Study on Use of Recycled Construction and Demolition Waste in Structural Applications: A Life-Cycle and Performance-Based Evaluation

Background: Rural areas such as Osmanabad are plagued by sustained degradation of infrastructure driven by climate variation, material fatigue, and restricted maintenance capabilities. Structural concrete, while strong, is susceptible to microcracking that can expedite deterioration and impede long-term resilience. Fostered by the recent advent of self-healing technologies, namely bio-concrete and polymer-fused conduit systems, these represent adequate solutions for low or no-maintenance, climate-responsive, and adaptable buildings in impoverished areas. Objectives: The current study is set forth with the objectives of field performance, healing potential, and stakeholders’ acceptance for the bio-concrete and polymer-based self-healing concrete (SHC) under semi-arid conditions in Osmanabad. It aims at the transition from laboratory innovation to rural deployment conditions, highlighting humanised engineering and participatory validation. Methods: A mixed-method design of experimental trials in 3-gram panchayats was implemented with stakeholder involvement. Quantitative data were compressive strengths, crack closure rates, and environmental (humidity, temperature) correlation variables. Qualitative information was obtained through interviews, focus groups, and participatory observation. The analytic techniques used were ANOVA, regression modelling, and thematic coding of the data. Results: Bio-concrete exhibited enhanced crack healing (94% recovery) and strength increases (~20% compared to control mixes), especially in high-humidity zones. Positive correlations were found between healing rates and environmental humidity. The highest level of trust from the stakeholders was observed from the farmers (avg. rating: 9.1/10), noting that it helped minimize maintenance and seemed to heal. The polymer SHC had milder performances, though lower photo-hysteresis. Conclusion: Bio-concrete is found to be a socially and technically acceptable, climate change resilient alternative for rural infrastructure. The research confirms its relevance in Osmanabad and supports community-scale scaling. Through the convergence of high-performance materials and ethical, participatory adoption, this research configures a new model of resilient, humanised infrastructure for the disenfranchised.