Sustainable Cement Concrete Using Fly Ash, Nanosilica, and Glass Fibers for Strength and Durability Enhancement

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable construction materials necessitates reducing cement consumption without compromising concrete performance. This study aims to develop an eco-efficient concrete incorporating fly ash, nanosilica (NS), and glass fibers (GF) to enhance strength and durability while partially replacing cement. Furthermore, it explores the synergistic effect of nanosilica and glass fibers in a fly-ash-based cement matrix to strengthen the concreate. Concrete mixes containing 20% fly ash, 1.5 wt% NS, and 0.15 wt% GF were prepared and evaluated for mechanical properties. Results revealed significant improvements compared to the control mix: compressive strength increased by 39%, split tensile strength by 41%, and flexural strength by 37%. The synergistic action of NS and GF refined the microstructure and enhanced load transfer efficiency. The optimized mix demonstrated superior performance due to improved matrix densification and crack-bridging effects. This approach promotes sustainability by reducing cement content and CO₂ emissions.