In the world of construction, the humble grain of sand plays a monumental role. It’s the backbone of concrete, the most widely used material on the planet. But our insatiable appetite for sand is taking a toll on the environment, with unchecked extraction from riverbeds causing significant ecological damage. Enter Sk. Rakibul Islam, a researcher from the Department of Civil Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who is challenging the status quo with a innovative solution.
Islam’s research, recently published in ‘Sustainable Structures’ (Sustainable Structures) explores the use of recycled fine aggregate (RFA) as a replacement for conventional sand in cement composites. The findings are nothing short of compelling. “We found that using RFA not only reduces the environmental impact but also provides a cost-effective solution,” Islam explains. The study revealed that mortar made with 100% RFA showed a compressive strength of 25% lower than that made with coarse sand. However, a mix of 25% RFA and 75% coarse sand produced a cement mortar with a maximum compressive strength of 48.25 MPa, which is a remarkable result. This suggests that RFA can be used as a significant replacement for conventional fine aggregates without compromising the structural integrity of the cement composite.
But the benefits don’t stop at strength and cost. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) showed that incorporating RFA into cement composites exhibited the lowest environmental impact compared to those made with natural sand. This is a game-changer for the construction industry, which is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.
The implications for the energy sector are particularly noteworthy. Construction and demolition waste, which contains fine aggregate, is a significant contributor to landfill waste. By recycling this waste into cement composites, the industry can reduce its reliance on virgin materials, lower disposal costs, and decrease its environmental impact. This is a win-win situation for both the construction industry and the environment.
The research by Sk. Rakibul Islam and his team at BUET opens up exciting possibilities for the future. It challenges the conventional wisdom that sand is the only viable option for cement composites and demonstrates that recycled materials can offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. As the construction industry continues to grow, so too will the demand for sustainable solutions. This research is a significant step in the right direction, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
