Characteristics of sustainable high strength concrete incorporating eco-friendly materials

This research investigated the effect of silica fume (SF), rice husk ash (RHA), and blast furnace slag powder (BFSP) as supplementary cementitious materials on different concrete properties of sustainable high strength concrete (SHSC). Thirteen different SHSC mixtures (f(c) = 69.7 to 102.1 MPa) without and with SF, RHA, and BFSP were prepared with obtainable materials in Egypt. SHSC mixtures were cast with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% cement replaced by either SF or RHA, or BFSP. Performances of RHA mixes were compared with control mixes and mixes incorporating SF and BFSP. Scanning electron (SEM and EDX) was used to measure the microstructure characteristics of RHA. The mixtures were tested for the slump, air content, mechanical properties, and water permeability. Test results have indicated that SF exhibits higher pozzolanic activity than RHA and BFSP, while mixtures with BFSP showed a better consistency than SF and RHA concrete mixes. In addition, the results of mechanical properties indicate that the optimum level for partial replacement of cement by SF and RHA was 15% and 10%, respectively. The compressive strength and other mechanical properties of concrete with SF and RHA were higher than that of control concrete. The use of Eco-friendly materials as supplementary cementitious materials will yield economic and environmental benefits, particularly from the perspective of sustainable development.

Automated summary

This research investigated the effects of silica fume, rice husk ash, and blast furnace slag powder as supplementary cementitious materials on the properties of sustainable high strength concrete. Results showed that silica fume exhibited higher pozzolanic activity, while mixtures with blast furnace slag powder showed better consistency. Optimum levels for partial replacement of cement by silica fume and rice husk ash were found to be 15% and 10%, respectively, with resulting higher compressive strength and mechanical properties compared to control concrete. Utilizing eco-friendly materials as supplementary cementitious materials can lead to economic and environmental benefits in the context of sustainable development.