Utilisation of dredged sediment as aggregate substitute in cement composites – a review

Ahmed, Asma and Masjuki, Siti Aliyyah and Ibrahim, Saerahany Legori and Abd Halim, Nor Farah Huda (2025) Utilisation of dredged sediment as aggregate substitute in cement composites – a review. Construction, 5 (2). pp. 233-246. E-ISSN 2785-8731

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Abstract

The reuse of dredged sediment as aggregate offers a sustainable alternative to natural sand and gravel replacements, which are becoming increasingly scarce due to overextraction. This review examines the beneficial use of dredged sediment in construction, highlighting its potential applications, economic advantages, and environmental benefits. The findings revealed that with appropriate treatment—such as particle size refinement, washing, and calcination—DS can replace natural fine aggregates by up to 30% in mortar and concrete mixtures without significantly compromising performance. Optimal substitution rates generally range between 10–20%, improving strength through enhanced particle packing and hydration. However, high fine content and contaminants like chlorides, sulphates, and heavy metals limit higher substitution rates. Treatment techniques like the Novosol process and thermal calcination were effective but cost-prohibitive at scale. The review highlights technical, environmental, and regulatory barriers, while also emphasising the potential of DS to support circular economy practices in the construction sector. By reviewing recent studies and case examples, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of both the potential and the obstacles associated with the reuse of dredged sediment.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Dredged sediment Aggregate substitute Waste management Challenges
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > TA401 Materials of engineering and construction
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Civil Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering
Depositing User:	Ts. Dr Siti Aliyyah Masjuki
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2026 15:06
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2026 15:06
Queue Number:	2026-06-Q3747
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129447

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