This research examines the combined influence of epoxy resin and Alccofine when used as partial substitutes for cement in producing sustainable, high-performance concrete. The study aims to improve both strength and durability properties while simultaneously reducing cement usage and its environmental impact. Concrete mixes were prepared with epoxy resin contents of 0%, 5%, and 10% by weight of cement, along with Alccofine replacement levels of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The experimental program involved assessing compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength at curing periods of 7, 28, and 56 days. Additionally, durability performance was evaluated through tests on water absorption, resistance to acidic environments, and rapid chloride permeability to understand long-term behavior under aggressive exposure conditions. The results indicated that the mix containing 5% epoxy resin and 10% Alccofine exhibited the most balanced performance across both strength and durability parameters. This optimum combination resulted in an increase of approximately 24% in compressive strength and 18% in flexural strength compared to the control mix, along with a significant reduction in water absorption, indicating improved matrix densification and reduced porosity. Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of a denser and more homogeneous internal structure. This improvement is attributed to the combined effect of Alccofineinduced pozzolanic reactions, which contribute additional calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) formation, and the polymeric film-forming characteristics of epoxy resin, which enhance particle bonding and reduce micro crack propagation. Overall, the study shows that the combined use of epoxy resin and Alccofine can significantly improve the mechanical performance and durability of concrete. The findings highlight the potential of such hybrid cementitious systems in developing sustainable construction materials with enhanced resistance to chemical attack and improved long-term structural performance, aligning with the objectives of eco-efficient and resource-optimized construction practices.

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1. Deng CJ, Dang FN, Chen XZ, Miao Z, Chen LL. Experimental study on grouting effect and mechanical properties of the rockfill materials grouted with SCM. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2020;2020:8834686. doi:10.1155/2020/8834686.
2. Balakrishnan B, Khalid NHA, Ismail M. Effect of heating and cooling technique on residual compressive strength and weight loss of grout containing high volume fly ash. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 2019;220:012045. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/220/1/012045.
3. Bereda A, Asteray B. Strength and microstructural investigation of quaternary blended high-strength concrete. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2021;2021:8404988. doi:10.1155/2021/8404988.
4. Septriansyah V, Saggaff A, Saloma S. Characteristics of nanocomposite polymer with temperature variation and heating time by using simple mixing method. International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration. 2021;8:651-61. doi:10.19101/IJATEE.2021.874037.
5. Balan GS, Krishnan AM, Saravanavel S, Ravichandran M. Investigation of hardness characteristics of waste plastics and egg shell powder reinforced polymer composite by stirring route. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2020:8-11. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2020.06.545.
6. Mashaan N, Chegenizadeh A, Nikraz H. Laboratory properties of waste PET plastic-modified asphalt mixes. Recycling. 2021;6:49. doi:10.3390/recycling6030049.
7. Rid ZA, Shah SNR, Memon MJ, Jhatial AA, Keerio MA, Goh WI. Evaluation of combined utilization of marble dust powder and fly ash on the properties and sustainability of high-strength concrete. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2022;29:28005-19. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-18379-1.
8. Memon MJ, Jhatial AA, Murtaza A, Raza MS, Phulpoto KB. Production of eco-friendly concrete incorporating rice husk ash and polypropylene fibres. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2021;28:39168-84. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-13418-3.
9. Nikookar M, Brake NA, Asli HH, Adesina M, Rahman A, Selvaratnam T, et al. Durability, workability, and setting time of cementitious systems containing chloride-rich oil and gas production wastewater. Construction and Building Materials. 2023;403:132862. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132862.
10. Gayathri K, Ravichandran K, Saravanan J. Durability and cementing efficiency of Alccofine in concretes. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology. 2016;5:460-7. doi:10.17577/IJERTV5IS050627.
11. Zaini MSI, Hasan M, Yie LS, Masri KA, Putra Jaya R, Hyodo M, et al. Effect of optimum utilization of silica fume and eggshell ash to the engineering properties of expansive soil. Journal of Materials Research and Technology. 2021;14:1401-18. doi:10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.07.023.
12. Landu T, Ananthkumar M, Prakash C, Bharath Krishnaa AC, Sasi M. Dolomite rock sand as fine aggregate replacement in construction activities: A comparative study. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2021;46:5148-52. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2020.10.678.
13. Nuruzzaman M, Kuri JC, Sarker PK. Strength, permeability and microstructure of self-compacting concrete with the dual use of ferronickel slag as fine aggregate and supplementary binder. Construction and Building Materials. 2022;318:125927. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125927.
14. Faraj RH, Hama Ali HF, Sherwani AFH, Hassan BR, Karim H. Use of recycled plastic in self-compacting concrete: A comprehensive review on fresh and mechanical properties. Journal of Building Engineering. 2020;30:101283. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101283.
15. Schankoski RA, de Matos PR, Pilar R, Prudêncio LR, Ferron RD. Rheological properties and surface finish quality of eco-friendly self-compacting concretes containing quarry waste powders. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020;257:120508. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120508.
16. Kolawole JT, Combrinck R, Boshoff WP. Rheo-viscoelastic behaviour of fresh cement-based materials: Cement paste, mortar and concrete. Construction and Building Materials. 2020;248:118667. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118667.
17. Belmonte IM, Benito Saorín FJ, Costa CP, Payá MV. Quality of the surface finish of self-compacting concrete. Journal of Building Engineering. 2020;28:101068. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2019.101068.
18. Alyousef R, Khadimallah MA, Soussi C, Benjeddou O, Jedidi M. Experimental and theoretical study of a new technique for mixing self-compacting concrete with marble sludge grout. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2018;2018:3283451. doi:10.1155/2018/3283451.
19. Du S, Zhao Q, Shi X. High-volume fly ash-based cementitious composites as sustainable materials: An overview of recent advances. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2021;2021:4976169. doi:10.1155/2021/4976169.
20. Njiru EN, Wachira Muthengia J, Mulwa Munyao O, Karanja Mutitu D, Munyao Musyoki D. Review of the effect of grinding aids and admixtures on the performance of cements. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2023;2023:6697842. doi:10.1155/2023/6697842.
21. Jeyapragash R, Srinivasan V, Sathiyamurthy S. Mechanical properties of natural fiber/particulate reinforced epoxy composites: A review of the literature. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2020;22:1223-7. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2019.12.146.
22. Valasamudram V, Sairam K, Dinesh Gopal R, Sridhar K. Study and evaluation of cold joining on metals and non-metals combinations (SS, Al, ACR) using polymer-based adhesive. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2019:2806-10. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2019.12.371.
23. Fathi B, Foruzanmehr M, Elkoun S, Robert M. Novel approach for silane treatment of flax fiber to improve the interfacial adhesion in flax/bio epoxy composites. Journal of Composite Materials. 2019;53:2229-38. doi:10.1177/0021998318824643.
24. Gartner E, Hirao H. A review of alternative approaches to the reduction of CO2 emissions associated with the manufacture of the binder phase in concrete. Cement and Concrete Research. 2015;78:126-42. doi:10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.04.012.
25. Liu L, Zhou A, Deng Y, Cui Y, Yu Z, Yu C. Strength performance of cement/slag-based stabilized soft clays. Construction and Building Materials. 2019;211:909-18. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.03.256.
26. Samabangi A, Eluru A. Industrial copper waste as a sustainable material in high strength SCC. Cleaner Engineering and Technology. 2022;6:100403. doi:10.1016/j.clet.2022.100403.
27. Sandhu RK, Siddique R. Influence of rice husk ash (RHA) on the properties of self-compacting concrete: A review. Construction and Building Materials. 2017;153:751-64. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.165.
28. Bureau of Indian Standards. IS 8112:1989. Specification for 43 grade ordinary Portland cement. New Delhi: BIS; 2013.

This research examines the combined influence of epoxy resin and Alccofine when used as partial substitutes for cement in producing sustainable, high-performance concrete. The study aims to improve both strength and durability properties while simultaneously reducing cement usage and its environmental impact. Concrete mixes were prepared with epoxy resin contents of 0%, 5%, and 10% by weight of cement, along with Alccofine replacement levels of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The experimental program involved assessing compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength at curing periods of 7, 28, and 56 days. Additionally, durability performance was evaluated through tests on water absorption, resistance to acidic environments, and rapid chloride permeability to understand long-term behavior under aggressive exposure conditions. The results indicated that the mix containing 5% epoxy resin and 10% Alccofine exhibited the most balanced performance across both strength and durability parameters. This optimum combination resulted in an increase of approximately 24% in compressive strength and 18% in flexural strength compared to the control mix, along with a significant reduction in water absorption, indicating improved matrix densification and reduced porosity. Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of a denser and more homogeneous internal structure. This improvement is attributed to the combined effect of Alccofineinduced pozzolanic reactions, which contribute additional calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) formation, and the polymeric film-forming characteristics of epoxy resin, which enhance particle bonding and reduce micro crack propagation. Overall, the study shows that the combined use of epoxy resin and Alccofine can significantly improve the mechanical performance and durability of concrete. The findings highlight the potential of such hybrid cementitious systems in developing sustainable construction materials with enhanced resistance to chemical attack and improved long-term structural performance, aligning with the objectives of eco-efficient and resource-optimized construction practices.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Deng CJ, Dang FN, Chen XZ, Miao Z, Chen LL. Experimental study on grouting effect and mechanical properties of the rockfill materials grouted with SCM. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2020;2020:8834686. doi:10.1155/2020/8834686.
2. Balakrishnan B, Khalid NHA, Ismail M. Effect of heating and cooling technique on residual compressive strength and weight loss of grout containing high volume fly ash. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 2019;220:012045. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/220/1/012045.
3. Bereda A, Asteray B. Strength and microstructural investigation of quaternary blended high-strength concrete. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2021;2021:8404988. doi:10.1155/2021/8404988.
4. Septriansyah V, Saggaff A, Saloma S. Characteristics of nanocomposite polymer with temperature variation and heating time by using simple mixing method. International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration. 2021;8:651-61. doi:10.19101/IJATEE.2021.874037.
5. Balan GS, Krishnan AM, Saravanavel S, Ravichandran M. Investigation of hardness characteristics of waste plastics and egg shell powder reinforced polymer composite by stirring route. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2020:8-11. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2020.06.545.
6. Mashaan N, Chegenizadeh A, Nikraz H. Laboratory properties of waste PET plastic-modified asphalt mixes. Recycling. 2021;6:49. doi:10.3390/recycling6030049.
7. Rid ZA, Shah SNR, Memon MJ, Jhatial AA, Keerio MA, Goh WI. Evaluation of combined utilization of marble dust powder and fly ash on the properties and sustainability of high-strength concrete. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2022;29:28005-19. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-18379-1.
8. Memon MJ, Jhatial AA, Murtaza A, Raza MS, Phulpoto KB. Production of eco-friendly concrete incorporating rice husk ash and polypropylene fibres. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2021;28:39168-84. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-13418-3.
9. Nikookar M, Brake NA, Asli HH, Adesina M, Rahman A, Selvaratnam T, et al. Durability, workability, and setting time of cementitious systems containing chloride-rich oil and gas production wastewater. Construction and Building Materials. 2023;403:132862. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132862.
10. Gayathri K, Ravichandran K, Saravanan J. Durability and cementing efficiency of Alccofine in concretes. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology. 2016;5:460-7. doi:10.17577/IJERTV5IS050627.
11. Zaini MSI, Hasan M, Yie LS, Masri KA, Putra Jaya R, Hyodo M, et al. Effect of optimum utilization of silica fume and eggshell ash to the engineering properties of expansive soil. Journal of Materials Research and Technology. 2021;14:1401-18. doi:10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.07.023.
12. Landu T, Ananthkumar M, Prakash C, Bharath Krishnaa AC, Sasi M. Dolomite rock sand as fine aggregate replacement in construction activities: A comparative study. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2021;46:5148-52. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2020.10.678.
13. Nuruzzaman M, Kuri JC, Sarker PK. Strength, permeability and microstructure of self-compacting concrete with the dual use of ferronickel slag as fine aggregate and supplementary binder. Construction and Building Materials. 2022;318:125927. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125927.
14. Faraj RH, Hama Ali HF, Sherwani AFH, Hassan BR, Karim H. Use of recycled plastic in self-compacting concrete: A comprehensive review on fresh and mechanical properties. Journal of Building Engineering. 2020;30:101283. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101283.
15. Schankoski RA, de Matos PR, Pilar R, Prudêncio LR, Ferron RD. Rheological properties and surface finish quality of eco-friendly self-compacting concretes containing quarry waste powders. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020;257:120508. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120508.
16. Kolawole JT, Combrinck R, Boshoff WP. Rheo-viscoelastic behaviour of fresh cement-based materials: Cement paste, mortar and concrete. Construction and Building Materials. 2020;248:118667. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118667.
17. Belmonte IM, Benito Saorín FJ, Costa CP, Payá MV. Quality of the surface finish of self-compacting concrete. Journal of Building Engineering. 2020;28:101068. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2019.101068.
18. Alyousef R, Khadimallah MA, Soussi C, Benjeddou O, Jedidi M. Experimental and theoretical study of a new technique for mixing self-compacting concrete with marble sludge grout. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2018;2018:3283451. doi:10.1155/2018/3283451.
19. Du S, Zhao Q, Shi X. High-volume fly ash-based cementitious composites as sustainable materials: An overview of recent advances. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2021;2021:4976169. doi:10.1155/2021/4976169.
20. Njiru EN, Wachira Muthengia J, Mulwa Munyao O, Karanja Mutitu D, Munyao Musyoki D. Review of the effect of grinding aids and admixtures on the performance of cements. Advances in Civil Engineering. 2023;2023:6697842. doi:10.1155/2023/6697842.
21. Jeyapragash R, Srinivasan V, Sathiyamurthy S. Mechanical properties of natural fiber/particulate reinforced epoxy composites: A review of the literature. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2020;22:1223-7. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2019.12.146.
22. Valasamudram V, Sairam K, Dinesh Gopal R, Sridhar K. Study and evaluation of cold joining on metals and non-metals combinations (SS, Al, ACR) using polymer-based adhesive. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2019:2806-10. doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2019.12.371.
23. Fathi B, Foruzanmehr M, Elkoun S, Robert M. Novel approach for silane treatment of flax fiber to improve the interfacial adhesion in flax/bio epoxy composites. Journal of Composite Materials. 2019;53:2229-38. doi:10.1177/0021998318824643.
24. Gartner E, Hirao H. A review of alternative approaches to the reduction of CO2 emissions associated with the manufacture of the binder phase in concrete. Cement and Concrete Research. 2015;78:126-42. doi:10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.04.012.
25. Liu L, Zhou A, Deng Y, Cui Y, Yu Z, Yu C. Strength performance of cement/slag-based stabilized soft clays. Construction and Building Materials. 2019;211:909-18. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.03.256.
26. Samabangi A, Eluru A. Industrial copper waste as a sustainable material in high strength SCC. Cleaner Engineering and Technology. 2022;6:100403. doi:10.1016/j.clet.2022.100403.
27. Sandhu RK, Siddique R. Influence of rice husk ash (RHA) on the properties of self-compacting concrete: A review. Construction and Building Materials. 2017;153:751-64. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.165.
28. Bureau of Indian Standards. IS 8112:1989. Specification for 43 grade ordinary Portland cement. New Delhi: BIS; 2013.