Novel coal bottom ash waste composites for sustainable construction

•Novel materials can be manufactured from coal bottom ash wastes.•Sustainable construction is possible for cement paste composites.•Alternative materials can be produced for control low-strength applications.•Developing sustainability strategies in building construction to reduce CO2 emissions is mandatory.•Comprehensive literature review on the topic is provided.

The construction industry generates large amounts of greenhouse gases, which negatively impact the environment and society. International actions have increased to reduce the carbon footprint of this industry. A way to achieve this target is by promoting a sustainable construction industry e.g., by recycling bottom ash waste for producing ecological products. This paper examines the potential use of coal bottom ash residue, obtained from a brick-producing factory, in cement pastes. The physical, mechanical, and sodium sulfate test results revealed the lightweight nature of the prepared composites, which are suitable for use in brick, tile, paving stone, and controlled low-strength applications.