Performance keys on self-compacting concrete using recycled aggregate with fly ash by multi-criteria analysis

This study proposes prioritizing of performance for self-compacting concrete (SCC) using recycled aggregate (RA) and/or waste fly ash (FA). A robust framework is created considering six performance keys in technical-environmental-economic performance criteria and analyzed by the three multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques: TOPSIS, VIKOR, and EDAS. For technical performance, slump flow, flow time, compressive strength, flexural strength, chloride ion penetration coefficient, and the resistance against freeze-thaw cycles and elevated temperature are considered for curing age up to 740 days. While CO₂ emissions and volume of raw materials are evaluated to express the environmental performance. The optimized SCC mixtures suggested by the three MCDM are the ones that combine the use of RA and FA, and the best mixture can be made when 50% RA with 15% FA are utilized. For the optimized SCC, the cost would be 23.9% lower and can offer annual savings of 5.7–8.7 million USD if used in infrastructure projects within developing countries. The proposed framework can be employed for sustainable, economical, and performance based-design applications on the recycled SCC using FA. [Display omitted] •A sustainability framework was developed for prioritizing SCC modified by recycled aggregate and/or fly ash.•The SCC alternatives were evaluated for various targeted construction applications.•Six performance keys (technical, environmental, and economic properties) are employed for alternatives shortlisting.•Various alternatives and criteria were integrated by using multi-criteria decision-making analysis.•SCC produced using 50% RA and 30% FA was most eco-efficient and economical alternative suitable for various applications.