Optimizing recycled aggregate concrete performance with chemically and mechanically activated fly ash in combination with coconut fiber

Abstract

As a matter of fact, although RCA is inferior to that of NA (natural aggregate) in terms of performance, RCA is currently being used extensively in concrete production as a sustainable solution due to global increasing construction waste. To overcome these limitations, several mechanisms and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have been investigated in the recent past. This study investigates the combined effect of natural fiber coconut (0%, 0.5%,1%,1.5% and 2%) and activated fly ash (mechanically and chemically) on performance of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Four concrete compositions were studied: a control group with varying RCA percentages and no fly ash, second group with 30% inactive fly ash, third group with 30% mechanically activated fly ash, and a fourth group with 30% chemically activated fly ash. The findings revealed that the addition of 30% chemically activated fly ash with 1.5% CF increased compressive strength by 25%, tensile strength by 17% for 100% RCA mix, While strength losses for the same mix are 7.18% after one month and 22.14% after three months of acid exposure. Scanning electron microscopy further validates the enhanced packing density and effective crack filling in the optimized mixes, highlighting their superior performance. This approach holds significant potential for advancing sustainable development pathways in high-performance structural concrete, particularly in regions prioritizing green building solutions.