Enhancing Sustainable Concrete Investigating the Feasibility of POND ASH as a Partial Replacement for Fine Aggregate in GGBS-Based

Abstract

ABSTRACT: India uses more than 100 million cubic meters of concrete annually, making it the most common building material. It is common knowledge that traditional concrete constructed using compressive strength does not meet many functional requirements, including impermeability and frost resistance. By emitting a significant amount of CO2, the manufacture of Portland cement, a key component of concrete, has had disastrous effects on our ecosystem. When one tonne of cement materials is produced, one tonne of CO2 and other greenhouse gases are emitted. Additional cementitious materials must be used to efficiently substitute cement without compromising the required qualities of concrete. The samples were tested for durability properties like water and chloride permeability and mechanical properties for lengths of 7, 28, and 56 days. Mix M7 exhibits outstanding compressive strength progression, showcasing impressive results of 30.72 N/mm² at 14 days, followed by significant enhancement to 43.18 N/mm² at 28 days, and a robust 48.91 N/mm² at 56 days, making it a highly durable and high-performance concrete mix. In the study comparing the conventional mix and study mix (M1 to M8), the M7 mix exhibited a 28-day split tensile strength of 4.28 N/mm² and flexural strength of 9.657 N/mm². A significant amount of fly ash produced by the coal-based power station is recovered via huge ponds and dykes. It was revealed that 30% GGBS and 20% pond ash replacement of cement yielded the best results. According to research, there are industrial wastes that can replace up to 40% and 20% of the cement and fine aggregate in concrete by GGBS and Pond Ash, respectively.