Work

Towards sustainable construction: Harnessing potential of pumice powder for eco-friendly concrete, augmented by hybrid fiber integration to elevate concrete performance

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the innovative use of industrial waste pozzolana , specifically pumice powder (PP), as a partial replacement for cement, combined with hybrid fibers in concrete. Seven formulations varying PP content from 10 % to 35 % were tested, identifying 15 % PP as optimal. PP improved porosity due to its fineness, leading to better homogeneity, a refined microstructure, and an optimum compressive strength of 28.8 MPa with reduced permeability , enhancing durability. Hybrid fibers, including steel fibers (SF) from waste tires and polypropylene fibers (PF), improved toughness, ductility, and resistance to brittle failure . Tests on hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HyFRC) mixes with 1 % and 2 % hybrid fibers showed up to an 18.09 % increase in compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths . Energy dissipation in compressive response improved by 544.20 %, while flexural and splitting responses increased by up to 299.65 % and 208.57 %. Durability assessments in hydrochloric (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) exposure revealed the synergy of fibers and PP enhanced resistance to chemical degradation , with high PF mixes losing as little as 0.04 % strength . Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a dense, well-bonded matrix with reduced porosity. Analytical characterizations of mixtures such as energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were studied. Regression models developed using Popovic’s and Mander’s models, accurately predicted HyFRC stress-strain behavior, closely aligning with experimental results. The integration of PP and hybrid fibers not only improved mechanical properties but also extended service life in harsh environments, offering a cost-effective, sustainable concrete solution.

Source: Case Studies in Construction Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e03815