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388999

Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines

Article

Last updated: 09 Mar 2025

Subjects

-

Tags

Civil Engineering

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of slag-based materials enhanced with Recycled Concrete Fines (RCF) as a sustainable construction solution. The primary goal was to assess the mechanical properties, durability, and environmental advantages of these materials at varying RCF replacement levels (5%, 10%, and 20%) compared to a control group with no RCF. Compressive and flexural strength tests revealed that a 5% RCF replacement provided optimal results, increasing compressive strength to 44.5 MPa—a 5% improvement over the control—while maintaining good flexural strength. It was also discovered that higher RCF content (10% and 20%) caused strength reductions due to increased water demand and porosity. Durability tests, including freeze-thaw resistance and sulfate exposure, further demonstrated the benefits of 5% RCF, which improved material longevity under harsh environmental conditions. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that 5% RCF contributed to a denser microstructure by filling voids and reducing porosity. In contrast, higher RCF levels led to micro-cracks and compromised the matrix's integrity. The Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) highlighted significant environmental benefits, showing up to a 12% reduction in carbon emissions and substantial waste diversion, with approximately 200 kg of construction debris repurposed per cubic meter of concrete. Economically, RCF inclusion reduced material costs by 8%, making it not only environmentally beneficial but also cost-effective. These findings position slag-RCF composites as a promising material for sustainable construction, with clear environmental and economic advantages. However, further research is recommended to optimize RCF content and explore the long-term durability of these materials in diverse real-world environments. footprint.

DOI

10.21608/sej.2024.321331.1065

Keywords

Carbon Emissions, Circular Economy, Durability, recycled concrete fines

Authors

First Name

Hyginus

Last Name

Unegbu

MiddleName

C.O

Affiliation

Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria

Email

chidieberehyg@gmail.com

City

Abuja

Orcid

-

First Name

Danjuma

Last Name

YAWAS

MiddleName

S.

Affiliation

Department of Mechanical Engineering Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Nigeria

Email

dyawas@yahoo.com

City

Zaria

Orcid

-

First Name

Bashar

Last Name

Dan-asabe

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Email

bashar.dan.asabe@gmail.com

City

Zaria

Orcid

-

First Name

Abdulmumin Akoredeley

Last Name

Alabi

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Nigeria

Email

abdulmm2001@gmail.com

City

Zaria

Orcid

-

Volume

5

Article Issue

1

Related Issue

54203

Issue Date

2025-03-01

Receive Date

2024-09-16

Publish Date

2025-03-01

Page Start

69

Page End

81

Print ISSN

2735-5888

Online ISSN

2735-5896

Link

https://sej.journals.ekb.eg/article_388999.html

Detail API

http://journals.ekb.eg?_action=service&article_code=388999

Order

388,999

Type

Original Article

Type Code

1,762

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

Sohag Engineering Journal

Publication Link

https://sej.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Sustainable Innovations in Construction: Enhancing Slag-Based Materials through Recycled Concrete Fines

Details

Type

Article

Created At

09 Mar 2025