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Recent Trends in Civil Engineering & Technology Review Article

Influence of Agricultural Waste Materials in Concrete: A Sustainable Approach

  1. Yuvraj Singh Gurjar Department of Civil Poornima College of Engineering, Jaipur
  2. Mayank Gupta Department of Civil Engineering Poornima College of Engineering, Jaipur

Abstract

Urbanization and resource depletion have intensified the need for sustainable alternatives to traditional construction materials. The concrete industry, a major contributor to environmental issues due to cement production, is turning to waste materials to mitigate its impact. This review paper focuses on the use of agricultural waste as a partial replacement for cement and aggregates in high-strength concrete (HSC), with an emphasis on its influence on both fresh and hardened properties. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of various agro-wastes such as rice husk ash, coconut shell, oil palm shell, and natural fibers. It examines how these materials affect the fresh properties of concrete, including workability, and their impact on hardened properties like compressive strength, durability, and microstructure. The analysis reveals that agricultural wastes with pozzolanic properties can significantly enhance the mechanical and durability performance of HSC. Specifically, partial replacement of cement (5–10%) can improve strength by promoting the formation of additional calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gels, which lead to a denser microstructure. The fineness of these materials also reduces permeability, increasing resistance to sulfate and chloride attacks. The findings demonstrate that incorporating agricultural waste into high-strength concrete is a viable strategy to improve its performance while simultaneously addressing critical environmental challenges. This approach provides a sustainable solution for waste management, conserves natural resources, and reduces the carbon footprint of the construction industry. This review highlights the potential of agro-waste to contribute to a more circular and environmentally friendly economy in the production of building materials.

Keywords

References (15)

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