Product Overview (Chapter) | COPAL Publishing Group

Dr Manjari Chakraborty | Dr Rizwan Kazmi

ISBN:

978-81-180058-1-0

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67509/ceci5910

17. Mechanical Performance of Concrete with Varying FGD gypsum and GGBFS: Toward Sustainable Binder Systems

Circular Economy in the Construction Industry: Waste Management Practices

Anand Bhatt | Dr. Sanjay Kumar | Dr. Prahlad Prasad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.67509/ceci5926

2026 | 337 pp.

This study investigated the potential of using industrial by-products to reduce Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) usage in concrete without compromising structural performance. These findings support sustainable construction practices and contribute to circular economic goals by valorizing waste materials from the power and steel industries. Each mix was proportioned to maintain consistent workability and binder content, and the cast specimens were subjected to standard curing before testing. Mechanical tests, including compressive strength (IS 516), split tensile strength (IS 5816), and flexural strength, were conducted at 3, 7, 28, and 56 days. Notably, the mix containing 45% OPC, 40% GGBFS, and 15% FGD gypsum (Mix M5) achieved the highest compressive and flexural strengths by 56 days. These improvements are attributed to the synergistic interaction between pozzolanic and sulfate reactions, which enhance long-term strength development and microstructural densification. The objective of this study was to develop a sustainable binder system capable of maintaining mechanical performance while reducing cement consumption and the environmental impact thereof. The results indicate that a judicious combination of GGBFS and FGD gypsum can significantly enhance the long-term strength characteristics of concrete. Among all the compositions, Mix M5 demonstrated the highest strength values at 56 days, outperforming the conventional mix. Overall, this study concludes that the combined use of GGBFS and FGD gypsum provides an eco-efficient and technically feasible alternative to traditional OPC-based concrete, supporting both sustainable waste management and circular economy practices in the construction industry.

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