Investigating the Mechanical Properties, Durability, and Environmental Impact of Partial Cement Substitution with Slag Cement and Rice Husk Ash for Sustainable Concrete Production

The production of cement, a key component of concrete, significantly contributes to carbon emissions and exacerbates environmental degradation. This study explores the feasibility of mitigating this impact by incorporating Slag Cement (SC) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as partial substitutes for conventional cement. As industrial by-products, SC and RHA possess pozzolanic properties that not only enhance concrete performance but also reduce their environmental footprint. This study aimed to assess the influence of varying SC and RHA replacements on the mechanical properties, durability, and overall sustainability of concrete. Experimental investigations encompassed tests on the compressive and flexural strengths, water absorption, and chloride penetration. Sustainability assessments during concrete production quantified environmental benefits through measures such as embodied carbon footprint and life cycle analysis. This study reveals promising avenues for the construction sector to adopt SC and RHA in concrete production with environmental consciousness. The integration of SC and RHA not only diminished the carbon footprint but also enhanced concrete properties. Key findings include a noteworthy 20% increase in compressive strength, improved workability up to a 100 mm slump, and a substantial 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per cubic meter of concrete produced. In summary, the results underscore the positive impact of utilizing SC and RHA as partial cement replacements, demonstrating improvements in both concrete performance and sustainability.