Flexural tensile strength (fft) and split tensile strength (fspt) of lightweight concrete produced using sintered flyash lightweight coarse aggregate (SFA) differ from those of expanded clay, expanded shale, or cold-bonded lightweight aggregate. The prediction of fft and fspt using the existing codal provisions or literature for general lightweight concrete may not yield reasonable values. The models or equations for predicting flexural properties of normal weight concrete are well researched and documented, but empirical models based on detailed experimental investigations for predicting flexural properties of lightweight concrete with sintered flyash lightweight aggregate (LC-SFA) are scant. The study undertakes the experimental investigation of fft and fspt of LC-SFA using the method given in Indian standard IS: 516 for the compressive strength between 20-55 MPa. Based on the experimental results of a total of 240 specimens for both fft and fspt of LC-SFA and a total of 120 specimens for both fft and fspt of normal weight concrete with granite (NC), an empirical model for predicting fft and fspt of LC-SFA and NC has been developed. The difference between fft and fspt of LC-SFA and NC, based on the proposed equations, is 20 % for M20 grade and 12 % for M55 grade of concrete. The comparison of the proposed model for flexural and split tensile strength has also been done with empirical equations available in codes and literature for LC-SFA and NC. The proposed models reasonably predict flexural tensile strength, split tensile strength, and the relationship between fft and fspt for LC-SFA and NC.
Graphene oxide (GO), a graphene derivative with exceptional properties, has recently received attention for its ability to improve the performance of cementitious materials. This study looks into the effects of incorporating graphene oxide into cement paste, specifically Portland slag cement (PSC), and assesses its performance in harsh environments like acid, sulphate, and chloride attacks. The study also evaluates the effect of GO on water absorption and sorptivity of cement paste. Cement pastes were made with varying concentrations of graphene oxide and tested in various environmental conditions. The study uses a comprehensive set of tests to determine the durability of the modified cement paste, including exposure to acidic, sulphate, and chloride solutions. Key performance indicators such as water absorption, sorptivity, and compressive strength integrity were evaluated. The findings show that graphene oxide significantly increases the resistance of PSCbased cement paste to harsh environmental conditions. Specifically, GO-modified pastes exhibit reduced water absorption and sorptivity, resulting in increased durability and reduced susceptibility to deterioration in harsh environments. Incorporating graphene oxide into PSC paste represents a promising approach to increasing the longevity and resilience of cementitious materials. The findings suggest that GO can play an important role in improving the performance of cementbased materials in harsh environments, making it a valuable addition to the construction industry’s longing for increased durability and sustainability
In the present paper, research has been done to understand concrete strength behavior under various high temperature conditions. Numerous factors, including heating temperatures, heating durations, and cooling methods, have a significant impact on the features of concrete. After being exposed to high temperatures, the concrete’s residual compressive strength is considered to be the most significant characteristic. Present study deals with the experimental analysis and non-linear finite element (FEM) analysis to analyse the compressive strength of different grades of concrete specimens after subjected to the different elevated temperatures. About 90 cubic specimens of (150 × 150) mm and 90 cylindrical specimens of (100 ϕ and 200 h) mm of M50 strength were cast in laboratory and tested. And some experimental data has been taken from other researchers for FEM analysis. First, the compressive strength of concrete specimens were calculated at ambient temperature and then these specimens were subjected to different temperatures i.e. (200, 350, 400, 500, 600, 800, etc.) °C. After finite element analysis by using ANSYS 2022, results were compared with the experimental results. It is found that compressive strength of cubic specimens decrease greatly after 400 °C and for cylindrical specimens, it decreases with the increment of the temperature.
About 5 % of the total anthropogenic CO2 emissions are because of production of cement. It also accounts for the utilisation of about 15 % of the global energy from the industrial sector. The key concerns are the depletion of natural resources and impact on climate change. The demand for cement is increasing in developing countries owing to the rapid increase in the construction sector in order to meet the requirements of the growing population. The present study aims to evaluate the environmental performance of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production in India using life cycle assessment (LCA). The methodology involved is explained in detail by conducting LCA for cement production. The whole of the process is divided into four sub process such as the extraction of raw materials, preparation of the recipe, calcination, and cement production. LCA was carried out by CML-IA baseline method. Upon interpretation of the results obtained from the LCA, it was noted that the calcination stage of the cement production process is responsible for most impacts. Calcination contributed towards the larger impact accounting to about 90 % effect on climate change, 93 % for acidification and 96 % towards eutrophication.
November 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 11
October 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 10
September 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 09
August 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 08
July 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 07
June 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 06
May 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 05
April 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 04
March 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 03
February 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 02
January 2025
Volume - 99
Number : 01
