Experimental Study on Concrete with Msand and GGBS as Partial Replacement for Fine Aggregate and Cement

Abstract

The current investigation focuses on finely ground and processed industrial by-product obtained from blast furnace slag is introduced as a partial substitution in concrete replacement material for cement to improve concrete properties sustainability and artificially produced fine aggregate known as M-sand serves as an alternative fine aggregate in concrete production and construction works partial incorporation as a substitute for fine substitute for fine aggregate utilized in cement-based concrete systems fine aggregate used as a replacement material in concrete. Initially, several laboratory Experiments were conducted on cement to investigate its experimental work materials the analytical investigation were tested according to standard procedures to determine their characteristics. Tests conducted on cement included density ratio, fineness, the consistency properties of cement together with its initial and final setting time behavior, along with evaluation of compressive strength at 3, 7, and 28 days. Fine aggregate tests included sieve analysis, mass per unit volume and fineness modulus, specific gravity, and bulking of sand. Coarse aggregate was examined through water absorption, flakiness index, elongation index, and aggregate crushing value tests. Clean Good-quality drinking potable water was used for the mixing of concrete mixes. In the current investigation second stage of the investigation, the percentage of M-sand was maintained constant at 60%, while GGBS was incorporated as a cement replacement at varying proportions of in increments of This design of concrete mix proportions for M30 considered in this investigation prepared in accordance accompanied by IS 10262 guidelines. construction material specimens specimens were maintained under standard curing conditions for periods of 56, and 91 days to analyze the fresh and hardened properties of cement-based materials concrete. Fresh concrete properties were assessed using workability tests such as The workability of fresh concrete was evaluated using the slump cone test, Vee-Bee consistometer test, and compaction factor test. The structural performance characteristics of hardened assessed through the mechanical strengths including compressive, split tensile, and flexural behavior tests. durability performance of the concrete was evaluated also investigated studied through performing acid attack investigations on concrete samples.

Introduction

The text discusses the growing need for sustainable alternatives to natural river sand in concrete due to environmental degradation, scarcity, and rising construction demand. Continuous river sand mining has caused serious ecological issues such as riverbank erosion, groundwater depletion, and ecosystem damage, leading the construction industry to adopt manufactured sand (M-sand) and industrial by-products as replacements.

M-sand is produced by crushing hard rocks (often using VSI crushers) and offers consistent quality, better grading, and fewer impurities compared to natural sand. It improves concrete strength, durability, and long-term performance while reducing environmental impact and transportation costs. However, its angular shape can reduce workability and may cause issues like rapid drying, segregation, and honeycombing, which can be managed through admixtures, proper grading, and improved mixing techniques.

The text also explains Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), an industrial by-product used as a supplementary cementitious material. GGBS improves concrete workability, durability, compressive strength, and resistance to chemical attack while reducing heat of hydration and environmental emissions. It also enhances long-term performance and reduces maintenance costs.

Finally, the durability of concrete is discussed in terms of resistance to environmental and chemical degradation, especially acid attack. Factors such as dense microstructure, quality materials, and proper mix design are essential for durable concrete. Acid exposure lowers pH, dissolves cement compounds, and gradually weakens concrete depending on severity.

Conclusion

According to the results obtained from the experimental investigation on M30 grade concrete containing manufactured sand (M-sand) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), the following conclusions were drawn: 1) The study evaluated the performance of concrete in terms of workability, compressive strength, and durability characteristics by replacing natural sand with manufactured sand and partially replacing cement with GGBS. 2) Manufactured sand was found to be an effective and sustainable alternative to natural river sand in concrete production. 3) The strength characteristics of concrete, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength improved significantly with the incorporation of M-sand and GGBS. 4) The the workability of concrete was found to be reduced gradually with an increase in the percentage of M-sand and GGBS due to their higher water absorption capacity and finer particle size. 5) Among all the mixes tested, M30 grade concrete containing manufactured sand showed superior strength performance when evaluated against conventional concrete systems. 6) at any stage curing at different ages of curing, the replacement of fine aggregate with manufactured sand up to 60% showed significant improvement in compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength properties. 7) The most effective replacement proportion of natural fine sand fraction by manufactured sand was was established at 60%. 8) The partial incorporation of cement with GGBS improved the mechanical properties and the durability characteristics of concrete up to an optimum level. 9) The most effective percentage substitution of cement by GGBS was determined to be 20%. 10) Concrete containing M-sand and GGBS exhibited better resistance to acid attack compared to normal concrete due to its denser microstructure and lower permeability. 11) The adoption of manufactured sand as a fine aggregate and GGBS in cement-based concrete systems reduces the consumption of natural resources and supports environmentally sustainable construction practices. 12) Therefore, it can be the investigation revealed that combined use of 60% crushed fine aggregate produced from hard rock and 20% GGBS in M30 grade concrete provides optimum strength, durability, and economical benefits.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Sabbisetti S V V Satyanarayana , D Chandrasekhar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.