Properties, Engineering Applications, and Mechanisms of Yellow River Silt and Sand in Construction Materials: A Comprehensive Review

Yellow River sediment is a promising resource for use in construction materials. However, the effects of Yellow River silt and sand in different applications remain unclear. This review examines the physicochemical properties of these two forms, their engineering applications, and the underlying mechanisms governing material performance. Yellow River sand is mainly used as a fine aggregate in conventional concrete, engineered cementitious composites (ECC), and cement mortar, whereas Yellow River silt is commonly used in subgrade fills, concretes incorporating multiple solid wastes, and building products. Across these applications, the behavior of Yellow River sediment in construction materials reflects both physical packing and chemical reactivity. Their relative contributions depend on sediment form, material system, processing condition, and sediment content. Chemical reactivity is observed mainly in systems containing Yellow River silt, although the contribution of the silt itself has not been isolated. In conventional concrete, the highest compressive strengths are generally observed when Yellow River sand replaces 10–30% of natural sand, but the exact level depends on mixture design. Regional differences in sediment composition further limit the direct transfer of this range and require evaluation based on target performance. Future research should develop predictive models linking sediment characteristics, content, and target performance, establish low-carbon activation methods, and clarify long-term durability under complex service conditions.