Synergistic Effects of Multiple Industrial By-product Constituents on the Performance of Hybrid Concrete Mixtures

The transition toward eco-efficient construction requires reducing the reliance on ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and natural aggregates. This study evaluates the physical performance of four sustainable hybrid concrete mixtures utilizing multiple industrial by-products and renewable materials under a controlled water-to-binder ratio of 0.35 and superplasticizer dosage of 1.5%. OPC was partially replaced at a constant volume of 60% using varying ternary combinations of Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS), Rice Husk Ash (RHA), and Metakaolin (MK). The RHA was produced at 550°C, while MK was calcined at 700°C, and both materials were subsequently sieved to pass 150 μm. This study investigates the influence of fine aggregate variations, including 1.18 mm and 425 μm quarry dust sand, together with 14 mm gravel, and evaluates the effect of incorporating 1% coconut fiber on strength and water absorption performance at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of curing. The GGBS-RHA hybrid concrete containing 1.18 mm quarry dust sand achieved the highest compressive-strength gains, while the fiber-rich GGBS-RHA mixture containing 425 μm quarry dust sand showed consistent strength development as curing age increased. The incorporation of 1% coconut fiber in the MK-RHA system, including 1.18 mm quarry dust sand, achieved optimum performance relative to the control. The water absorption properties of fiber-rich GGBS-RHA mixtures also showed a lower rate than the control for both quarry dust sand sizes, indicating improved resistance to water ingress. Conversely, MK-RHA mixtures give inconsistent water absorption rates, potentially due to the high fineness and water demand from RHA and MK. Overall, the results demonstrate that highly complex hybrid mixtures can meet structural concrete classifications while promoting the use of by-products and renewable materials.

Hybrid Concrete Mixtures, RHA, GGBS, Metakaolin, Compressive Strength, Water Absorption

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