Role of Waste Materials in the Development of a Sustainable Concrete

Abstract

In Pakistan, there is a critical need for exceptional efforts to be taken in developing environmentally friendly concrete through the utilization of waste materials. This will reduce Global warming and protect the natural ecology. This study examines the effect of Silica Fume (SF) as partial substitution of cement on indigenous volcanic ash concrete's mechanical and durability properties. The research includes the fixed percentage of Indigenous Volcanic Ash replacement i.e. 10% and varying percentages of Silica Fume replacements (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) to assess their impact on concrete's mechanical and durability properties. The experimental program consists of conducting workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption tests on concrete specimens. The mechanical and durability properties of concrete specimens were evaluated and compared to those of the control specimens without IVA and SF. The analysis of results reveals that the Concrete Mix IVA10-SF7.5 shows better results for both mechanical and durability properties among other concrete mixes. The outcomes contribute to the broader understanding of sustainable and durable concrete production using locally available IVA along with SF resources.