Abstract

Concrete is a critical material in civil engineering, valued for its strength and durability. However, the increasing demand for concrete, driven by rapid urbanization, has raised environmental concerns.
Cement, a primary component of concrete, is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions during
its production, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. This study investigates
a sustainable alternative to traditional cement by partially replacing it with Ground Granulated Blast
Furnace Slag (GGBS), an industrial by-product with similar cementitious properties. Utilizing GGBS not only helps in reducing the environmental footprint of concrete production but also offers a cost-
effective solution to construction practices. As a by-product of iron manufacturing, GGBS provides an eco-friendly means of recycling industrial waste into construction materials. The research examines the
impact of replacing cement with GGBS at levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight on the
compressive strength of M25 grade concrete. Concrete specimens were tested at curing periods of 7, 14,
21, and 28 days to evaluate their strength characteristics. The results indicate that replacing cement
with 10% GGBS achieves compressive strength comparable to traditional concrete. However, as the
percentage of GGBS increases beyond 20%, there is a noticeable decline in strength, particularly at
30% and 40% replacement levels. This study demonstrates that GGBS can be effectively used as a
partial cement replacement at an optimal level of 10%, offering environmental benefits without
compromising concrete performance. Adopting GGBS in construction practices can contribute to
reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development within the construction industry.
This research highlights the potential of integrating industrial by-products into concrete mixtures to
achieve a balance between environmental sustainability and structural efficiency.

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Abstract

Concrete is a critical material in civil engineering, valued for its strength and durability. However, the increasing demand for concrete, driven by rapid urbanization, has raised environmental concerns.
Cement, a primary component of concrete, is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions during
its production, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. This study investigates
a sustainable alternative to traditional cement by partially replacing it with Ground Granulated Blast
Furnace Slag (GGBS), an industrial by-product with similar cementitious properties. Utilizing GGBS not only helps in reducing the environmental footprint of concrete production but also offers a cost-
effective solution to construction practices. As a by-product of iron manufacturing, GGBS provides an eco-friendly means of recycling industrial waste into construction materials. The research examines the
impact of replacing cement with GGBS at levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight on the
compressive strength of M25 grade concrete. Concrete specimens were tested at curing periods of 7, 14,
21, and 28 days to evaluate their strength characteristics. The results indicate that replacing cement
with 10% GGBS achieves compressive strength comparable to traditional concrete. However, as the
percentage of GGBS increases beyond 20%, there is a noticeable decline in strength, particularly at
30% and 40% replacement levels. This study demonstrates that GGBS can be effectively used as a
partial cement replacement at an optimal level of 10%, offering environmental benefits without
compromising concrete performance. Adopting GGBS in construction practices can contribute to
reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development within the construction industry.
This research highlights the potential of integrating industrial by-products into concrete mixtures to
achieve a balance between environmental sustainability and structural efficiency.

🔒 This is a subscription article

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