What is it about?
This study examined the potential of fly ash from coal plants and dried wastewater sludge to partially replace cement and sand in concrete and mortar. The aim was to assess the behavior of these waste materials in fresh and hardened concrete, while also reducing waste and creating sustainable building materials.
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Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The use of cement and sand is costly and unsustainable. The study finds that fly ash improves later-age strength and workability, while sludge reduces reliance on natural sand but decreases overall strength. When used together, they offer new options for sustainable materials; however, this comes at the expense of reduced strength development.
Perspectives
This publication marks a significant milestone in my career as a civil engineering researcher. It reflects my interest in using industrial by-products to create greener construction materials. This work also fuels my passion for inspiring young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Ms Zanele Veronica Mnisi
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The effect of fly ash as cement replacement and dry wastewater sludge as sand replacement on the mechanical properties of concrete and mortar, January 2025, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0261325.
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