Enhancing sustainability in concrete construction: improving thermal resilience and structural strength with ground granulated blast furnace slag and ceramic powder

Abstract

Concrete remains the most widely used construction material globally, but its environmental impact and need for improved performance in extreme conditions pose significant challenges. This study introduces a novel approach to enhancing both the thermal resilience and structural strength of concrete by incorporating ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and ceramic powder (CP) as sustainable, supplementary materials. Unlike previous studies that focus on these materials individually, this research investigates their combined effects, providing new insights into their synergistic interaction. Concrete mixtures with varying proportions of GGBS and CP were evaluated for thermal stability, compressive strength, and microstructural integrity using advanced techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results show that the optimal combination of 20% GGBS and 20% CP significantly improves compressive strength by up to 30% and reduces mass loss at elevated temperatures by 35%, demonstrating enhanced durability and sustainability. The microstructural analysis revealed denser hydration products and refined interfacial transition zones (ITZs), which contribute to improved bond strength and reduced porosity. These findings of the study highlight the potential of GGBS and CP to revolutionize sustainable concrete production, offering a viable solution to both environmental concerns and the performance demands of modern construction.