Performance of Self-Compacting Concrete by Amalgamating Waste Materials Using Absolute Volume Method

Abstract

The growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices has led to the evolution of advanced concrete technologies, among which Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) stands out due to its unique ability to flow and compact under its own weight without the need for mechanical vibration. While SCC offers superior workability and surface finish, its traditional composition heavily depends on cement and river sand, both of which have significant environmental implications, particularly due to high energy consumption, CO? emissions, and depletion of natural resources. In this study, an attempt has been made to partially replace natural fine aggregate (Bhandara sand) with various industrial and construction waste materials such as stone dust, brick powder, and glass powder, thereby improving the environmental profile of SCC while maintaining or enhancing its mechanical performance. The materials were used individually and in hybrid combinations, and the mixes were designed using the Absolute Volume Method (AVM), a rational mix design approach that ensures optimal volumetric proportions. Cube specimens were cast in standard molds and tested for compressive strength after 7 and 28 days of water curing. The results showed that replacing 25–35% of Bhandara sand with stone dust improved compressive strength, with a maximum of 33.51 N/mm² at 35% replacement after 28 days. Brick powder replacement, however, showed reduced strength values compared to conventional SCC, indicating limitations in its use as a sole replacement material. A hybrid mix comprising 25% stone dust, 25% brick powder, and 5% glass powder demonstrated moderate strength, suggesting potential for multi-material optimization. This study confirms that industrial by-products and construction waste can be effectively used in SCC to enhance sustainability while maintaining acceptable strength characteristics. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials and promoting circular economy principles in concrete technology.

Introduction

1. Introduction

The need for high-performance and eco-friendly construction materials has driven innovations in Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), known for its excellent workability and ability to flow without vibration. However, traditional SCC depends heavily on cement, which is energy-intensive and emits significant CO?. To reduce its environmental impact, researchers are incorporating industrial and agricultural waste (e.g., fly ash, GGBS, silica fume, rice husk ash, stone dust, glass powder, and brick powder) as partial replacements for cement and aggregates.

2. Literature Review

Recent studies validate the positive impacts of waste materials on SCC's mechanical and durability properties:

• Fly ash, metakaolin, and recycled aggregates enhance strength and flexural stiffness.

• Stone dust, glass powder, and municipal solid waste by-products improve sustainability and reduce raw material use.

• Brick powder shows good pozzolanic properties, improving tensile strength and reducing waste.

• Hybrid combinations (e.g., fly ash + WGP + coconut fibers) further improve performance, though they may slightly reduce workability.

3. Proposed Methodology

A. Materials Used

• Cement: OPC 43 grade.

• Aggregates: Crushed angular coarse and fine aggregates (Bhandara and Wardha).

• Water: Potable water conforming to IS standards.

• Admixtures: Superplasticizers and others for durability and workability.

• Waste Materials: Stone dust, glass powder, and brick powder as partial replacements.

B. Mix Design (M30 Grade using Absolute Volume Method)

• Target strength: 38.25 MPa.

• Water-cement ratio: 0.43.

• Fly ash replaces 35% of cement.

• Powder content: 500 kg/m³.

• Fine and coarse aggregates are adjusted to maintain workability and strength.

• Final proportions (per m³): Cement 305 kg, Fly Ash 147 kg, Fine Aggregate 600 kg, Coarse Aggregate 964.92 kg, Water 180 kg, Admixture 2.51 kg.

4. Experimental Mix Variations

For cubes, beams, and cylinders, six mix types were tested:

1. Conventional SCC

2. 25% Stone Dust Replacement

3. 35% Stone Dust Replacement

4. 25% Brick Powder Replacement

5. 35% Brick Powder Replacement

6. Hybrid Mix (Stone Dust + Brick Powder + Glass Powder)

Quantities were adjusted based on unit weight and specific gravity for consistent volume and performance.

5. Results & Discussion

A. Compressive Strength Test

• Concrete cubes (150×150×150 mm) were tested at 7 and 28 days.

• Curing was done by water immersion.

• Tests followed standard procedures using a compression testing machine.

• Strength results will help determine the optimal waste material proportions for sustainable SCC without compromising performance.

Conclusion

1. Introduction The need for high-performance and eco-friendly construction materials has driven innovations in Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC), known for its excellent workability and ability to flow without vibration. However, traditional SCC depends heavily on cement, which is energy-intensive and emits significant CO?. To reduce its environmental impact, researchers are incorporating industrial and agricultural waste (e.g., fly ash, GGBS, silica fume, rice husk ash, stone dust, glass powder, and brick powder) as partial replacements for cement and aggregates. 2. Literature Review Recent studies validate the positive impacts of waste materials on SCC\'s mechanical and durability properties: Fly ash, metakaolin, and recycled aggregates enhance strength and flexural stiffness. Stone dust, glass powder, and municipal solid waste by-products improve sustainability and reduce raw material use. Brick powder shows good pozzolanic properties, improving tensile strength and reducing waste. Hybrid combinations (e.g., fly ash + WGP + coconut fibers) further improve performance, though they may slightly reduce workability. 3. Proposed Methodology A. Materials Used Cement: OPC 43 grade. Aggregates: Crushed angular coarse and fine aggregates (Bhandara and Wardha). Water: Potable water conforming to IS standards. Admixtures: Superplasticizers and others for durability and workability. Waste Materials: Stone dust, glass powder, and brick powder as partial replacements. B. Mix Design (M30 Grade using Absolute Volume Method) Target strength: 38.25 MPa. Water-cement ratio: 0.43. Fly ash replaces 35% of cement. Powder content: 500 kg/m³. Fine and coarse aggregates are adjusted to maintain workability and strength. Final proportions (per m³): Cement 305 kg, Fly Ash 147 kg, Fine Aggregate 600 kg, Coarse Aggregate 964.92 kg, Water 180 kg, Admixture 2.51 kg. 4. Experimental Mix Variations For cubes, beams, and cylinders, six mix types were tested: Conventional SCC 25% Stone Dust Replacement 35% Stone Dust Replacement 25% Brick Powder Replacement 35% Brick Powder Replacement Hybrid Mix (Stone Dust + Brick Powder + Glass Powder) Quantities were adjusted based on unit weight and specific gravity for consistent volume and performance. 5. Results & Discussion A. Compressive Strength Test Concrete cubes (150×150×150 mm) were tested at 7 and 28 days. Curing was done by water immersion. Tests followed standard procedures using a compression testing machine. Strength results will help determine the optimal waste material proportions for sustainable SCC without compromising performance.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mr. Yogesh Kalare , Mr. Rajesh Parve. 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.