Evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of sustainable concrete made with partial replacement of cement and aggregates

Abstract

This study aims to partially replace the main components of concrete by wastes of constructions and sugar-ethanol plants. The residues used were ashes, from the sugarcane burn process, and civil construction waste (CCW). It was adopted 5% replacement of cement by fly ash (CBCL), 30% replacement of sand by heavy ash (CBCP) and 30% replacement of gravel by RCC. Eight concrete mixes were considered by changing the percentage of cement, fine and coarse aggregate. Concrete speciments were investigated at hardened state, such as compressive strength, traction by diametral compression and absorption. The results confirm the feasibility of the substitutions. The characteristics of the concrete with residues were similar to those of the conventional concrete, resulting in a highly acceptable concrete being environmentally correct, economically feasible and socially accepted.