Enhanced Concrete Performance and Sustainability with Fly Ash and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag – A Comprehensive Experimental Study

Abstract

This research paper explained in detail how well regular concrete works and how well concrete with fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) performs as a substitute for cement. Through a series of experiments, the objective of the study was to perform an experiment that promotes the usage of partial replacement-based concrete which can replace the conventional concrete as well as contributes to sustainable development. A dedicated methodology was developed for the study, focusing on the mechanical and durability properties of the materials with inducing sustainable materials. The methodology study examined the mechanical properties, durability, and microstructural attributes of concrete blends. Cement concrete specimens with binder ratios (%) of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 were tested for compressive strength, rapid chloride permeability, SEM, and XRD at 28, 56, and 90 days. Fly ash and GGBS were used to partially replace cement at 0% to 70% for all binder ratios by weight of cement. There were optimal replacement percentages for each binder ratio and fly ash; the concrete partially substituted with GGBS had similar or enhanced mechanical properties to conventional concrete. The novelty of the study is to incorporate microstructure analysis for the same samples that shall enable analysing the behaviour of the partial replaced materials with conventional concrete. In connection with the results, the study had found lower RCPT values in partial replacement concrete specimens, fly ash and GGBS increased chloride ion resistance. SEM and XRD analyses revealed the microstructural properties and phase composition of concrete mixtures, showing how supplementary cementitious materials refine pore structure and provide durable hydration products. This study shows that fly ash and GGBS can improve concrete performance as well as reduce impact on environment and applications in construction.