Developing high-performance low-carbon concrete using ground coal bottom ash and coconut coir fibre
Muneer Ahmed, Suliman Khan, Naraindas Bheel, Paul O. Awoyera, Olaolu George Fadugba
Abstract
This study addresses the need for eco-friendly concrete by incorporating agro-industrial waste, ground coal bottom ash (GCBA) and coconut coir fibre (CF), as partial replacements for Ordinary Portland Cement. A total of 150 samples were tested using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and mechanical methods. Optimal results were achieved with 4.31% CF, 0.4% superplasticizer, and 33.61% GCBA, improving compressive and tensile strength by 44.54% and 48.12%, respectively, with enhanced flexural performance. The addition of CF reduced cracking and improved durability and GCBA enhanced long-term performance through improved particle packing and pozzolanic reactions. The GCBA-CF mixtures also lowered embodied carbon by 194 kg CO₂/m³ and energy by 970 MJ/m³, achieving higher eco-efficiency than traditional concrete. This research supports the development of sustainable, high-performance concrete aligned with circular economy and sustainability goals.