Advancements in Concrete Performance by Using Waste materials in the Mixture

Abstract

There have been serious research advancements in concrete materials to make construction more sustainable. Specifically, this is true with regard to alternative ingredients used for self-compacting concrete (SCC) production. To improve its sustainability, this study is aimed at adding Fine Recycled Concrete Aggregate (FRCA) and Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) into SCC. Crushed and reclaimed asphalt (RCA), on the other hand, has many benefits including lower environmental impact and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, there are several issues associated with contractors’ knowledge among others being variations in their properties. It’s also known that FRCA can imbibe water faster; hence, mineral admixtures may be introduced to further enhance mechanical behaviour of the concrete. Fly ash and geopolymer synthesis are examples of waste products from industry as well as by-products of coal combustion which are useful in making green concretes. The best results would be achieved if fly ash, a popular Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) that reduces Ordinary Portland Cement’s (OPC’s) need is divided according to its oxide content. In order for geopolymers to become an alternative for cement making materials such as aluminosilicate source or alkali reactants are applied. Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) enhances performance of concrete even more with strain-hardening properties, especially in terms of durability and tensile capacity. On the whole, manufacturing concrete from recycled and industrial waste products is cost effective and environmentally beneficial. These materials can be maximized if prope performance-driven design strategies and contemporary waste management systems are put into place. This paper emphasizes how essential and crucial it is to incorporate sustainable methods in the production of concrete to create a more environment friendly construction industry.