Performance of Concrete Using Fly Ash and Limestone Powder as Partial Replacement for Portland Cement

Abstract

The construction industry faces significant environmental challenges due to the high carbon footprint of conventional Portland cement, necessitating the search for more sustainable building materials. This study investigates the viability of using fly ash and limestone powder as sustainable alternatives to conventional Portland cement in concrete production. The research primarily evaluates the performance of fly ash and limestone powder as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) on key performance indicators, including workability, compressive strength, and split tensile strength of concrete samples. Various percentages of fly ash and limestone powder were tested as SCMs for Portland cement. The findings indicate that up to 20% of fly ash and limestone powder with compressive strength (fc') of 3,121.78 psi and a tensile strength (fct) of 342.71 psi can be effectively utilized as substitutes for Portland cement without significantly compromising the compressive and split tensile strength of the concrete. This study underscores the potential of these materials to improve both the performance and sustainability of concrete, while also contributing to a reduction in its carbon footprint. Nonetheless, additional research is necessary to identify the optimal proportions of fly ash and limestone powder for specific applications. Furthermore, it is important to explore the influence of other factors, such as water-cement ratio, curing duration, and environmental conditions, on the strength and durability of concrete containing these materials as partial replacements for Portland cement.