In the heart of India, a groundbreaking study is reshaping the way we think about sustainable construction and waste management. Hrushikesh N. Kedar, a researcher from the Department of Structural Engineering at Sanjivani College of Engineering, has pioneered a method to transform industrial waste into a valuable resource for city infrastructure. His work, published in the journal ‘Next Sustainability’ (which translates to ‘The Next Green’), offers a promising solution to the mounting challenge of fly ash disposal while enhancing the durability of road pavements.
Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, has long been a thorn in the side of environmentalists and industrialists alike. With its increasing volume posing significant environmental challenges, Kedar saw an opportunity to turn this liability into an asset. His innovative approach involves incorporating stabilized pond ash into layers of Dry Lean Concrete (DLC) for robust pavements. “We’re not just finding a way to dispose of fly ash; we’re creating a high-performance material that can withstand the test of time and the elements,” Kedar explains.
The research involved a series of laboratory experiments on 27 different mixtures, assessing compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and durability. The optimal binder mixture was determined using advanced statistical methods, including Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The winning combination? A blend of 77% fly ash, 5% gypsum, and 18% Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS).
The results speak for themselves. The best mix achieved a 7-day UCS of 2.1 MPa and a resilient modulus of 1100 MPa, meeting the stringent requirements of IRC:SP-49 for rigid pavement construction. Moreover, the material demonstrated impressive durability, with a low cumulative mass loss of just 4.8% over 12 wetting-drying cycles.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector and construction industry? For one, it offers a commercially viable solution for fly ash disposal, a problem that has plagued power plants and industrial facilities for decades. By incorporating fly ash into DLC, these industries can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while creating a high-value product.
But the implications don’t stop there. This research could pave the way for a circular economy, where industrial waste is not seen as a burden but as a resource. “We’re moving towards a future where waste is minimized, and resources are fully utilized,” Kedar says. “This is not just about solving a problem; it’s about redefining our approach to construction and sustainability.”
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urbanization and sustainability, Kedar’s research offers a beacon of hope. It’s a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of industrial waste to shape the cities of tomorrow. And with his findings published in ‘Next Sustainability’, the stage is set for this transformative approach to gain traction and inspire further developments in the field.
In the words of Kedar, “We’re not just building roads; we’re building a sustainable future.” And with this groundbreaking research, that future is looking brighter than ever.