EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF CONCRETE AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF COARSE AGGREGATE BY SILICA SLAG

Abstract

Aggregate is a key component of concrete, greatly impacting its volume and influencing its mechanical strength, durability, and serviceability. This study examines using silica slag, an industrial by-product waste, as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate (Recycled Brick Chips) in concrete. It assesses concrete properties with silica slag replacing recycled brick chips at 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60%. The findings show that adding silica slag with recycled brick chips enhances both compressive and tensile strengths. Concrete mixes, prepared with superplasticizer (ASTM C-494: Type A & F), achieved improved workability while maintaining the required water-cement ratio. Various mechanical properties of silica slag, such as impact resistance, specific gravity, unit weight, void ratio, and water absorption, were thoroughly tested. The study reveals that a 40% replacement of coarse aggregate with silica slag results in optimal compressive strength, around 18 MPa. This indicates that concrete incorporating recycled brick chips and silica slag can achieve moderate compressive strength and meet structural requirements effectively to achieve sustainable development.