Keywords: decarbonization

Ensuring decarbonization underground construction technologies of backfilling based on the tailings

https://doi.org/10.58224/2618-7183-2026-9-3-7
Abstract
This study presents an innovative strategy for decarbonizing underground construction based on circular waste management by reducing coal mine methane emissions through goaf backfill. High methane emissions are often underestimated due to their low concentrations in ventilation air and leaks from abandoned mines. However, they significantly contribute to the global greenhouse effect. The study combines modeling and evaluation of the underground construction decarbonization effects and coal mining with the development and testing of goaf backfill monoliths based on tailings (Gai Mining and Processing Plant). By analyzing the methane emissions dynamics during coal and gas co-mining, we investigate and quantify gas losses arising from the low efficiency of the mine's gas drainage system, which could be converted into energy. It was found that activation of geomaterials increases the strength properties of backfill composites from 2.54 to 4.56 MPa. The use of activated tailings results in a denser and more homogeneous matrix with a more uniform pore space distribution. Furthermore, their use to ensure the stability of underground drainage boreholes will prevent the emission of 257,195 m³ of coal mine methane. This study confirms the viability of circular waste management in mining, demonstrating significant potential for additional benefits from the transition to sustainable underground construction.
PDF

Systemic-ecological symbiosis model: integrating secondary resources into construction materials to enhance the environmental safety of machine-building enterprises

https://doi.org/10.58224/2618-7183-2025-8-5-1
Abstract
The research addresses the integration of secondary resources from machine-building enterprises into construction composites as a pathway to reduce clinker consumption, lower the carbon footprint, and improve industrial sustainability. A symbiotic model was developed that links a machine-building plant as a donor of metallurgical, glass, and polymer by-products with construction material production as a recipient. The model operates on weekly “generation–utilization–storage” balances for production lots of 10 m³ and is optimized under three groups of constraints: economic (cost minimization), environmental (CO₂ intensity reduction), and technical (compressive strength, water absorption, and chloride permeability by RCPT). A multi-objective optimization scheme using ε-constraint methods was applied together with regression-based property models and stochastic simulations (Monte Carlo and bootstrap). The analysis demonstrates that partial clinker substitution with up to 50% ground granulated blast-furnace slag and up to 20% recycled glass achieves a 40–45% reduction in unit CO₂ emissions, while maintaining 28-day strength above 40 MPa and RCPT values within 2,000–3,000 C (Coulombs). The Pareto front highlights an equilibrium zone of 55–60% CO₂ and 84–87% relative cost as a rational compromise between environmental and economic performance. Statistical verification confirms the robustness of the solutions with failure probability Pf < 10%. Practical implications include the ability to design low-carbon mixtures with predictable durability, integrate secondary resource flows into construction supply chains with ≥95% utilization efficiency (and >97% for glass/ash streams), and reduce regulatory and environmental risks. The framework provides machine-building and construction industries with a reproducible methodology to scale decarbonization strategies while ensuring infrastructure reliability.
PDF