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.