Effect of Carbonated Dried Sludge Powder on the Compressive Strength of Concrete

This study investigates effect of carbonated dried sludge powder on the compressive strength of concrete. Analysis of powdered samples revealed that the carbonation process mainly affected the C-S-H phase within the dried sludge powder, leaving Ca(OH)2 and unhydrated cement unchanged. However, the increase in CaCO3 led to an apparent reduction in the amount of unhydrated cement per unit weight. When used as a binder in concrete, carbonated dried sludge powder exhibited the anticipated development in compressive strength, attributed to the remaining unhydrated cement. These findings confirm that carbonated dried sludge powder is effective as a binder in concrete applications.