Transforming Industrial and Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Concrete Materials
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Abstract
The construction industry is a major consumer of natural resources and a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. This study investigates the use of industrial and agricultural waste materials—steel slag (SS) and rice husk ash (RHA)—as partial replacements for coarse and fine aggregates in concrete, aiming to enhance performance while reducing environmental impact. Concrete mixes were prepared with varying replacement levels of SS (10–30%) and RHA (5–15%), including hybrid combinations, and evaluated for workability, mechanical properties, durability, microstructure, and environmental performance. Results indicated that moderate replacement levels of SS and RHA improved compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths, while enhancing durability against water ingress, chemical attack, and freeze–thaw cycles. Microstructural analysis revealed densification of the matrix and refinement of pore structure due to RHA, with SS providing a strong aggregate skeleton. Life Cycle Assessment demonstrated reductions in Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Cumulative Energy Demand (CED), highlighting the sustainability benefits of waste-derived concrete. Hybrid mixes exhibited the most balanced improvements in strength, durability, and environmental performance. Overall, the study demonstrates that steel slag and rice husk ash are viable, sustainable alternatives for partial aggregate replacement in concrete, contributing to low-carbon construction and circular economy practices.
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References
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