Enhancing Properties of Sustainable Concrete Using Wet Paper Pulp, Steel Slag, and Glass Fiber

Abstract

The global environmental impact of the building sector is noteworthy, especially when considering resource use and carbon emissions. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for environmentally friendly building materials that might lessen the industry's environmental impact. This study investigates novel ways to enhance concrete's structural integrity and sustainability by adding glass fibre, steel slag, and wet paper pulp. Concrete is one of the most widely utilized building materials in the world. But producing it However, it takes a lot of energy to produce and emits a lot of carbon dioxide. Our research aims to partially replace conventional aggregates in concrete by using wet paper pulp, a plentiful waste resource from the paper industry. By doing this, paper waste is kept out of landfills, and the need for natural aggregates—which are frequently mined from environmentally delicate areas—is decreased. In addition to wet paper pulp, we investigated the use of steel slag, a byproduct of the steelmaking process, as an additional cementitious ingredient. Because of its pozzolanic qualities, steel slag can help lower carbon emissions in the concrete sector. We also examined how strengthening the concrete with glass fibres can enhance its mechanical properties, such as its tensile and flexural strength. Through a series of comprehensive laboratory experiments and analyses, we evaluated the fresh and hardened properties of concrete mixes including varying proportions of wet paper pulp, steel slag, and glass fiber. Workability, compressive strength, durability, and shrinkage characteristics are some of these attributes. We also perform a life cycle study to evaluate these sustainable additives' effects on the environment. Our research's findings show that adding glass fibre, steel slag, and wet paper pulp to concrete not only increases its mechanical performance but also makes it more sustainable. By encouraging the effective use of waste materials and lowering the construction industry's carbon footprint, this research presents a possible path for the development of greener building materials. This research adds to the ongoing attempts to develop more ecologically responsible construction practices while preserving structural integrity as the globe looks for sustainable solutions to solve environmental concerns.