Mechanical and abrasion behaviour of cement and alkali-activated material mixes based on oil refinery waste catalyst: investigation and semi-empirical predictive models
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: This study presents an investigation into the mechanical performance of alkali-activated material (AAM) and cement mortars incorporating oil refinery waste catalyst or spent equilibrium catalyst (ECAT), an aluminosilicate-rich by-product of oil refining. Through a combination of laboratory experiments and a design-oriented model with physical significance, the structural behaviour of these composites was assessed under mechanical and abrasive loading conditions. OPC-based composites with 20 wt% ECAT demonstrated enhanced compressive (52 MPa) and flexural strength (8 MPa), along with an 18% improvement in abrasion resistance. AAMs exhibited reduced durability due to incomplete activation of ECAT particles, as confirmed by detailed characterisation. The study introduces modified versions of established semi-empirical models specifically calibrated for ECAT-integrated cement and AAM mixes. The models integrate key material parameters (ECAT dosage, particle size, binder type, curing age) and achieved high accuracy with coefficients of variation below 7%. The valorisation of refinery waste in high-performance composite matrices also supports reductions in construction carbon footprints.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204785394