University (Author)
  • Yiwei Weng - , Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Author)
  • Jian Guo Dai - , City University of Hong Kong (Author)
  • Viktor Mechtcherine - , Chair of Construction Materials (Author)

Abstract

The rising global demand for concrete poses a significant challenge to reducing carbon emissions. Recycling waste glass offers a sustainable alternative by reducing landfill burden and conserving resources. However, conventional mix design methods are inefficient when recycled materials are involved, and many existing machine learning approaches overlook the materials genome and lack experimental validation. This study in-troduces an inverse design methodology using a Conditional Invertible Neural Network to generate concrete mixtures containing waste glass that meet target compressive strengths. By integrating physical and chemical properties of raw materials into the generative model, the proposed approach enables efficient and accurate mixture design. Experimental validation shows 93.5% accuracy for a 55 MPa target strength within one minute. This method can reduce carbon emissions by up to 92.4% through the recycling of global waste glass. This scalable, cost-effective strategy supports the development of high-performance, low-carbon concrete aligned with broader circular economy goals.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number108775
Number of pages14
JournalResources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume227
Early online date7 Jan 2026
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 105027388797