A Study on Evaluation of Concrete with Partial Replacement of Cement and Aggregate with Sustainable Materials

Abstract

The rising concern over environmental sustainability has led to widespread research on sustainable replacements in the field of construction materials. This study evaluates the possibility of partially replacing conventional ordinary portland cement and aggregates in concrete with sustainable materials while preserving structural integrity and performance. Various alternative materials, as well as industrial by-products and replacementswere assessed for their effects on mechanical properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength, and durability etc. various test are to be conducted by the author in this paper . The study employed a comparative investigation of different mix designs including sustainable materials to determine their suitability. Results indicated that certain replacements, such as fly ash, silica fume, and recycled aggregatesexhibites admirable strength characteristics and environmental benefits. Additionally, we focusses on highlighting the role of IS codes in regulating material properties and construction practices. The author finds the potential for sustainable materials in concrete production along with reducing carbon emissions and resource depletion while maintaining structural performance and lifespan.

Introduction

Introduction:
Concrete is essential in civil engineering for structures like buildings, roads, and bridges due to its durability and strength. However, its production significantly harms the environment—cement manufacturing alone contributes 7–8% of global CO? emissions, and excessive use of natural aggregates depletes resources and damages ecosystems.

A. Need for Sustainable Concrete Materials:

With increasing urbanization, there's a surge in demand for concrete, leading to environmental degradation. This has prompted researchers to explore sustainable substitutes for cement and aggregates to reduce the ecological footprint without compromising strength and durability.

B. Sustainable Material Alternatives:

1. Cement Replacements:

• Fly Ash: A coal combustion by-product; improves workability and strength.

• GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag): From steel industry; enhances durability.

• Silica Fume: From silicon production; boosts compressive strength.

• Rice Husk Ash (RHA): Rich in silica; strengthens and improves durability.

2. Aggregate Replacements:

• Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA): Promotes reuse of demolition waste.

• Crushed Glass: Enhances aesthetics and durability.

• Plastic Waste: Shredded plastic reduces pollution and serves as partial aggregate.

• Coconut & Palm Kernel Shells: Lightweight agricultural by-product aggregates.

C. Study Objectives:

1. Evaluate mechanical properties (compressive, tensile, and flexural strength).

2. Assess durability under varied environmental conditions.

3. Compare cost-efficiency with traditional concrete.

4. Promote waste utilization and reduce reliance on virgin resources.

D. Literature Review Highlights:

• Water Hyacinth Ash (WHA) improves strength when used at 10% replacement.

• Bio-admixtures enhance flowability (Okwadha & Makomele, 2018).

• Agricultural and industrial wastes offer potential cement replacements.

E. Methodology:

• Materials: OPC 53 cement, river sand, crushed stone, WHA, Fly Ash, RHA, and e-waste.

• Tests: Compressive strength (IS 516), Flexural strength (ASTM C78), Tensile strength (IS 5816), Water absorption (ASTM C642).

• Samples collected from local areas in Jammu & Kashmir.

• Standard procedures per IS codes were followed.

F. Key Results:

• WHA showed an 8% increase in compressive strength.

• Fly ash improved flexural strength by 12%.

• RHA achieved the highest tensile strength at 7.2 MPa.

• E-waste lowered water absorption by 15%, enhancing durability.

Conclusion

The study successfully validates the possibility of using sustainable materials as partial replacements for cement and aggregates in concrete. After performing test and observing test results we concluded that combining alternative materials such as fly ash, silica fume, and recycled aggregates can achieve great results .The authors concluded that improved mix designs can enhance strength characteristics without compromising durability and other parameters. Moreover, refrence and performing test to IS codes ensures that these sustainable modifications line up with established construction standards very well . The research and writers focuses on the importance of sustainable practices in modern constructionfocusing contributing to reduced carbon footprints. Writers suggests that Future research should be done focus on long-term performance evaluations and large-scale implementation strategies for sustainable concrete and their applications

References

[1] Murugesh, P., &Balasundaram, K. (2017). Evaluation of water hyacinth ash as a cement replacement in concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 42, 65-72. [2] Okwadha, G. D., & Makomele, T. (2018). Bio-admixtures in self-compacting concrete: A study on water hyacinth extract. Cement and Concrete Composites, 93, 102-110. [3] Paris, B., Jones, L., & Smith, C. (2016). Alternative supplementary cementitious materials in Portland cement concrete. Journal of Sustainable Materials, 7(2), 125-135. [4] Singh, M., &Siddique, R. (2015). Utilization of coal bottom ash as a fine aggregate in concrete. Journal of Cleaner Production, 95, 67-75. [5] IS 456:2000 - Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete. [6] IS 10262:2019 - Guidelines for Concrete Mix Proportioning. [7] IS 383:2016 - Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates. [8] IS 2386 (Part I-VI):1963 - Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete. [9] IS 1727:1967 - Methods of Test for Pozzolanic Materials. [10] Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of Concrete (5th ed.). Pearson. [11] Mehta, P. K., &Monteiro, P. J. M. (2014). Concrete: Microstructure, Properties, and Materials (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. [12] Malhotra, V. M., & Mehta, P. K. (2005). High-Performance, High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete. Materials Research Society. [13] Thomas, M. (2007). Optimizing the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete. Portland Cement Association. [14] RILEM TC 221-SHC. (2013). Self-Healing Phenomena in Cement-Based Materials: State-of-the-Art Report of RILEM Technical Committee 221-SHC. Springer.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Adnan Rashid, Aadil Manzoor. 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.