Feasible study on optimal utilization of blended fly ash and GGBS on the performance of concrete

Abstract

Abstract Concrete is a blend of aggregate, water, and cement along with admixtures that are generally employed in the construction of structures all around the world. In this cement plays a major role as a binder in concrete. The cement manufacturing process liberates enormous amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Researchers have developed various alternative materials to cement. However, limitations are there for their higher utilization. The strength and durability are reduced if we use higher dosages of GGBS or fly ash as an additional material for cement. In this regard, there is a need to develop a ternary blended concrete by using GGBS and fly ash. In this study, the potential of using fly ash and GGBS as substitute materials for cement is evaluated. The combination of these materials to produce a binder opens up new opportunities for improving pozzolanic activities, which enhances concrete performance. The effect of several percentages of these two materials on the mechanical characteristics of the concrete was examined. There was an improved performance of the material so formed out of which replacing cement with an equal amount of fly ash and GGBS at 40% weight exhibited better performance. Further, the compressive strength prediction was assessed by using regression analysis. Applying the response surface method to the relationship between response variables and input parameters led to the regression equation. This strategy helps to predict the outcomes of experiments with a reasonable margin of error. The results of this study show that combining fly ash and GGBS as substitutes for cement enhances the performance of concrete.