Sustainable Concrete Using Industrial Waste: Mechanical Properties and Durability Assessment

Research Article

Abstract

The construction industry's increasing environmental impact has driven the pursuit of
sustainable alternatives, particularly in concrete production. This article reviews the potential of
industrial waste materials—including fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica
fume, red mud, and recycled concrete aggregates—as partial replacements for conventional
cement and aggregates. It synthesizes recent research on the mechanical properties and durability
performance of sustainable concrete mixtures incorporating these waste materials. Key aspects
discussed include improvements in compressive strength, permeability reduction, and enhanced
resistance to sulfate attack, chloride penetration, carbonation, and freeze-thaw cycles. In addition
to reviewing the literature, this paper presents a case study involving the experimental formulation
and testing of various concrete mixes using industrial waste materials. The case study provides
practical insights into mix proportioning, testing procedures, and performance results under
different curing periods. Furthermore, the study explores environmental benefits, practical
challenges, and the role of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in enhancing lifecycle
performance. The article concludes with recommendations for optimizing sustainable mix designs
and outlines future research directions to support the broader adoption of eco-friendly concrete
at an industrial scale.