Evaluating the Influence of Shale Extracted from the Settat Khouribga Region on the Characteristics of Concrete

Abstract. The incorporation of indigenous materials in the production of reinforced concrete offers a twofold prospect: the potential reduction of construction costs and environmental impact, along with the stimulation of economic growth in the source regions. To maximize the utility of shale derived from the Settat-Khouribga area and assess its influence on concrete properties, a series of tests were conducted on the material. Samples underwent meticulous characterization, encompassing mineralogical composition, particle size distribution, and mechanical properties. A comprehensive set of assessments was applied to the concrete samples, including tests for compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, porosity, and resistance to reinforcement corrosion over an extended timeframe. Concrete samples containing clay shale demonstrated compressive and flexural strength comparable to or even surpassing that of conventional concrete samples. Additionally, the incorporation of clay shale led to a reduction in porosity and water absorption in concrete, indicating an enhancement in durability.