Sustainable Alternatives for Concrete by adding Different Types of Natural and Industrial Waste Materials

Abstract

The construction industry accounts for a high percentage of global energy-related CO2 emissions (37 % in 2021 based on data from United Nations Environmental Program - UNEP) leading to an increasing need for solutions to aggressively reduce the energy demand in the built-up environment. Previous research showed that adding natural fibers such as Palm Tree Fronds (PTF) enhances the thermal behavior of concrete but may have negative effect on its mechanical properties as it may dramatically reduce its compressive strength and hence its durability. The work conducted previously by the authors confirms the research findings for different grades of concrete. Therefore, the possibility of adding another type of waste to compensate the compressive strength of concrete was explored. This additional material was chosen based on environmental consideration and the solution of adding Ceramic Waste Powder (CWP) was adopted. According to literature review, adding CWP may enhance not only the mechanical resistance of concrete but also its workability and its resistance to segregation. In this aim, different groups of mixes are performed to obtain the optimal mix for a high strength sustainable concrete: Control mix, CWP mix where CWP was added to replace 33% of the cement mass, and (CWP+PTF) mix where CWP (33% of the cement mass) and PTF (0%, 0.5% and 1% of sand volume) were added to the mix. The results of the compressive strength at early age (1 day) showed that the best results were obtained for the (CWP + PTF) mix with 0.5 % of added PTF.