Synthetic materials versus natural stones in civil construction: technical, aesthetic, and environmental performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v9i20.3112Keywords:
Civil Construction, Synthetic Materials, Natural Stones, Sustainability, Material PerformanceAbstract
The construction industry is one of the sectors that most consumes natural resources and generates environmental impacts, making the adoption of more sustainable materials essential. This study aims to compare the technical, aesthetic, and environmental performance of synthetic materials and natural stones in civil construction. The research is characterized as a qualitative bibliographic review, with an exploratory and descriptive approach, classified as a systematized narrative review. The literature survey was conducted based on scientific articles published in the last ten years, obtained from recognized databases in the fields of engineering and materials, such as MDPI, Wiley Online Library, IOP Science, Scienceline, EDP Sciences, and Sciendo. The results indicate that natural stones present high durability, mechanical strength, and aesthetic value, as well as, in many cases, lower direct environmental impact. On the other hand, synthetic materials stand out for their versatility, controllability of properties, and sustainable potential when associated with waste reuse and circular economy practices. It was also observed that these materials may present limitations regarding durability and potential health implications, requiring careful evaluation throughout their life cycle. It is concluded that there is no universally superior material, and an integrated analysis considering technical, environmental, aesthetic, and health criteria is necessary, highlighting the growing trend toward hybrid solutions in civil construction.
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