Eco-friendly Concrete Using Local Materials From Sudan

Abstract

This study is aimed at investigating the potentiality for utilizing some locally available eco-friendly materials to replace some concrete constituents as a possible opportunity to introduce sustainable construction in Sudan. Six suggested scenarios were explored to visualize the possible outcomes : (1) 100% recycled aggregates (RA) and natural pozzolana in replacement of coarse aggregates (2) steel slag replacing fine aggregate or cement (3) treated sawdust replacing fine aggregates (4) sawdust ash in partial replacement of cement (5) meta-kaolin (MK) in partial substitution for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) (6) quarry dust (QD) in partial replacement of sand or cement. Laboratory experiments were conducted and concrete workability and compressive strength were determined. The results confirmed the suitability of RA for full replacement of natural coarse aggregates. Steel slag was more appropriate in replacing sand than cement when added in small percentages not exceeding 15%. Sawdust needed treatment to eliminate the unfavorable properties before using it as a substitute for sand but when the ash was used to replace cement, it was not possible to achieve the required strength at early ages and better results were achieved in 28 days. With a chemical composition comparable to cement, MK showed impressive results when used in partial replacement of OPC. The addition of QD in replacement of 15% of sand offered a reasonable workability but the compressive strength was only approaching the targeted value. According to these results, it could be inferred that the tested options offer reasonable evidence to confirm their potentiality for producing green concrete in Sudan.