Utilizing fly ash from municipal solid waste and polypropylene fiber to improve the flexural properties of compacted cement sand
Abstract The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials and the environmental burden associated with cement production highlight the need for eco-friendly alternatives in civil infrastructure. This study aims to develop a sustainable and mechanically enhanced cement-compacted sand (CCF...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Sustainability |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01626-7 |
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| Summary: | Abstract The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials and the environmental burden associated with cement production highlight the need for eco-friendly alternatives in civil infrastructure. This study aims to develop a sustainable and mechanically enhanced cement-compacted sand (CCFFS) composite by partially replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) and reinforcing the matrix with polypropylene fiber. A series of experiments were conducted using a fixed cement content of 5% by weight, with MSWIFA replacing OPC at ratios of 0–100%, and polypropylene fiber added in varying contents from 0 to 2.0% by volume. The flexural performance was evaluated based on ASTM C1018 and ASTM C-09 standards, and microstructural characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the optimal mixture containing 25% MSWIFA and 1.5% polypropylene fiber achieved significant improvements over the control mix, including a 38% increase in peak flexural strength (0.59 MPa), a 170% increase in ductility index (24.17) and a 63% increase in toughness (1.25 N·m at L/150 deflection). SEM analysis revealed partial bonding at the fiber–matrix interface, with mechanical interlocking compensating for the hydrophobic nature of polypropylene fibers. These findings suggest that integrating MSWIFA and polypropylene fiber into CCFFS not only enhances mechanical performance but also reduces cement consumption and promotes circular waste utilization. The developed material offers a viable solution for sustainable construction, particularly in applications requiring improved flexural behavior and environmental responsibility. |
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| ISSN: | 2662-9984 |