Abstract:

In modern construction, concrete remains a fundamental material, widely used in structures ranging from residential buildings to high-rise towers. Traditionally, concrete is composed of cement, fine aggregate (river sand), coarse aggregate, water, and admixtures. However, the excessive extraction of river sand has led to significant environmental concerns, including depletion of natural resources, riverbed erosion, and disruption of water flow patterns. Additionally, the increasing demand for high-quality sand has made it costly and less accessible. To address these challenges, alternative materials such as laterite as a fine aggregate replacement and fly ash as a cement replacement offer a promising solution. This study investigates the mechanical properties of M60 grade concrete with partial replacement of cement by fly ash at varying percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) while replacing 20% of fine aggregate with laterite. The objective is to evaluate the impact of these replacements on the compressive and tensile strength of concrete, ensuring an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional materials. The experimental analysis reveals that replacing 10% of cement with fly ash and 20% of fine aggregate with laterite enhances the overall strength properties of the concrete mix. The compressive strength and split tensile strength of the modified concrete show a significant increase, making it a viable alternative for high-strength applications. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, contributes to improved workability, durability, and sustainability by reducing cement consumption. Similarly, laterite, an abundant and naturally occurring material, serves as an effective fine aggregate replacement, further reducing reliance on river sand. The findings of this study emphasize the dual benefits of improved concrete performance and environmental conservation. By incorporating fly ash and laterite into concrete, construction costs can be reduced, waste materials can be effectively utilized, and reliance on natural resources can be minimized. This research supports the broader application of industrial byproducts and locally available materials in concrete production, ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability. This study serves as a foundation for future research on optimizing the use of industrial waste and alternative materials in construction, ultimately promoting sustainable infrastructure development while maintaining high-performance concrete standards. In the present scenario, several buildings are being constructed ranging from ordinary residential buildings to sky-scrap structures. Invariably in all the structures, concrete plays a vital role in construction. Generally concrete is a mixture of cement, fine aggregate (River sand), coarse aggregate, water and type of admixtures used depends upon the situations.

Description:

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