Partial Cement Research Articles

Enhancement of Concrete Performance and Sustainability through Partial Cement Replacement with Biochar: An Experimental Study

Enhancement of Concrete Performance and Sustainability through Partial Cement Replacement with Biochar: An Experimental Study

Effect of waste glass powder as partial cement replacement on fresh properties, mechanical strength, bond, water penetration and thermal conductivity of normal concrete

Effect of waste glass powder as partial cement replacement on fresh properties, mechanical strength, bond, water penetration and thermal conductivity of normal concrete

Durability and mechanical properties of concretes with limestone filler with particle packing

This study aims to present alternatives to reduce the demand of cement in concrete production based on particle packing concepts. Physical and mechanical characteristics of concretes, as well as the resistance to chlorides action were analyzed. The tests conducted in this study included compressive strength, chloride migration, capillary absorption tests and wetting and drying cycles in 1M sodium chloride solution. Mixtures containing limestone filler presented satisfactory results compared to the reference mixture with particle packing. Excellent results were obtained for concrete with cement consumption of 253.34 kg.m-3 in terms of compressive strength, binder index, capillary absorption and depassivation time of rebars, thus reinforcing the concept that partial cement replacement by limestone filler yields positive results in these properties. Worse results were obtained for concrete with a cement consumption of 161.86 kg.m-3, because it had a higher proportion of filler than cement. The electrochemical monitoring of the steel bars also shows that the packing of the aggregates was essential to delay the initiation of corrosion.

Mitigating autogenic shrinkage in high‐performance concrete using wollastonite: A structural enhancement approach

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of wollastonite fiber as a reinforcement in high‐performance concrete (HPC), focusing on its potential to mitigate autogenic shrinkage and enhance overall structural properties. HPC known for its superior strength and low permeability, often suffers from intensified autogenic shrinkage, leading to micro‐cracking and compromising durability. To address this challenge, wollastonite was incorporated at different substitutions (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) for both cement and aggregate. The experimental program involved a systematic evaluation of compressive strength, flexural strength, porosity, water absorption, and corrosion resistance with tests conducted at different curing periods. We found that the addition of 10% wollastonite significantly enhances compressive strength (up to 20% after 90 days) and flexural strength (maximum improvement of 21%). The water permeability was decreased by 29% and improved resistance to steel reinforcement corrosion, demonstrating enhanced durability compared to conventional HPC. However, diminishing returns were observed at higher wollastonite replacement levels (15%), indicating a threshold beyond which mechanical and durability benefits were reduced due to potential issues with fiber dispersion and workability. Our findings suggest that wollastonite is a promising, cost‐effective additive for improving HPC. The study contributes new understandings into optimizing HPC mixtures for greater durability and sustainability, while also reducing the environmental footprint through partial cement replacement. Future research is needed to explore the long‐term performance of wollastonite‐reinforced HPC under different environmental conditions and its combination with other supplementary cementitious materials for further enhancement.

Experimental Study of the Mechanical Properties of Mortar with Biobío Region Clam Shells Used as a Partial Replacement for Cement

The use of seashells as a partial substitute for cement in construction not only offers an innovative solution for marine waste management but also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the cement industry, decreasing the CO2 emissions associated with cement production and promoting more sustainable construction practices. This study addresses the mechanical behavior of mortar specimens with partial cement replacement using crushed Biobío region clam shells, both calcined and uncalcined, at substitution rates of 5% and 10%. This approach allows the analysis of their effect on the mechanical strength and properties of the mortar, which has not been widely investigated in the Chilean context or with this particular species of shell. For the mechanical characterization of the specimens, tensile flexural tests and compressive tests were were conducted at ages of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. The compressive strengths of the samples that incorporated calcined residue with partial cement replacements of 5% and 10% were 83.69% and 78.27%, respectively, of the average strength of 20.97 MPa reached by the standard sample. In terms of their tensile flexural strength, these samples reached average strengths of 104.31% and 104.04% of the strength of 12.12 MPa obtained by the standard sample. In the case of the uncalcined samples, the 5% and 10% replacements reached 103.55% and 102.64% of the tensile strength of 15.54 MPa obtained by the standard sample, while they reached 92.32% and 80.07% of the compressive strength of 27.81 MPa achieved by the standard sample. From these results, it is determined that the calcined shells did not improve the mechanical resistance of the mortar, suggesting that the calcination process must be studied in depth.

Experimental analysis of concrete with partial cement replacement using incinerated hospital waste ash

The annual production of medical waste from healthcare facilities in Pakistan is around 250,000 tons. An effective waste management system is essential for disposing of hazardous medical waste, and incineration is considered the most effective and accessible technology. Disposal of medical waste ash in landfills without proper treatment could lead to groundwater contamination due to leachate. This research paper aims to evaluate the feasibility of using hospital waste ash obtained from the National Cleaner Production Center (NCPC) in Rawalpindi as a partial replacement for cement. The primary variable in this study was the amount of hospital waste ash (0%, 3%, 7%, and 10% by weight of cement), while the amount of cementitious material, water-to-cement ratio, and fine and coarse aggregate content were kept constant. A total of 36 cubes were cast, with nine cubes for each replacement level for curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days. The slump value and density of fresh concrete decreased with the increase in the proportion of hospital waste ash in the mix. The compressive strength of mixes with 3% hospital waste ash was higher than that of the control mix. The best results (20.13 MPa) were obtained from the 3% mix after 28 days of curing, while the result obtained with the 7% mix was nearly equal to that of the control mix.

Performance, cost, and ecological assessment of fiber-reinforced high-performance mortar incorporating pumice powder and ground granulated blast furnace slag as partial cement replacement

The production of cement and concrete is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, recent governmental regulations have brought the attention of industry and academia to the environmental impact of these materials. Recognizing the pressing need to address the environmental footprint of the widely used construction materials, there is a growing focus on strategic initiatives that involve incorporating alternative waste materials to partially substitute ordinary Portland cement (OPC). It is also noteworthy that high-performance concrete and mortar emits significantly less CO2 per unit of strength. Therefore, this study aims to develop high-strength mortar mixes incorporating pumice powder (PP) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) as substitutes for OPC. To this end, nine different mixes, with varying levels of OPC replacement ranging from 0% to 60%, were produced. These mixes underwent a comprehensive experimental evaluation to assess their physical, mechanical, and durability properties. Scanning electron microscopy analyses were conducted to examine the microstructural characteristics of the mixes as well. Furthermore, the embodied energy, embodied carbon, and cost of the prepared mixes were calculated. The experimental findings suggest that high-strength mortar, with a compressive strength varying between 64 and 82 MPa at 28 days of curing, can be successfully produced with reduced embodied carbon and embodied energy compared to conventional mortar mix while maintaining a comparable cost.

Eco-Sustainable Cement: Natural Volcanic Tuffs’ Impact on Concrete Strength and Durability

This study underscores the potential of utilizing natural volcanic tuffs (NVTs) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in alignment with global sustainability efforts aimed at mitigating the cement industry’s negative impacts on both the economy and the environment. Experimental investigations were conducted on concrete mixtures containing 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% NVT as partial cement replacements to assess their influence on concrete’s mechanical and microstructural properties. Based on the findings, concrete samples with 10% NVT replacements exhibited increased flexural and compressive strengths of 35.6% and 5.6%, respectively, compared with ordinary concrete after 28 days. The depth of water penetration in the concrete samples was significantly reduced by the inclusion of NVT, with a maximum reduction of 56.5%. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed enhanced densification of the concrete microstructures, attributed to the high pozzolanic activity of NVT use in cement-based composites. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed statistically significant relationships between NVT content and both the compressive and flexural strengths of the concrete samples. In conclusion, substituting 10% cement with NVT not only enhances the mechanical properties of concrete but also decreases the energy demand for cement production and reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, thus contributing to more sustainable construction practices.

Evaluating environmental and economic benefits of using biochar in concrete: A life cycle assessment and multi-criteria decision-making framework

While several studies have assessed the applicability of using biochar in cement mortar and concrete preparation based on the best mechanical properties, this evaluation method should be improved to consider the techno-economic feasibility and the environmental impacts. To address this research gap, this study attempts to compare between the conventional concrete with 100 % cement as a control mixture (CM) and dumping of sludge into open sites (scenario_1), and biochar concrete using alum sludge biochar (ASB) as a partial cement replacement (scenario_2), regarding the project life cycle assessment (LCA) and economic feasibility. A multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework was used to assign scores to the environmental LCA criteria, material functional performance tests, and cost considerations. The two scenarios were arranged in SimaPro LCA software, and then the different criteria were analyzed using the TOPSIS technique to choose the best alternative. The study demonstrated that the functional properties of the cement mixture containing 5 % of ASB were almost comparable to those of CM, owing to the presence of significant amounts of quartz (SiO2) that bonded strongly with cement molecules. This ASB mixture also enjoyed the least environmental impacts, reducing the global warming potential (GWP) by 32.2 % compared with the CM scenario. The scores of the “Cost” criterion, considering the price of raw materials, energy, production, and maintenance, for the two alternatives were almost comparable, depicting that scenario_2 achieved the highest closeness coefficient of 0.95 in the MCDM overall scoring. This study concluded that biochar could be incorporated into cementitious mixtures due to its lower impact on global warming to maintain a sustainable and economic concrete industrial strategy. Future studies should focus on studying the long-term durability of the biochar-based concrete mixtures and integrating into the MCDM strategy; in addition, determining the correlation between sustainable construction implementation and sustainable development goals achieved.

Review of Literature on Alccofine, Palm Kernel Shell Powder and Palm Kernel Shell Ash as a Partial Cement Replacements

Review of Literature on Alccofine, Palm Kernel Shell Powder and Palm Kernel Shell Ash as a Partial Cement Replacements

An experimental and numerical investigation of using palm oil fuel ash as a partial cement replacement in steel fiber-reinforced concrete

An experimental and numerical investigation of using palm oil fuel ash as a partial cement replacement in steel fiber-reinforced concrete

Recycling of Waste Granodiorite Powder as a Partial Cement Replacement Material in Ordinary Concrete

Abstract In this study, the effect of using waste granodiorite powder (WGP) as a cement replacement material in percentages ranging from 1 to 9% on various physical and mechanical properties of ordinary concrete was investigated. The resistance of produced concretes with WGP to the high temperature effects on the 28 days compressive strength were studied as well. Granodiorite is one of the well-known igneous rocks that have been used in previous research as a replacement for coarse or fine aggregates due to the hardness of its grains. However, rare studies have investigated its powder as a partial cement replacement material. Results showed the ability of investigated WGP with high surface area to act as a supplementary cementitious material that contributed to enhance the results of mechanical and physical properties of concrete. At traditional room temperature, the optimal replacement percentage was 7%, where the 28 days compressive and tensile strengths were improved by 28.3% and 17.3%, respectively. The optimal replacement ratio varied between 7 and 9% in the case of high temperatures, according to exposure time and temperature degree. Statistical and sensitivity analysis was conducted on 66 available compressive strength value represents all variables before and after elevated temperature exposure. While the regression equation showed good R2 value of 85.3%, sensitivity analysis indicated that compressive strength value is most sensitive to temperature, followed by WGP ratio and exposure time, with importance values of 56, 26, and 18 %, respectively. Results showed also that the setting times and consistency was decreased with increasing the replacement ratio with WGP, while the workability was slightly improved up to 5% replacement ratio. Furthermore, microstructure analysis showed that WGP can help to densify the concrete matrix due to its small size and ability to fill the interstitial voids in the concrete matrix.

Evaluating the Mechanical and Environmental Impacts of Eggshell Powder as a Partial Cement Replacement in Sustainable Concrete Production

Evaluating the Mechanical and Environmental Impacts of Eggshell Powder as a Partial Cement Replacement in Sustainable Concrete Production

Assessment of the Mechanical and Microstructural Performance of Waste Kraft Fibre Reinforced Cement Composite Incorporating Sustainable Eco-Friendly Additives

This study investigates the influence of limestone powder and metakaolin as sustainable eco-friendly additives on the properties and behavior of cementitious composite boards, with a focus on mechanical strength, physical properties, and microstructural characteristics. The experimental investigation begins with the characterization of the raw materials, including limestone powder, and metakaolin, to assess their particle sizes, elemental composition, and microstructural features. Cement composite boards were fabricated using an innovatively developed lab-simulated vacuum dewatering process, by varying the proportions of limestone powder and metakaolin as partial replacements for cement, along with waste kraft fibres as reinforcement. Mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate the flexural strength and behaviour of the composite boards according to standardized procedures. A microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the effect of additives on the cementitious matrix, fibrematrix interaction, and hydration products. The findings from the experimental study reveal insights into the influence of limestone powder and metakaolin on the mechanical properties and microstructure of waste kraft fibre-reinforced cement composite boards. Our analysis of the results shows that adding 9% limestone powder as partial cement replacement produces a 24% and 50% enhancement in flexural strength at 7 and 28 days of hydration, while that of metakaolin as partial cement replacement was optimum at 6% with an enhancement of 4% and 36%, respectively, at 7 and 28 days of hydration. The implications of these findings for the development of sustainable cementitious composite are discussed, including the potential benefits of using limestone powder and metakaolin as supplementary cementitious materials in waste kraft fibre-reinforced cement composite boards. Finally, recommendations for optimizing additive proportions are also provided to enhance the understanding and application of these materials in the construction and building industries.

Modelling In Situ Concrete Temperature Development: The Impact of Ambient Temperature and GGBS Replacement

The rise in early-age temperature concrete structures, driven by the exothermic reactions during cement hydration, significantly increases the risk of thermal cracking. To address this issue, the construction industry employs several strategies, including the partial substitution of cement with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) due to its lower heat of hydration. Accurately predicting the hydration temperature of concrete is critical for preventing thermal cracking. This task becomes more complex, with fluctuating ambient temperatures influencing hydration kinetics and heat dissipation. Previous studies often assume adiabatic or isothermal conditions, thus overlooking the impact of ambient temperature variations. This paper presents an innovative finite element modelling (FEM) approach to simulate the hydration temperature progression in in situ concrete slabs, incorporating the effects of ambient temperature fluctuations. Isothermal calorimetry curves were adjusted using the Arrhenius-based approach to express the cement hydration rate as a function of ambient temperature. The FEM outcomes, validated with semi-adiabatic calorimetry tests, demonstrate the model’s capability to forecast temperature development in in situ concrete under varying ambient conditions. Additionally, the study examines the influence of partial cement replacement with GGBS on thermal behaviour, revealing that while GGBS effectively reduces thermal reactions at higher contents, its efficacy diminishes with rising ambient temperatures.

The Influence of Silica Fly Ash and Wood Bottom Ash on Cement Hydration and Durability of Concrete.

This research addresses a notable gap in understanding the synergistic effects of high carbon wood bottom ash (BA) and silica fly ash (FA) on cement hydration and concrete durability by using them as a supplementary material to reduce the amount of cement in concrete and CO2 emissions during cement production. This study analyses the synergistic effect of FA and BA on cement hydration through X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG, DTG), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), compressive strength, and temperature monitoring tests. In addition, it evaluates concrete properties, including compressive strength, UPV, density, water absorption kinetics, porosity parameters, predicted resistance to freezing and thawing cycles, and results of freeze-thawing resistance. The concrete raw materials were supplemented with varying percentages of BA and FA, replacing both cement and fine aggregate at levels of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 15%. The results indicate that a 15% substitution of BA and FA delays cement hydration by approximately 5 h and results in only a 6% reduction in compressive strength, with the hardened cement paste showing a strength similar to a 15% replacement with FA. Concrete mixtures with 2.5% BA and 2.5% FA maintained the same maximum hydration temperature and duration as the reference mix. Furthermore, the combined use of both ashes provided adequate resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, with only a 4.7% reduction in compressive strength after 150 cycles. Other properties, such as density, UPV and water absorption, exhibited minimal changes with partial cement replacement by both ashes. This study highlights the potential benefits of using BA and FA together, offering a sustainable alternative that maintains concrete performance while using waste materials.

Ternary Effect in Concrete: Jaggery, Alccofine, and Graphene Oxide

Abstract: This study investigates the effects of incorporating jaggery as an additive and Alccofine 1108 and graphene oxide as partial replacements for cement in concrete. Jaggery, a traditional natural sweetener, is introduced as an organic additive to enhance the workability and mechanical properties of concrete. Alccofine 1108, a high-performance micro-fine material, and graphene oxide, a carbon-based nanomaterial known for its exceptional strength and durability, are evaluated as partial cement substitutes to improve the sustainability and performance of concrete. To determine the optimal proportions of these materials. Various mixes were prepared by replacing cement with 5%, 10%, and 15% Alccofine 1108 and 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.15% graphene oxide, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.155% added to jaggery by weight of cement. The concrete samples were tested for compressive strength, tensile strength, and durability properties, including resistance to chloride ion penetration and sulfate attack.To determine compressive strength result, Split tensile strength result and Ultra Pulse Velocity result.

Enhancing the Performance and Behaviour of M35 Alccofine 1203 Grade Concrete

Abstract: The construction industry faces pressures to reduce its environmental footprint, prompting the exploration of sustainable materials that maintain or enhance conventional concrete's performance. This study investigates Alccofine 1203, a high-performance micro-fine material, as a partial cement replacement in concrete. The objective is to determine optimal Alccofine percentages for desired mechanical properties and sustainability benefits. We conducted experimental trials with concrete mixes where cement was replaced by Alccofine at increments of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Multiple concrete cubes were prepared and tested for compressive strength, flexural strength, workability, and durability. Fresh properties were evaluated using slump and flow tests, ensuring adequate workability, while long-term performance was assessed through durability tests, including permeability and chloride ion penetration. The results indicate that a 10% replacement of cement with Alccofine 1203 enhances the compressive strength and durability of concrete without compromising workability. Higher percentages showed varied results, necessitating further investigation to optimize the mix design. This study highlights the potential of Alccofine 1203 as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement, offering significant implications for eco-friendly construction practices. This research contributes to the field by providing empirical data on Alccofine 1203's effects in concrete, supporting the development of more sustainable building materials. Future work will focus on refining mix proportions and exploring Alccofine's impact on other concrete properties such as shrinkage and creep.

Impact of Wollastonite and Glass Powder as Partial Cement Replacement on the Properties of Concrete

Abstract: Scientists are currently concentrating their efforts on waste products, agricultural waste, and other natural elements in an effort to develop technologies that might be utilized as raw materials for construction. Recycling, on the other hand, stimulates the economy and contributes to the creation of a cleaner, safer environment. To solve this problem, a variety of ingredients are used in place of some cement, such as fly ash, GGBS, silica fume, wollastonite, waste glass powder, etc. You can cut down on pollutants in the environment by replacing part of the cement with wollastonite and glass powder. Since glass does not biodegrade, filling it with shattered glass is an unsustainable and damaging activity for the environment. Silica makes up the majority of glass. Wollastonite is a naturally occurring material that costs less than cement. This study's main goal is to investigate possible impacts and determine how the wollastonite-glass powder (W-GP) combination influences the mechanical properties and longevity of M40-grade concrete. We study the properties of concrete strength after adding wollastonite at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. In order to maintain the optimal percentage of wollastonite replacement, mineral admixtures such as glass powder (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) can be used in place of more cement. Test results show that utilizing cement instead of 15% wollastonite yields superior outcomes to employing the recommended mixture. The mixture that demonstrated the largest strength enhancement was composed of 15% wollastonite and 15% GP.

Assessing Roller Compacted Concrete using GGBS as Partial Cement Replacing Material for Application in Low Traffic Volume Road

This paper reports most optimized mix derived from the roller compacted concrete (RCC) using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as the partial cement replacing materials in the context of possible utilization of RCC in the construction of rigid pavements in the rural part of the country, especially subjected to low vehicular traffic volume. In the current study, various RCC mix compositions were developed by substituting ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in varied percentages (0%, 20%, 40%, and 50%) and assessed for mechanical (strength) properties. All the three GGBS blended mix compositions are found to give early age compressive strength more than 20 MPa and 28 days compressive strength more than 30 MPa. Further, they are found to have split tensile strength in the range of 2.8-4.1 MPa. Moreover, they are found to yield the flexural strength more than 3.8 MPa. All the three mixes are found to comply with the requirements of compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and the flexural strengths as prescribed by Indian Roads Congress Specification and American Concrete Institute Standards for possible utilization in the construction of rigid pavements in the rural parts of the developing country like India. Further, the strength values of the GGBS blended mixes increases from 20% to 40% and decreases thereafter, at the higher GGBS contents such as 50%. In view of this, the RCC mix composition with 40% GGBS contents can be regarded as the most optimal mix to be used in the construction of rigid pavements in rural part of the country.