Sustainability Analysis of Hollow Concrete Blocks Manufactured Using Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Fly Ash as an Eco-Friendly Construction Component
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 30, Issue 1
Abstract
The present study focuses on the innovative technique for making rectangular and circular hollow concrete blocks using fly ash (FA) and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). The feasibility of employing RCA in conjunction with fly ash as a substitute for natural aggregates and cement in a proportion ranging from 30%–90% and 15%–45%, respectively, is tested in the laboratory. According to current standards, the tests comprise the slump test, compressive strength test, water absorption test, and structural efficiency evaluation. An empirical quantitative technique is used for the cost–benefit analysis of a 100-square-foot model built with recycled concrete hollow blocks. The study suggests that employing recycled concrete aggregate and fly ash as replacements for conventional materials would result in a minimum cost savings of 17%. The quantity of greenhouse gases produced in CO2 equivalents during concrete production is calculated using the Inventory of Carbon and Energy database. According to research findings, the utilization of recycled concrete aggregates and fly ash reduced carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 30%–40%. It was also confirmed that cement has a major effect on greenhouse gas emission generation throughout the concrete manufacturing phase, regardless of the use of RCA over virgin aggregates. This study intends providing a significant understanding of how RCA and FA can not only contribute to environmental conservation but also offer economic benefits. Finally, the research intends to encourage the adoption of ecologically responsible and economically viable sustainable practices in the construction industry.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and codes generated or used during the study appear in the published article. Some data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The work was done using a seed grant fund offered by Presidency University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, to my supervisor Professor Jagdish Godihal and his colleagues Mr. Santhosh M B and Mr. Gopalkrishnan N, faculty members of the Civil Engineering Department. My sincere thanks to Dr. Ramesh C S, Dean R&D and Dr Nakul Ramanna, HOD Civil Department, Presidency University for their unconditional support throughout the study.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 30 • Issue 1 • March 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 16, 2023
Accepted: Oct 11, 2023
Published online: Jan 8, 2024
Published in print: Mar 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jun 8, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- [Inorganic compounds]
- Aggregates
- Ashes
- Business management
- Carbon compounds
- Carbon dioxide
- Chemicals
- Chemistry
- Concrete
- Concrete blocks
- Ecosystems
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Environmental engineering
- Fly ash
- Infrastructure
- Materials engineering
- Organic compounds
- Pavements
- Practice and Profession
- Recycling
- Sustainable development
- Transportation engineering
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