Enhancement Of Concrete Strength Through Integration Of Weathered Soil And Industrial Byproducts

Abstract

Rigid pavements are increasingly being adopted across India, including for the development of rural road infrastructure. In this study, an effort has been made to utilize weather soil (laterite waste) and fly ash as alternative materials in rigid pavement construction, specifically as partial replacements for conventional coarse aggregates and cementitious components, respectively. The laterite waste was used as a substitute for coarse aggregate, while fly ash functioned as a supplementary cementitious material [1]. The replacement levels ranged from 0% to 30%, incrementally adjusted to study their effects on the mechanical performance of the concrete.

Comprehensive lab tests were conducted on all mix designs to evaluate their strength properties. The results indicated that up to 20% replacement of natural coarse aggregate with laterite waste, in combination with appropriate proportions of fly ash, did not adversely affect the strength parameters of the concrete. In fact, the mixes maintained satisfactory strength levels in accordance with the requirements for rigid pavement applications. Beyond 20% replacement, a gradual decline in compressive strength was observed, highlighting the optimal limit for sustainable replacement without compromising structural integrity.

These findings suggest that judicious use of laterite waste and fly ash can contribute significantly to sustainable constructions by reducing the use of virgin materials, lowering construction costs, and minimizing environmental impact.