Experimentation on triple-blended concrete with manufactured sand replaced by granulated blast furnace slag for fine aggregates

Abstract

Concrete has become a versatile material by adapting itself to user needs, from pavers to skyscrapers. Escalated demand for concrete is the prime reason for the exploitation of resources and increased carbon emissions. This research focuses on reducing the environmental impact of cement manufacturing by partly replacing cement with 40% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and 20% fly ash (FA). Waste management is also uplifted by fractional replacement of manufactured sand (M-sand) with granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) at various intervals. Results of mechanical properties prove that this triple-blend M25 concrete with 60% GBFS and 40% M-sand as a fine aggregate would exhibit optimum mechanical properties and a maximum density of 2.58 g/cc. Tests on durability properties assure that, at the same replacement level, the percentage of weight loss due to acid attack was the lowest, with a value of 1.9, and the percentage of weight gain due to sulfate attack was as low as 0.12. The end product obtained with 40% M-sand and 60% GBFS as fine aggregates will be cost-effective and eco-friendly, making triple-blended concrete dense, durable, and sustainable and promoting waste management.