Concrete is essential in modern construction, but its environmental impact, especially from cement production, has driven the search for sustainable alternatives. This study examines the use of E-waste and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as partial replacements for fine aggregate and cement in M20-grade concrete. Both are abundant waste materials with properties suitable for concrete. The optimal mix—10% E-waste and 10% SCBA achieved a compressive strength of 21.4 N/mm², split tensile strength of 2.56 N/mm², and flexural strength of 3.85 N/mm². These results show that E-waste and SCBA can enhance concrete sustainability without compromising strength, supporting eco-friendly construction practices.
Introduction
The construction industry significantly impacts natural resource consumption and carbon emissions, primarily through the use of cement and aggregates. To promote sustainable construction, this study explores using electronic waste (e-waste) and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as partial replacements for fine aggregate and cement, respectively.
Key Materials Used:
SCBA: A by-product of sugar industries with pozzolanic properties, suitable as a partial cement replacement.
E-waste: Consists of discarded electronic devices; used here to replace fine aggregate, reducing sand consumption and addressing e-waste disposal issues.
Other materials: Ordinary Portland Cement (53-grade), fine and coarse aggregates, and potable water.
Experimental Procedures:
Tests were conducted to determine material properties (e.g., specific gravity, fineness).
Nine concrete mixes were designed with varying percentages of SCBA (8%, 10%, 12%) and e-waste (8%, 10%, 12%).
Performance was evaluated through:
Slump test (workability)
Compressive strength test
Split tensile strength test
Flexural strength test
Results and Findings:
Optimal replacement: 10% SCBA and 10% e-waste.
Workability (slump) increased with higher e-waste content due to its water-absorbing nature.
Strength improvements (compared to conventional M20 concrete):
Compressive Strength: Improved by 1.3% (21.12 → 21.4 N/mm²)
Split Tensile Strength: Improved by 8.4% (2.36 → 2.56 N/mm²)
Flexural Strength: Improved by 1.4% (3.79 → 3.85 N/mm²)
Strength declined beyond 10% replacement due to reduced cement content and excess water absorption by e-waste.
Conclusion
This study ultimately explored the sustainable use of E-waste and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as partial replacements for fine aggregate and cement in M20 concrete. Laboratory tests show that replacing 10% of fine aggregate with E-waste and 10% of cement with SCBA at a 0.45 water-cement ratio yields optimal results. This mix achieved a compressive strength of 21.4 N/mm² (1.3% higher than conventional M20), a split tensile strength of 2.56 N/mm² (8.4% increase), and a flexural strength of 3.85 N/mm² (1.4% increase). The study highlights the environmental and structural benefits of using recycled materials in concrete, supporting eco-friendly and sustainable construction practices.
References
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