Evaluating the durability performance of concrete containing clastic sand and GGBS

The manufacturing process of materials utilized in concrete production has environmental implications. The production of cement releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases, while the extraction of aggregates and sand poses challenges to the natural environment. To minimize the aforementioned challenges researchers are suggested to utilize industrial by-products as a partial alternative for these materials Fly ash, stone dust, GGBS, silica fume, and metakaolin are widely utilized alternatives to construction materials. The specific use of clastic sand as a partial substitute for fine aggregate has recently gained popularity . However, studies on the characteristics of concrete prepared using cementitious materials and clastic sand are very few. In this work, the effect of clastic sand with ground granulated blast furnace slag concrete is being investigated. The GGBS is added in place of cement from 0% to 45%. Further, clastic sand is added in different proportions in GGBS concrete. The electrical resistivity, water absorption, acid attack, and micro-structural studies are carried out on all mixes to know the durability properties. The results confirm that the addition of GGBS as a cementitious material enhances durability. The inclusion of 35% of GGBS as a substitute for cement is optimum for enhancing durability. Further, the inclusion of 35% GGBS as a cement substitute and 20% clastic sand shows a dense matrix and optimum results in enhancing durability. This is due to the pozzolanic activity of GGBS and clastic sand works as filler materials. This investigation suggests utilizing clastic sand along with GGBS as a cementitious material.