EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON INFLUENCE OF SCMS AND WASTE FOUNDRY SAND ON THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Abstract

Concrete is the most widely used structural material, primarily consisting of cement, aggregate, and water. Rapid industrialization has led to the generation of vast quantities of industrial waste, while population growth has accelerated the consumption of natural resources like river sand. This study explores the sustainable production of High-Performance Concrete (HPC) by utilizing industrial by-products. Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMS)—fly ash and Alccofine—were used to partially replace cement, and Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) was used to replace natural fine aggregate. Fly ash and Alccofine enhance concrete durability and mechanical properties through pozzolanic activity, while WFS provides an economical and eco-friendly alternative to natural sand. An experimental investigation was conducted on M40 grade concrete by partially replacing cement with 20% fly ash and 10% Alccofine, and replacing fine aggregate with WFS at varying levels (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). The mechanical properties—compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength—were evaluated at 7, 14, and 28 days. The results indicate that the optimal mix, containing 20% WFS along with SCMS (20% fly ash and 10% Alccofine), produced the highest mechanical strengths, outperforming the conventional control concrete. This approach demonstrates a viable sustainable solution for developing high-performance concrete incorporating industrial wastes.