Performance of Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete with Industry and Agricultural By-Products

Abstract

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) represents a highly workable concrete which distributes itself effortlessly while maintaining uniform distribution so that it achieves complete compaction without using vibration methods. The study investigates sustainable SCC production through experimental methods which incorporate rice husk ash (RHA) and coconut shell aggregate (CSA) and limestone powder (LSP) as cement and natural coarse aggregate (NCA) replacements. The experimental research incorporated 15% limestone powder substitution in all mixes while RHA content varied from 0 to 25% to enhance pozzolanic activity. Furthermore, 20% of NCA was uniformly substituted with CSA to enhance sustainability and produce the light weight SCC. The fresh properties, including flowability, passing ability, and viscosity, were assessed in accordance with EFNARC standards. The research furthermore investigated mechanical parameters like as strength, deformation behaviour, and internal structural integrity throughout various curing periods. The combination of RHA and LSP with CSA produced SCC that exhibited enhanced mechanical properties and micro-filling characteristics and lightweight and environmentally friendly concrete behaviour. The optimum substitute of RHA was determined to be 15%, with the mix ID RHA15 exhibiting superior mechanical properties compared to other SCC and conventional mixes. The research indicates that SCC incorporating RHA, LSP, and CSA exhibits potential as a viable approach for developing sustainable concrete structures with cost-effectiveness.